Hiding Place || Tori Kelly

Hebrews 12:11

7:15 PM

"Thank you, so much. We really do appreciate it," Tori said, before letting Jason out of their room. As soon as the door shut, Tori's sweet smile turned into a scowl. She turned back to her daughter who was sitting on the couch with her dad sitting in front of her in a freestanding chair. The small child smiled innocently at her parents. "Don't think you're off the hook because you flashed a little smile. We were so worried about you. Why would you run away?" Tori asked, doing her best not to yell. Irie dropped her head but refused to respond. "Iriella, answer when I'm talking to you," Tori said a bit more stern this time.

"I'm sorry! It was loud! You guys were fighting! I just wanted to go to the arcade!" She yelled. Tori sat in front of her child and dropped her hands in her lap.

"First of all, lower your voice. We aren't yelling, here," Tori stated. Irie began to pout. "Fix your face. There is no reason for you to be pouting. Daddy and I fighting does not give you permission to do whatever you want. At all. Do you understand?" Tori continued. Irie sadly nodded and looked to her father for help, causing André to avoid eye contact at all cost. "Good. Go get your iPad and put it on my bed. You might get it back before we go home. Then, go get in the shower and get ready for bed," Tori instructed. Irie slyly rolled her eyes as she got off the couch, which Tori of course saw, but decided not to comment on. Pick your battles, Tori. It's for another day. She thought.

"That was great, babe. Way to bring down the hammer," André unnecessarily congratulated, agitating Tori. He watched his wife whip back towards him, disappointment written all over her face.

"That was great? Why do I always have to be the bad parent while you get to be the fun one? I always have to discipline her, while you sit back silently. Next time, it's your turn," she said, before heading off to take a shower herself. André scoffed, confused as to how he just got in trouble.

"I— what?" He asked going after her to get clarity. He had plans for the night and they did not involve Tori being mad at him.

8:10 PM

Tori sat in the couch alone flipping through her Instagram when she got a FaceTime from Michelle. "Hey," she answered, immediately seeing her sister-in-laws distracted face pop up.

"Addi, why are you— never mind go play," Michelle said, before refocusing on her phone. "Hey, hun, how are you feeling? How's the fam?" She asked, settling into her seat. Tori shrugged and pushed her wet hair behind her.

"I'm fine. Biah is moving a lot, Irie got her iPad taken, and André is... I don't actually know where he is," Tori replied. Michelle giggled, before snapping her head towards the kitchen, then looking back slowly. "What was that?" Tori laughed.

"Your dog. He's trying jump onto the counter. He sees his treat bag and thinks he's supposed to get a treat every time he goes to it," Michelle said. Tori had wondered where André sent Busker when prepping for this trip.

"Get the spray bottle, he'll stop," the blonde cheerfully chirped. Michelle made a mental note to find the spray bottle in his bag later. "Oh, while I have you here, can you please run over to the house tomorrow and get the packages I ordered. Abiah's travel system and Irie's desk and clothes come in tomorrow," Tori requested. Michelle nodded and leaned her chin on her balled fist.

"So, I called because I need help. First, I need to know when Irie's birthday is. Mom wants to put it in her family calendar. Then, I need to know what you want to do shower wise. Do you want to do a venue? At the house? What?" Michelle asked. Tori shrugged. She and André hadn't really talked about that. She was only 24 weeks and figured she had time. But she did have to get the invites out if she wanted people to come and bring good stuff.