The Way We Were

The Way We Don't Pack

Marcy taped down another box. She and her immediate family were only taking clothing, shoes, accessories and things they felt they couldn't live without. It made packing easier and somehow harder.

What went to California and what got left behind?

As she and one of the nannies (Linda) worked in the master closet, Mal was supposed to be doing Riley's while Marionette watched the babies. The twins were responsible for their own closet.

Marcy pushed the last box against the dresser (so movers would know what to take) and stretched. "My goodness! I'm tired!"

Linda smiled, understanding the language but unsure of how to speak to this girl that was younger than her but held such authority (and not just because of her wealth). "Yes."

Marcy knew it was awkward to be in a new country, where you didn't speak the language or know anybody. It was isolating. So she strove to be as kind as possible to her. "Are you all packed up?"

"Yes, Mistress."

"You can take a break before giving Marionette one. I'm going to go check on the twins."

"Yes, Mistress." Linda (not her real name) bowed before leaving.

Marcy left, too and went to the twins' room. They were nowhere to be seen and had done next to nothing. Marcy went to Riley's room to see if they were with their father.

They were not and neither was the almost two year old. The rest of the adults split up to look for the three missing toddlers.

Marcy searched the kitchen but kept hearing rustling. She knew damn well they didn't have mice so she investigated the pantry, where the sounds were coming from.

Mally, Mickey and Riley were sitting on the floor of the pantry, eating sugar from a bag. Sugar was everywhere, including embedded in them.

Marcy couldn't say anything at first but then she pulled out her phone and started recording. "Did this seem like a good idea?"

Mally nodded.

"Did you think you were going to get in trouble?"

He shook his head.

"Do you think you're in trouble now?"

He thought about it before nodding.

"Do you know why?"

He shook his head.

"Who do you think is going to clean this up?" Sugar literally was all over the floor of the large room.

"Miss FeFe?"

"Nope." Marcy quirked a brow. "You are."

He pouted.

"And you're going to be in the naughty corner."

He stuck his bottom lip out further.

"Me too, Mommy?" Mickey asked.

"Yep. And this will be Rye's very first timeout." Marcy said sagely.

Riley eeped.