Ch. 2
____
"Kevin! Kevin!" Aaron repeated as he tugged on my arm.
"What Aaron?"
"I just wanted you to know that Mommy and Daddy don't give me a bedtime."
I crossed my arms against my chest. "Oh, really?"
Aaron smiled sheepishly. "Okay, well maybe a little one, but real late!"
"Well, I'll be sure to make a mental note of that."
"What's a mental note?"
"It's an appointment you set in your...Nevermind. Why don't you go visit your Mommy and Daddy?"
"Okay."
I took a seat on the couch. How could such a little guy have SO much energy? Nick appeared before me. "Yes?"
"Kevin, I came to ask a favor of you."
"Go ahead."
"I would appreciate it if you would treat me as adult during your stay."
I felt my jaw fall. Since when did this kid act so mature? "Well, how about I give you a great deal of respect and let you help me make decisions concerning your siblings?"
Nick tilted his chin. "Well, I guess that's okay."
Well, at least I could keep one Carter child happy. Mrs. Carter and her husband entered. "How are you holding up, Kevin?" she asked with a sly grin.
"Oh, all right, I guess."
Nick's father laughed. "That's what you say now, just wait until you spend twenty-fours with my clan."
I tried to smile, although, truthfully I felt like screaming. "I'm sure they'll be no problem."
"We're never a problem."
His mother raised an eyebrow. "Whatever you say, Aaron."
I looked down at the small boy. "Are there any rules I need to know about?"
Mrs. Carter handed me a list. "There's all the numbers you'll need for doctors, a list of allergies, family, etc..."
"Anything else?"
"BJ and Nick will inform you of the basics."
"And despite what he says, yes, Aaron does have a bedtime," Mr. Carter interjected. "Nine o'clock on weekdays and eleven on weekends."
I fought a chuckle as I watched the 8-year-old grimace. "I'll make a note of that."
"Now children," Mrs. Carter said bending down on her knees to get to their level, "Kevin will be staying in our room and I expect you to give him some privacy. Unless, it's an emergency."
The five nodded.
Angel stared at the ground. Mr.Carter lifted her into his arms. "What's wrong, baby?"
"I'll miss you!" she cried.
Now Aaron was following in her direction. "I'm gonna' miss you too!" he wailed running into his mother arms. She rubbed his back as her husband bounced her youngest daughter up and down.
"Shhhh....It's only for a week or so...Daddy and I will hurry back."
Leslie wrapped her arms around my waist and buried her head in my stomach.
Oh, no! Not another one.
Aaron's mother brushed away his tears. "Daddy and I have to go now, kids. Be good for Kevin." They gave each of their children one last hug and kiss. Then hurried out the door. Leslie wiped away her silent tears, but as for the twins....... Ladies and gentleman turn on your engines! Let the crying begin! Earplugs anyone?
____