From now on

Chapter eighteen

They had gotten back at eight twenty, noticing the house was awfully quiet. Dianne suspected they'd all be out in the garden, seeing as it was still warm outside.

They headed out hand in hand, being warmly greeted by everyone, apart from Billy who had fallen asleep, bless him. Joe and Dianne sat down with Andrew, who had Emelia on his lap.

"We were just talking about you two." Anna smiled.

Dianne chuckled as she was passed her little girl, who had missed them both while they were out. Dianne made sure to redo the braid that at some point had fallen out.

"Good things I hope."

"Of course. There's nothing bad to say, and anyway. What are the plans for tomorrow, I was thinking we could go into town."

Everyone gave a murmur of agreement as no one was particularly fussed over what to do.

Andrew beamed. "Oh yeah, that's a really good idea. Everyone cool with that?"

Everyone nodded. As everyone fell into conversation, Dianne leaned closer to Joe.

"Are you Alright to take her while I have a wee?" Joe nodded, Emelia shuffling over while Dianne stood up, smiling thankfully. "Cheers."

"Where's mummy going?" Emelia's eyes followed her mum into the house.

"Just popped to the bathroom. She won't be a minute."

"Ok."

"Joe?" Mia asked, sat between her grandparents and speaking inquisitively.

He spoke of the same tone. "Mia?"

She giggled. "How do you prank people?"

Anna and Brendan simultaneously shook their heads. Ever since Mia had found his pranks, she found herself wanting to learn every trick in the trade. She knew that when she did, she could prank Billy, do all sorts.

"Basically, the trick is to.." he trailed off, looking just behind her, faking stress with great acting skills. "Erm...look...behind you."

"What?" She shouted, looking behind her and scowling.

Everyone laughed, especially Brendan and Anna and Emelia who grinned. "You just got pranked!"

"It'll be you next." Mia retorted, looking over at her younger cousin. "I can't believe it."

"What did I miss?" Dianne sat back down, Mia crossing her arms. "What happened?"

"Mia asked Joe to tell her about the pranks he does but he pranked her instead." Emelia explained, clearly amused.

Dianne couldn't help but laugh. "Ah, that explains it. We'll get him back, Mia. You and me, don't you worry."

Mia beamed as Joe chuckled to himself. "No you won't."

"You're right, we probably won't." Dianne muttered quietly. As much she'd like to get him back, she doubted she ever would. He was like a mastermind when it came to pranks, so she didn't exactly fancy her chances at revenge.

She noticed it was getting late. "Angel, I think it's time to go to bed. It's eight thirty."

"I don't want to though, can't I stay up until nine, with Mia." She looked her mum in the eyes, pouting. "Please."