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‘Ok, I’m in.’
‘YAY!!!’
I laugh at how excited she is. Sometimes I couldn't believe she was once a pink-haired party girl in college. We had become unlikely friends after being paired together as roommates freshman year. I never had a best friend before her, so I appreciated it when she took me somewhat under her wing.
Looking at the clock, I realize it’s almost time to go. My sister Ruby and her husband were going out to dinner, and I was babysitting. Spending time with my two nieces and my newest nephew was one of my favorite things to do. At 4, 6, and 6 months, my sister had her hands full, so I liked to help when I could. Besides, I’d never turn down an opportunity to spoil my nieces and nephew.
I drive over to their house and let myself in the front door. She had given me a key years ago, and I knew it was better than waking a sleeping baby. Heather and Lily run into my legs, screaming my name.
“Auntie Holly!” They cheer as I bend to give them both hugs.
“Girls! What’s with all the… Holly!” My sister laughs. She’s wearing a face mask and her pajama pants. She’s clearly not ready to go out yet.
“Sorry, I might be a little early.” I can’t help but laugh.
“I was ready untilyournephew spit up all over me, so I had to shower again.” Ruby glares.
“Oh, I’m sure my favorite nephew didn’t mean it.” I defend.
“Can we play princesses? And watch a movie?”
“What about cookies!? Can we make cookies?” Heather asks.
“We can do all the above, a princess party with a movie and cookies!” I nod.
“They do not need too much sugar.” Ruby eyes me.
“Oh, let me spoil my nieces. I promise they’ll be sleeping when you get home.” I wink.
“Yay!” the girls scream and run into another room.
“Ruby? Are you ready yet?” I hear her husband, Jason, call.
“Nope! Not at all!” She calls back and heads upstairs.
“Ruby? Oh! Hey, Holly. Thank you for babysitting tonight. We really appreciate it.” Jason smiles.
Jason is one of the rare good men I know. He and Ruby were high school sweethearts, getting pregnant too young. My family never expected him to stay, especially after Ruby lost the baby. But Jason stepped up. They stayed together, got married, and eventually had Heather, then Lily. He adores and doted on Ruby. It was sweet to see.
“Are you kidding? I’d never turn down an opportunity to see these guys.” I smile.
He runs off to find Ruby, and I find the girls playing princesses in the living room. Both clad in pink and purple dresses and crowns, setting up a small tea party on the coffee table.
“Auntie! You need a crown!” Lily runs to me with a smallFrozentiara.
“Thank you, princess Lily,” I place the tiara on my head with a bow.
“It’s me, Auntie! I’m not a real princess.” Lily giggles.
“What cookies can we make?” Heather asks with a smile.
“Rainbow cookies?” I pull out a box of Pillsbury rainbow sugar cookies from my bag, and they jump for joy.
“YAY!” They both jump.
“You girls finish here, and I’ll put the cookies in.” Once upon a time, the girls and I tried making cookies from scratch and, let’s just say, it didn’t go well. Although that may be an understatement, they came out tasting salty. Since then, we go the traditional route of whatever the supermarket is selling, and I can place it in the oven with minimal involvement.
“Okay, so Matthew is sleeping but should be up in a half-hour for a bottle, which is in the fridge, and we should be home by 11. Everything good?” Ruby asks, walking into the kitchen.
