Teen Trials

Traveling Teens

"Hey kid, we are going to need to plan your summer break out soon. What were you thinking?" Amy looked up from the calendar in front of her.

Emma walked into the kitchen from the living room. Honor and Paige had spent the last 3 nights at their house and Cassie had also been over every day of spring break. The other 3 girls strolled in lazily behind her. The girls started raiding the pantry and fridge for snacks while Emma stood behind Amy to look over her shoulder. "Can I go to the ranch for a week?"

"You can, but Hunter and I won't be able to make it. We were going to do a family trip the week before school started that he is taking off for."

"Where are we going?" Emma leaned into her.

Amy smiled at the younger girl, "it's a surprise."

Emma flipped the calendar to August. "So this week?"

"Yes." Amy confirmed.

Emma pointed to the week before it, "There is a soccer intensive this week in Spain I would like to go to."

"Spain?" Hunter asked, coming through the door from work, carrying Niko.

"My parents will pay."

"I was more worried about turning you over to the international world on your own."

"Dad and I will talk about that one."

"Yes ma'am."

Amy flipped the calendar to May. "We could do your birthday weekend at the ranch, then we would head home and one of us could come get you the next weekend."

Honor nudged Emma. Emma turned to glare at the other girl. Hunter and Amy exchanged looks over the kids' heads. He raised his eyebrows in amusement, "That week not work for you kid?" Hunter teased.

"Uh...well you know I will be sixteen this year."

Amy wrapped her arm around Emma's waist, "No way. I thought it was fourteen."

"Well that should come with more freedom..."

"Emma, if you want something, just ask. I don't like all the beating around the bush, it's manipulative." Hunter scolded as he bounced Niko in his arms.

"Well, do you agree?" Attitude slipped into the teens voice.

Hunter looked at the other 3 girls before his eyes settled back on his own. "I don't think extra privilege comes with age. It comes with strong character and more responsibility."

"I have straight A's, I'm doing well in softball and dance. I'm volunteering at the hospital and at church, and my teachers have given me glowing reports on my behavior. Right Momma?"

"Right, and you've kept your room clean and done your homework and chores without fighting me most days." Amy added without looking up at her husband.

"You have less than 3 seconds to tell me what you want or it's immediately a no." Hunter told her firmly.

"We were wanting to take a road trip." Emma spit out.

"Just the four of you?"

"Yes sir."

"No," Hunter set Niko down and turned to see if he could find any snacks left after the teenage girls rolled through.

"Momma!" Emma whined, stomping her foot.

"Emma, do we have to have Cassie and Honor go home?" Hunter didn't ever turn around to look at her. He knew she would straighten up.