Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 39473 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 197(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39473 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 197(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
After their parents left, I buckled Jenny and Mike into their car seats and drove us to the beachside park about ten minutes from their house. It was one of their favorite spots, and I always enjoyed taking them there on days like this.
We started at the playground. I pushed Mike on the swings while Jenny waited for her turn, bouncing on her toes.
“Higher, Aubrey!” Mike called out.
I laughed and gave him another gentle push. “Any higher, and you’ll fly right over the trees, buddy. How about we keep it safe so you can keep swinging?”
He grinned back at me, clearly happy with that answer. I made sure to keep the rhythm steady, watching both kids carefully. When Jenny started getting impatient, I switched to pushing her, keeping Mike entertained with silly songs until it was his turn again.
Once they’d had enough of the swings, we moved down to the sand near the water. I sat with them as they started building a sandcastle together.
“Look, Aubrey! It’s got a moat!” Jenny announced proudly, patting the wet sand.
“It does.” I helped her add another tower. “That’s a very impressive moat, Jenny. Mike, do you want to dig the trench a little deeper right here?”
Mike nodded and plunged his shovel into the sand. I stayed close, offering encouragement and helping when their castle started to crumble. When I noticed Mike’s movements slowing down and his shoulders drooping a bit, I checked my watch.
“Hey, let’s take a quick break,” I suggested. “Jenny, I think you might need a snack. I brought those apple slices you like.”
Jenny perked up right away. I handed her the snack bag while keeping an eye on Mike, who looked relieved to sit for a minute.
Later, we took a break from the sand to chase seagulls across the open grass. Jenny ran ahead, her arms flapping.
“Come on, Aubrey! They’re getting away!” she shouted.
I jogged after them, laughing. “They’re fast, aren’t they? Mike, don’t go too far, okay?”
When everyone started to wind down, I bought them ice cream from the nearby stand.
“Chocolate for Mike and strawberry for Jenny, right?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“Yes!” they both cheered.
I handed Mike his cone and knelt to help Jenny with hers. “Careful, it’s starting to melt. Take small licks.”
They both ate happily, chocolate and strawberry smeared across their faces in minutes. I wiped their hands and mouths with napkins, smiling at how happy they looked.
This was exactly why I wanted to become an elementary school teacher. After losing our parents when I was ten and I moved in with my aunt, Tripp had worked so hard to give me stability and love. I wanted to pass that feeling on to other kids. Even though their mom and dad obviously adored them, being with Jenny and Mike made me feel like I was doing something that really mattered.
Once we got back to the house, I helped the kids wash up and change into their pajamas. They were tired from the park but still buzzing with energy, so I suggested we settle in for a movie.
I popped a big bowl of popcorn in the kitchen while they picked out an animated movie. We carried everything into the living room and got comfortable on the big sectional couch. Jenny immediately snuggled into my right side, and Mike tucked himself against my left. I draped an arm around each of them as the movie started, the bowl of popcorn resting in my lap.
Halfway through the movie, Jenny tilted her head up at me. “Aubrey, why does the bunny have to leave his home?”
I stroked her hair and explained, “Sometimes we have to leave places, but it’s okay because he finds new friends who love him just as much. See? He’s going to be fine.”
Mike shifted a little. “Do you think he’s scared?”
“Maybe a little.” I ran my fingers through his hair too. “But he’s brave, just like you two were today at the park. And he has people who care about him, so he’s never really alone.”
I smiled softly as the movie played on. When it was nearing the end, my phone vibrated on the coffee table. Jenny and Mike were both engrossed in the screen, so I carefully slipped out from between them.
“I’ll be right back,” I whispered, padding into the kitchen.
When I glanced at the screen, a big smile spread across my face because “Big Brother” flashed there. I answered quickly. “Tripp! Hi!”
“Hey, baby sis. How’re you doing?”
I leaned against the counter, grinning. “I’m good. Just watching a movie with the kids I’m nannying for tonight. What about you? Shouldn’t you be doing something super important and top secret instead of calling me?”
“Can’t I check on you?” He chuckled. “How are classes going? Finals coming up soon, right?”
“Yep, and I’m actually on top of things for once. You’d be proud,” I teased. “But enough about me. Catch any bad guys today, Agent Cullen?”