Gotta Let Go

Sneaking Out

Warning: Contains adult language and sexual content!

-George-

*3 weeks later*

"Come on guys! I want to hear feet on the floor, it's time to get up for school!"

I stand on the bottom of the stairwell, listening as I hear four doors open and the sound of three out of the five kids fatigue filled groans. 

When I first entered adulthood, I realized that I didn't know how much I had it made back then. So far two of my kids are rapidly approaching that wonderful moment of their lives in the matter of a few short years. Hell, I'd give anything to be a their age again, where the only real responsibility I had was to solve for X and read a chapter of a John Steinbeck book.

Jordie is sitting at the kitchen table watching Rainey crumble her bacon strips and eggs with her hands as she squeals happily. Logan sits beside him eating cereal as he watches a Paw Patrol episode on his iPad. 

After a solid two minute period of silence, I hit the banister with my hand.

"Come on! Up, up, up! Get up right now or I will cook and make you all eat liver and onions for supper!"

Just like that, I hear the sound of doors squeaking open and three pairs of feet thumping. 

The first to descend down the stairs is Ava. She's drowsy but ready to go as she sits beside her sister, giving her an unamused eye roll. She's in her cheerleading uniform to prepare for her practice during her study hall period. She looks so adorable with her hair tied back in a french braid. Jordon gives her a bowl of strawberry oatmeal. 

"Good morning, Ava." Jordon signs, happily greeting her.

"Mornin'." She mumbles as she glumly stirs her oatmeal with her spoon.

Zack is the next to come downstairs, he's sporting his football jersey, and he seems pretty hyped giving it's a Monday morning. He comes barreling through the kitchen and swipes Rainey from her highchair. He gives her playful tickles making her giggle. He laughs with her as he sets her back down.

He playfully tugs Ava's braid and pushes her bowl away from her.

"What's up, Quaker Oats?"

He earns an irritated growl from his sister as she pushes her bowl back towards herself. 

"You're in a good mood today, Zack." I say to him.

He nods happily as he pours a can of Monster into his water bottle.

"Hell yeah. I got me a date with a good looking one named Lily at the mall's food court after school then she, Zeke and I are going to the basketball game."

He sits down next to his sister and nudges her arm with his elbow. She pops her head up, giving her brother an icy mean stare.

"Maybe you and the Ty guy can join us. He can take you to go for some corn dogs, if you know what I mean." He taunts.

"Zack! Shut up!" Ava screeches.

"Shut up Zack!" Rainey randomly echoes, making Jordie and I laugh.

Ava groans and angrily shoves her dish away and drapes her bag over her shoulder. 

"Ugh, I lost my appetite. It reeks of obnoxious brothers in here. I'll wait in the car."

She storms out of the room and slams the front door as she leaves. Zack sniffs Logan's hair and winces.

"Yeah Logan, she's right, you do reek, man."

I shake my head.

"Have kids, they said. It'll be fun, they said... Zackary, buddy, we just talked about this. What did I say about that? You know she is not in the mood for your shenanigans."