Undercover

Chapter 10

All I could do is watch him head home. When he's too far for me to see him, I shut the door.

That boy is really going to be my undoing.

Now, to clean up the bubble mess.

I nearly jump out of my skin seeing Uncle Clint and Aunt Brenda standing behind me with their arms folded.

"Um...am I in trouble?"

"No, but I do think we have to go over some rules and procedures." Aunt Brenda answers me.

My stomach growls in protest.

Aunt Brenda rolls her eyes. "I guess we could feed you as we go over it."

They me into the kitchen. I sit and wait at the kitchen table.

"First thing is, no boys are allowed over when no one isn't home," Aunt Brendan says, looking in different cabinets for supplies for a quick dinner.

"How about never." Uncle Clint grumbles.

Aunt Brenda narrows her eyes at her husband. "And no boy is allowed up in your room with the door closed. I would say not at all, but circumstances can make that rule bend and once you bend a rule--"

"You end up breaking it, so I say to keep from breaking rules, don't bring boys over!" Uncle Clint snaps.

I swallow down a laugh.

"Anyways, you have Saturdays off correct?" Aunt Brenda asks.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Well, you'll be responsible for a few chores then. I don't want you to worry about it during the week because you have more than enough responsibilities during the week."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome." She smiles back at me.

"What are you making?" I ask.

"Well, it's too late to make anything big. I figured having a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches would suffice."

"You want my opinion on boys?" Uncle Clint whispers to me.

"No!" Aunt Brenda and I cry in unison.

"I'm just saying. I was a boy once." He folds his arms and pouts.

"When was that? During the dinosaur times?" Aunt Brenda teases.

"Watch it. You're older than me. Tell me, was Jesus good looking?"

I burst out laughing. They're quite entertaining. We all eat our sandwiches in peace without making any more jabs at each other. If this is what family is like, I can actually admit I missed out growing up.

To have such an environment has to be healthy. I'm not saying mine wasn't. It's just it would be nice to have a hug from someone or have someone who cares. I set my plate in the sink.

"How are we going to clean up the mess?" I ask.

Aunt Brenda gets up from the table. "Don't worry about it. You have school in the morning. We'll take care of it."

"I feel bad if I left my mess for you guys to clean."

"It's fine. Next time." Uncle Clint winks.

"There better not be a next time." Aunt Brenda puts her hands on her hips.

I laugh. "Good night, guys."

"Good night, Olivia."

"Good night, Kiddo."

I go up to my room with Champ on my heels and get ready for bed. My warm sheets comfort me. Champ hops up onto the bed and lays on my legs as he settles in for a good night's sleep.