Notice

Chapter 13

It feels like I haven't been at the Munroe household in months... when in reality it's only been a few weeks.

The front door swings open to see the staircase on the right and the hall that leads to the dining room and kitchen on the left. There's a coat closet on the left and a small hallway that leads opposite the big hallway and goes to a small bathroom and a laundry room that takes us out to the garage.

I slip my boots off and walk over to the kitchen. I deposit my backpack and coat on the chair that sits tucked in at the 6 person long table at the one end of the kitchen. To my left is an island, and the counters that cover the perimeter with the fridge at the one end, near an archway that leads to the formal dining room. The stove is under a window and the microwave right next to it.

I turn on the lights and then I step through the large archway after the table, that leads to the living room and the home office.

The living room is a grand room with multiple couches, and gigantic fireplace and a huge flat screen TV.

I smile to myself glad to be back at my second home and I sigh.

I do my usual routine; I check for laundry and if there's laundry in the dryer, I fold the clothes and put them away in the respective drawers upstairs. Then I go on to finish the dishes from breakfast and put away the clean dishes.

Usually I have about 20 minutes left to relax before having to head out to pick up the kids, but not today.

I'm putting away the last pot when I realise the bus will be there in a matter of minutes.

I zip up my coat and slip on my boots, grab my keys and run out the door.

I cross the street and I stand with the other mothers who are waiting for their daughters.

Me, the only non mother here, is waiting for three kids not just one.

Shortly after arriving, the bus pulls up and a smile grows on my face as I realize that I'm about to see Liz, Jude and Liam.

The doors swing open and out comes Jude, the middle child. He spots me and runs towards me, his arms spread out why.

"Elina!" He yells. His face lands in my stomach smushed against my zipper.

"Hey buddy." I stroke his hat and smile, and then Liam comes bursting out.

"Move it Jude!" Jude steps back and Liam jumps in my arms. I rest him on my hip.

"Hey Liam!" He kisses me on the cheek and I smile.

Last but not least, Liz comes walking down the steps looking as gracious as always. She has a sort of sad look on her face.

"Turn that frown upside down please." She looks up and notices me and as instructed her lips turn upwards and she smiles.

"Lina!" She rushes towards me and hugs me tightly.

"Liz! You've grown!"  She backs away and looks at me in the eyes. She smiles slightly and then we start walking back home, Liam resting on my hip, Jude holding my hand and Liz telling me everything about the last two weeks.

When we step inside of the house the kids follow the usual routine that I installed.

Hang the coats on the hangers, bring  their backpacks in the kitchen and set their homework on the table.

After about 15 minutes of getting settled, pulling out the lunchboxes and instructing the kids to finish what they didn't eat during lunch time, I find myself sitting between Liz and Jude who both have pens in their hands and their homework books clutched close to their bodies.