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From where they stand blocking the only exit, it looks like we’re being eaten by a mean mansion. So cool. But what’s not cool is showing off. Not with something like presents. A cool backflip into the pool or something, definitely show that off. Bonus points if any grown-up gets splashed.
Double bonus points if water gets in their drinks. I don’t know what it is about adults, but they love drinking stuff! Mostly at night but some all the time. And it’s never water. Like ever.
“So hopefully you guys feel like opening up some toys,” I say as I climb out. “Because I’m just here for the cake and zombie rats.” I point back into the bounce house to the trio of angry, fat rats drawn inside. They all have blood-red eyes and slobber hanging from their fangs. It would be gross in real life. I hate spit.
"That sounds like a Ms. Felicity saying to me,” Bo says as we make our way to the patio. “I mean, the stuff about presence and gifts and us getting stuff. Not the zombie rats. That’s all you.”
“Maybe she and your new dad just ran out of things to get you?” Desiree offers.
“It was Argoss. He said he realized presence can be presents, too.” I shrug. Sure, he thought it was his own invention, but that’s normal demon dad stuff.
“Does this mean we’re getting flights then?” Graham asks, his eyes going wide. I might have told them all about my flight. I don’t blame them for asking.“Personalized dad flights? Better than a bounce house.”
“Let me go ask,” I say, disappearing inside to a surprisingly quiet first floor.
“So Lena’s filling in the blanks! That’s good news!” I hear Felicity say as Argos paces in the kitchen while staring at his phone.
“But those are her memories, not mine,” he explains. I approach without announcing myself. But they don’t know what they accidentally said in front of me is part of the thrill of eavesdropping.
“So she’s not affected, you were right. Your memory –”
They spot me just as they’re getting to the interesting part. What is this about Argoss’ memory?
“Hello, youngling. Is your bounce house not scary enough?” he asks.
I ignore the scowl Felicity is giving me and ask my question. A few rides, please?
“Certainly,” he continues.
“You tell your friends about their presents?” Felicity asks.
“Yep, nothing for me but the smiles on their faces.” I heard this somewhere on TV. I think it works here. My parents look at me with a smile, and I realize I might be gettinganothergift. No!
“Good, then you’re responsible enough for a sibling. Congratulations.” Felicity reaches her hand out to shake mine.
What! Sibling? Me?“You guys, I don’t know if I’m ready for something like this. Don’t you think I’m kind of young?”
“We’ll coach you through it,” Felicity says. “You’ll be the best.” I hope so, since I’m going to need extra hands to play with all my toys.
The End
