The Trap

Chapter 16

During the next weekend they spent time together like a family. They went to Holly and Lily's gymnastics competition. The girls' team as a whole did extremely well, so much so that they placed first. And as a prize for winning, their team had received a place in regionals that were to take place within a few months. The girls were excited because they hadn't been there before and had always dreamed of doing so. Simon and Paula had gotten closer because their distraction was finally out of the way thanks to their children. They had began to act like a married couple and acted more like parents to the kids than they had done in the past.

The next Tuesday, during Idol, the kids decided to change their plan up a bit. They would normally sit in a circle and discuss the plans. But since they live under one roof now, they could talk anywhere, anytime, and anyplace that they desired to. So they decided to watch the show on the television in the dressing room. During the show they would take both mental and actual notes to discuss later on that night. When Simon and Paula came back to check on them, they acted as if everything was fine. But in reality they all still struggled on how they were going to make their dream of having one family. They knew that they will have help along the way but wondered how long that would take even with help. After the show was over they went straight home.

"Okay what's going on?" Lily asked with her arms folded.

"What do you mean, honey?" Paula asked wondering.

"Well normally on Tuesdays we can't get you two out of the studio and today you couldn't get out fast enough. So what gives?" Lily explained.

"Okay fine you caught us. We need some time alone, just the two of us," Simon said.

"So you're going on a date?" Holly asked knowing that's what they meant.

"No honey it's not a date," Paula said.

"Then what is it?" Holly asked crossing her arms.

"It's a time for Dad and I to be alone without any kids," Paula said explaining what they were actually doing.

"Yeah okay sure," Dylan replied not buying it at all.

Just then the door bell blasted through the house. The kids rolled their eyes as they left the family room to answer the door.

"Hey what are you doing here?" Holly asked wondering.

"I'm watching you guys while your parents are out," Randy said.

"Okay come on in," Holly said moving from the door frame.

"Hey thanks for watching them, we really appreciate it," Paula said grinning from ear to ear.

"You're welcome," Randy said as she embraced him.

"Okay so the list of numbers is on the left side of the refridgator. There are leftovers in the kitchen if they get hungry. We really don't know when we will be back. And kids please are good. Am I forgetting anything?" Paula asked very shaky.

"No but take a deep breath and relax, I know what I'm doing. I've watched them before," Randy replied.

"Okay, thanks. Bye," Paula replied and looking at the kids one last time before she stepped out of the house.

"Children behave yourselves, love you," Simon said in a fatherly tone.

"We love you too," Dylan said.

As soon as they heard the car drive off into the distance, they walked back into the family room. They all took a seat on the floor because for some reason they preferred that over the couch right behind them.