Twin Powers: Raising RuZo

Chapter 1

It was a cool, autumnal day, and the sky was grey and grumpy. Ruby sat looking out of the window with her forehead resting against the glass, and rain began to pelt the ground outside. Puddles formed quickly, and she watched as ripples spread across them. A flash of lightning filled the room and made her jump backwards, and a low rumble of thunder sent shivers running down her spine. The window rattled, and she composed herself, squaring her shoulders and puffing out her chest.

Without warning, the front door at the opposite end of the house flew open, and her younger brothers barrelled, squabbling and squealing, into the hallway. Ruby was startled for a second time and bouncing to her feet she spun around and marched towards them scowling. They hadn't seen her coming. She kicked the front door closed behind them, and as it slammed shut, the loud bang echoed through the house punctuated by the stomping of her feet. She continued her march up the stairs, and when she reached a small landing near the top, she turned to address them. They stood in silence staring up at her as she inhaled deeply through her nose and placed her hands on her hips. Just as she was about to speak, a gentle tapping began to resonate from the door.

"Josh, Toby, open the door," a calm voice called softly.

Josh and Toby hesitated. Their eyes were fixed on Ruby when the voice called again, louder this time.

"Josh, Toby, open the door!"

From her vantage point, Ruby assessed the situation before deciding to retreat to the sanctuary of her bedroom. Leaving her brothers to resolve the situation, she glided into her room without making a sound and was out of sight when the door opened downstairs.

Granny Vee stepped into the hall shaking her head from side to side and sighed loudly.

Josh's mouth opened and closed as he searched for the words he needed, but the only noises he made were small whimpers which gradually got higher and higher in pitch. Vee's normally bouncy, curly hair was plastered firmly to her head, and a large droplet of water ran down her nose. Toby stood next to Josh mesmerized by the droplet and smiled adoringly at Vee. Turning towards him, Vee caught a glimpse of her sodden self in the hall mirror and laughed out loud.

"Who'd like a hot chocolate?" She asked, as she took off her coat and hung it on the rack to dry.

In her bedroom, Ruby heard the invitation.

"Can we have marshmallows on top?" She asked as she rushed down the stairs and charged across the back room.

Josh and Toby fell into line behind her and followed her to the couch. As her bottom hit the cushion, she shot her leg out playfully in their direction and shunted them both into the far corner. Their bodies slammed into each other, and Ruby howled with laughter.

Lashing out at each other, Josh and Toby resumed their earlier ruckus. Josh punched Toby firmly in the stomach.

"Belly!" he yelled.

Springing to their feet, Josh and Toby stood face to face and sticking out their tiny tummies they patted them. In retaliation for the earlier blow, Toby threw out his arm.

"Ha!" he yelled, as they squared off in the middle of the room.

They stood with Ninja stances, eyes locked, bellies out, arms above their heads, laughing images of each other. Ruby giggled. Having twin brothers was fun as long as she was in control.

Vee put the kettle on and took cups from the cupboard. As she arranged them carefully on a tray, Ruby appeared at the counter.

"I'll help," she said, reaching for the multi-coloured marshmallows.