May We All

Back at the Thompson's

"So how's work? Both of you." Mrs. Thompson asked as Kayla and Jed sat down at the counter of the Thompson's house. 

"Great," Jed answered while grabbing his tea. "Tim has had more work for me lately, which is great for me." 

"Oh good. That job seemed to work out nicely ever since we moved." Mrs. Thompson smiled. Then she turned to Kayla. "And how's McDonald's for you?" Even before the big move, Mrs. Thompson had treated Kayla like her own daughter. 

"Could be better. At least it's something." Kayla sighed as she drank her coke. 

"You don't think you could find anywhere else to work?" Mrs. Thompson asked. 

"No where that I'd enjoy anymore than what I do now." Kayla shrugged. "At least I have about half of what I need for my tuition." 

"Did you earn all that from McDonald's?" Jed asked. 

Kayla shook her head. "I took in extra babysitting jobs before I left PA. They added up pretty quickly, and I was babysitting and doing school almost constantly. But it's worth it." 

"I guess." Jed shrugged. Mrs. Thompson frowned and turned back to do the dishes. 

"I actually miss it now. I used to babysit a lot and loved it. Now I only ever watch Sophie." 

"Hank pay you yet?" Jed asked. Kayla shook her head. "Half the times I babysit he's trying to find a job, and he told me in the beginning this wouldn't be a paid job for a long time. I don't mind helping him out though. Where else would Sophie stay?" 

"I don't know." Jed shrugged. 

"Exactly, and Hank wouldn't be able to work, and he's had more opportunities lately." Kayla smiled. "Babysitting is one favor that I can easily provide." 

"That's true." Mrs. Thompson chimed in. "You helped with a lot of kids at church, and you even probably helped with Dexter when he was little." Jed nodded. 

"Well, now I've gotta stretch a little and find new ways to make money. Like handing out plastic apples and fake meat." Jed nodded and raised his eyebrows.

"I don't wanna go back." Kayla sighed as she laid her head on Jed's shoulder. "I wanna just stay here on the couch. No boarding school, no McDonald's, no responsibility." 

"You know that's not an option, Kayla." Jed said as he stroked her hair. "We both have to grow up." 

"You have to you mean." Kayla smiled. "I'm still in high school, you graduated." 

"But you decided to just pack up and move to be with me." Jed pointed out. "Grown up decisions come with grown up consequences." 

"I know. But can't I just forget about it for a bit?" 

"You have five minutes before I have to drop you off at the school. That enough time?" Jed looked down at Kayla, wishing she could forget her troubles. 

Kayla shrugged. "I'll take what I can get." She snuggled into Jed and closed her eyes. Jed laid his head on hers and closed his eyes. 

"Just gonna stay this way for five minutes?" 

"Why not?" They smiled, unmoving for the next five minutes.