3 T's

3

The table was set and overflowing with vibrant colors of orange, green and so much more. They took seats around the table giving each other more than enough hand and plate space for their food.
"Do you say grace?" asked AJ.
"No," and, "Sometimes,you do it," answered Reese and Moani respectively.
"Ok. Father thank you for this food. Bless the person who made it and the people about to eat it. Let it be medicine to our bodies and souls. If there is anything bad inside change it to good. Never let us go hungry and those who are, please give them food. You are invited in Jesus' name I pray with thanksgiving, amen."
"Finally," Reese shoveled food into his mouth.
"Anything bad?" questioned Moani.
"I always say that," AJ replied sheepishly. "No offense."
They ate in amiable silence. When they were done, Reese had to leave because it was getting late. The girls cleared the mess and took showers.
"Come to my room AJ, I didn't really clean up the guest room," Moani suggested.
"Sure Ani," she replied.
"Yes and she's back!" Moani exclaimed doing her happy dance. AJ raised an eyebrow in her direction. "You said Ani instead of Mo. Ani I can tolerate but Mo," she shuddered.
AJ laughed and off they went to bed. Both exhausted they were off to dreamland as soon as their heads hit the pillows.

***

It was Friday, December 21st and the girls were already up and about in the kitchen whipping up goodies for  the birthday boy when the said person rang the bell.
"Can you get it!" Yelled Moani.
AJ dashed to the front door and opened it to a seemingly well-dressed Reese.
"Happy Birthday!" She yelled in his face.
Reese took in the disheveled looking girl in front of him. She was covered in flour and the apron around her had done nothing to protect her. He burst out in laughter.
"What ever happened to you?" He asked.
Grimly she stated,"Baking wars."
Reese burst into more laughter and AJ waited for him dutifully with a slight smile graced upon her features.
"Come on," she dragged him inside and quickly let go.
Reese relented to being dragged. He was quite enjoying himself.
"Happy birthday! Don't come into the kitchen or else." Moani yelled.
AJ darted into the kitchen army style, rolling through the entry. War cries followed then  suddenly everything went deathly quite.
"Guys?" Reese slowly walked into the kitchen and was hit with flour.
The predicament was backed with laughter as the back door slammed shut. Reese was so shocked he hardly had time to react. He wiped his palms over his eyes in a desperate attempt to clear his eyes.
He stealthily went to the back door and looked through the netting into the backyard.
'Hmmm, that's strange. No girls,' he thought. He drew himself to his full height and walked into the backyard. 'I wonder where those girls... .'
A jet spray of cold water cut him off from finishing his thought.The girls burst out into more laughter at the sight of poor Reese and then high-fived.
"That was too easy," wheezed Moani.
"I know, totally fun too. " replied AJ.
"I'm surprised you were having second thoughts at all."
"You should've had second thoughts cause now you're both gonna get hugs!" Reese moved towards the girls.
"No!" shrieked AJ. She leaped over a fallen table and headed back inside the house. Moani waited patiently for Reese to get to her before tripping him. He took her down with him. Laughing he engulfed her in a huge hug.
"Now I'm wet!" She said pushing him of her. She helped him up.
"What's up with AJ?" He asked.
"You're wet, cold and she sure don't like the cold."
They laughed and went into the house.

**

"Thanks for the cookies you guys and AJ the cake was simply amazing," stated a dry Reese. He had left a change of clothes over in case of emergencies.
"Why thank you noble gentleman," replied AJ. She got up and bobbed in mock curtesy.
They all burst out in laughter.
"I didn't know a couple of girls could be so fun to hung out with."
"Hey!" Moani exclaimed.
Laughter,again. They cleared the mini party area and then settled down in the living room to talk.
"AJ have you seen the campus yet?" asked Reese.
"Not physically. Why?"
"I was wondering maybe I could show you around perhaps tomorrow?"
AJ glanced at Moani. "I'm going church hunting tomorrow and Ani here won't take me. How bout you take me then I'll succumb to a tour. Deal?"
"Fair enough."
Moani looked over to AJ and whispered, "You're up for torture."
"Hey!" Reese shouted in response.

********

Well. How was it? I apologize for not updating sooner. Feel free to vote, comment, share or not. Constructive criticism and feedback will be much appreciated. Thanks and God bless you.
~ A.H 😊