Red Spider Lilies [TPN]

Chapter 16

The earth trembles and the buildings crack. This is worse by the minute.

"Okay, everyone, the attack is over let's get upstairs! We still have chores to do!" I announce calmly. "Our day continues as long as this building stands!"

I hear some kids grumble and sigh but, begrudgingly, they get up and head upstairs, the older ones help the smaller kids up the ladder like usual. One by one, in uniform.

"You've gotten pretty good at taking lead during these attacks, though not surprising."

Right behind me is Ray, holding Jemima like she was still four. She always liked clingy if to Ray like they were real blood siblings.

"Ah, you think so?"

Jemima nods her head in place of Ray. "Yeah, when Mama isn't here you take lead like it's nothing. Like Norman did!"

The mention of Norman caught me a little by surprise.You could see it had surprised Ray too by the look we shared.

"Well, thanks." Ray set her down. "Why don't you head upstairs and helps everyone? I'm sure Don could use some help setting up the table."

She nods and gives one last glance at Ray, who pats her head softly. "Afterwards I'll give you a reward. Though it's only if you do it well."

Jemima gives Ray a giggle and begins to climb up the ladder, quietly we watch her until she reaches the top. Then Ray speaks.

"You knows, she's gotten awfully heavy as of late. It's either that or I've gotten weaker."

I look over at him, he has the same expression as always. Unamused, yet with a small smile on his face.

"I say both. She's 10 now, not so small anymore."

"But just as cute."

I stare in surprise when he says that. Why is he in such a good mood all of a sudden?

We don't continue our conversation but head up to join the rest, after all, we are in charge while mom is out... well, technically Ray is but I have just as much authority.

Quickly making my way to the backward doors, I pass by everyone's assigned chores and make sure they don't need help. Not surprisingly, they seem to have it together, relying on each other for help. Since they don't need me, now I have to do my thing.

"Laundry." I sigh.

Laundry was only fun when you had a washing machine to do all you're work, but to save electricity we do it all by hand.

I open the screen door and peek my head out. No one in sight. Nothing but the tub and a basket of white cloth that needed to be washed.

Quietly I closed the door behind me and filled the tub with water and soap, proceeding with taking a seat and beginning with a marker stained t shirt. It takes about an hour to finish half the basket, my fingers wrinkled and my collar shirt soaked. What a bad day to wear it.

"You having fun?"

I glance up and wipe sweat off my forehead, Ray standing over me with arms crossed.

"What do you need?" I return to the clothing. "If you need me to help in the kitchen, I'm sorry to say that this is harder than it looks."

He snickers. "Rather bold to assume I would turn to you for kitchen advise."

I blow a strand of hair from my face. "Very funny. But seriously, what do you need? Honestly anything has to be more entertaining than this!"