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After we left the nail shop, we got food and ice cream, a treat I was now regretting. She was hyper, and I had to burn some of that energy off. Or so I thought. Back at my house, we’d jumped rope, roller-skated, and had a dance battle. Currently, she had me playing hide-and-seek. It was the first time I got to sit down since we’d been home, and I was grateful for the break.
“Uncle Cay!” I could hear her little feet running across the hardwood floors. “Where are you, Uncle Cay? I’m gonna get you!”
She giggled as she ran out of the room. I smirked to myself. As a kid, I used to play hide-and-seek for hours with Bella. I moved quietly enough to change spots every time she got too close. Just when she thought she had me, I was gone. When she finally gave up, she would always go get our mother to find me. Every time, she found me in my closet. Eventually, Bella got hip to it and found me with ease.
I heard Precious’s footsteps outside of the room again. This time, it sounded like she was talking to someone. I frowned, thinking I know she didn’t let someone in my house. Just as I was about to come out of hiding, I heard her loud and clear.
“Mommy, I can’t find Uncle Cay. We’re playing hide-and-seek, and he got me good.”
I waited for a moment, knowing my sister was about to give me up. I heard her laughing on the speakerphone.
“Callum, you will not get my baby like you used to get me!” she yelled, causing me to stifle a laugh. “Check the closet in his office, baby. That’s his favorite hiding spot.”
I heard the pitter-patter of little feet come back into my childhood bedroom, which was now my office. Then I heard the doorknob rattle and twist until it opened. When Precious’s eyes landed on me, she grinned.
“I found you!”
“You cheated, too. How are you gonna call your mama on me? The rules don’t say, phone a friend.”
She giggled. “Thank you, Mommy.”
“Anytime, baby.”
“You’re a snitch, Bella,” I said, climbing out of the closet.
“Why would you torture my baby like that?”
“That was a solid fifteen minutes of rest. She’s wearing me out. No more sweets today, Precious.”
Bella laughed. “That’s what you get. You’re trying to tire her out, and she’s getting the better of you.”
“It’s my turn, Uncle Cay. Close your eyes!”
She handed me the phone, and I closed my eyes.
“You ready?”
“Yes!”
“One... two... three...”
She took off running. I opened my eyes and turned my attention back to the phone.
“Is she behaving?” Bella asked.
“You know we don’t have those problems.”
“Martin is going to pick her up. I have to work late.”
“I got you.” I pulled the phone from my ear and shouted, “Ten, eleven, twelve!”
“You know she’s just going to give herself away, right?”
“Of course, I know. The giggle box can’t help herself. I might make her sweat this time.”
“Well, you two have fun. Give her kisses for me.”
“I will. Love you.”
