It's Arranged (18+) ✔

FIVE

The Kids ^^

***

As I step into the dining room looking for materials for the simple picnic I have planned Henry rushes in.

"Cara. There's been an emergency I have to go. Do you mind watching the kids?"

"What kids?"

"The Duke brought his kids with him. There's only three and they're very well behaved." He says quickly.

"Um, OK."

He gives me a grateful smile before leaving me.

A few moments later three kids walked in. The two taller ones look to be sound ten years old and they seem to be fraternal twins. They both had blond hair, the girls falling right past her shoulders, and piercing blue eyes that have specks of gold in them. The smaller one stood by the boy, holding his hand. Her hair was lighter than the other two but she has the same eyes. They are all wearing a button up shirt and checkered pants, the girls opting for skirts.

"Hey." I say nervously.

"Hello." They all speak together.

"Um, I'm Cara. What are your names?"

"I'm Jessica. This is my twin brother James and my little sister Samantha." The taller girl spoke.

"Nice to meet you all. I'm supposed to be watching you all so tell me, what do you like to do for fun?"

"Usually around this time is my fencing lesson." James says.

"I have piano lessons."

"And I am usually with my tutor." Samantha finishes.

"And you find that fun?" I ask.

"Well, it's what our father asks of us so it gets done."

I stare at them in disbelief.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"It's just, when I was your age I was playing video games, having eating competitions with my friends and then we got in trouble for wasting food. We would go out to the lake behind our houses and we'd have the best water fights. Don't you guys have something like that you'd like to do?" I ask, finishing my dramatic recollection.

"Well, we do have swimming lessons next week." Jessica pipes up.

Sighing in defeat, I call over Darren.

"Can you have the driver pull a car around please?"

He nods and heads towards the garage.

"Alright kiddies gather your things." I say grabbing my wallet.

"Where are we going?"

"We, are going to have some fun?"

***

I look down at the list I have prepared and mentally recheck to make sure i'm not missing anything.

Non-toxic paint

Water guns

Water balloons

Tarp

Plastic crowns

Flags

New clothes

Great.

Looking up at the kids I sense their uncomfortability.

"What's wrong?"