your hands are tough (but they are where mine belong) | JENLISA

Chapter 6

Lisa goes into Asher’s room to wake him up for their usual morning routine. Well, not so usual anymore ever since the Kims came into their lives. Now, they have their new morning routine that they’re getting used to with the Kims, ever since Lisa agreed to be their nanny. Of course, Asher was already awake. She doesn’t know where he gets his morning preppiness from because it’s definitely not from her.

“Ready to head over?” Lisa asks as she puts her shoes on.

“Yep!” Asher nods, fixing the straps of his backpack to make sure it’s even. “Jennie said she’s making spinach omelets today!”
 
“Ooh that does sound good,” Lisa says as she locks the door. She can already feel her mouth water and stomach growl at the mention of Jennie’s cooking. She holds out her hand for Asher.

Asher gives his mother a weird look. “Mama, I’m a big boy now remember? I know how to cross the street now,” he says patiently.

“But I’m your mama,” Lisa says, confused. She can’t believe she’s getting the talk from her son of all people.

Asher reaches over and pats his mother on the hand. “It’s okay, Ma. You have Ellie to baby now.”

“Whaaat?” Lisa watches as he crosses the street and enters Jennie’s house, still confused. When did my baby become such a grown up? She walks in a daze into Jennie’s house and wasn’t snapped out of it until Jennie drops a coffee mug in her hand.

“Lis, you okay?” Jennie asks. “You look...like a high dog.”

“Asher just gave me the talk ,” Lisa replies, looking at Jennie with wide, confused eyes.

Jennie's eyes widen. “Your 7-year-old son gave you the sex talk?”

“Ew no!” Lisa says. “He gave me the I’ll always be your baby boy talk.” She looks up at Jennie with sad eyes, reminding Jennie of a sad puppy. “When did our kids become sentient beings?” Lisa asks Jennie.

“Pretty sure when they realized we were their mothers,” Jennie says. “C’mon eat some spinach omelet to help your feelings.” She tugs on Lisa’s elbow and pushes her down in the chair in front of her omelet.

“Mowning, Weesa,” Ellie greets from her booster chair, munching on her omelet with chubby grubby hands.

“Morning Elle,” Lisa replies as she drinks her coffee. “Where're the other kiddos?”

“I think Asher said he was going to say hi to the dogs,” Jennie answers sitting on Ellie’s other side. “Riley is still getting ready. I think she slept late. It took her awhile to wake up.

“Mrs. Jeon mentioned she’s been napping a lot in class,” Lisa remembers. “Maybe, I shouldn’t let her nap after school.”

Jennie hums and nods. “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.” She glances at the clock. “We have to leave in 15 minutes!” She goes to the door that leads to the backyard and sticks her head out. “Asher! Come eat your omelet!” After calling Asher, Jennie runs upstairs to grab Riley.

________

After they finished eating, Ellie and Lisa stands at the end of Lisa’s driveway waving goodbye to Jennie and the two older kids.

“So what shall we do today, bug?” Lisa asks Ellie as they walk back inside.

“Hawwy!” Ellie demands. “Wanna wead Hawwy!”

“Harry Potter it is,” Lisa says as she grabs the illustrated edition from the shelf. “Where were we?”

“Hawwy in scoo!” Ellie replies.