Welcome to Gaia! ::

Vinny kept looking over at his mother. She looked so worn out, draped about the couch like that. He'd never seen her this way. He exchanged a look with his older brother, Josh. The boys had reached an understanding. Josh nodded and handed Vinny the newspaper. "There. It's the only person who actually sounds like she knows what she's doing." He said, pointing to an ad circled in red ink.

Vinny nodded, and walked over to the phone. He looked at his brother. "Sure we can't just take care of ourselves?" He asked.

Josh shook his head. "That would make Mom worry. She needs rest. We can at least handle a babysitter by ourselves." Vinny dialed the number and waited for someone to pick up.

Vinny smiled at his brother, before speaking into the phone. "Hi. Um.. We need a babysitter, if you're not too busy." He explained. "Our mother's at home, but she really needs a break.. She can't watch us right now." He was going to continue when Josh stole the phone from him.

"You think you can come?" He asked. "We don't want Mom to worry, and if she knows we're home alone, she'll stress about it."

Josh had to look at one of the addressed envelopes before telling Ebony their address. It was simple enough. "Barton Avenue, house number 230." He said. "Hope you like pasta for lunch--it's the only thing Vinny and I can make." He paused. "See you soon then?"

Vinny just rolled his eyes at his older brother. "Is she coming?" He asked. He looked over at his mother, and sighed. "After this, let's help with the babies." He said.

"I'll get it!" Vinny said, going over to the door. Josh followed, after making sure their mom was still asleep. The younger boy opened it, and smiled at Ebony. "Um.." For a moment, Vinny didn't know what to say. He'd never seen anyone like her. "You're Ebony?" He asked. "You can come in." He stepped aside to allow her inside.

Vinny smiled at the girl. "Mom's resting," He gestured to the couch. The elf was indeed, still sleeping, undistrubed. "Dad took the twins to the park, so you don't have to worry about taking care of them. Or hearing them." He put his hands to his ears to demonstrate how loud infant girls could be.

"Oh, and I'm Vincent. Call me Vinny though. Everyone else does." He paused, and looked at his other brother. "That's Josh. I don't think he'll need much taking care of. It was his idea to call you--so Mom wouldn't worry."

"Right, I'm from Seven of Seven." Vinny said with a nod. "Josh is from--" He was interupted. Of course, Josh could tell the story better. His own arrival hadn't been quite as exciting as his brother's. Or so he thought.

"Some place called the Patch." Josh said. "You know, with cabbages." The boy opened his mouth to add something, but Vinny interrupted him.

"It's why Mom won't eat cabbages." He said with a grin. "Not even ones from the store."

"A panda?" Josh looked curious. "I haven't met her. What's her name? Maybe one of my friends knows her." The boy prided himself on being fairly popular. He planned on keeping it that way--even if it meant meeting all the toddlers.

"Right, the pasta." Vinny looked thoughtful, before hurrying to the kitchen. "I almost forgot!" He was too late--it was burnt. He gave a sheepish grin. "Well, if you can cook.."

"I told you we couldn't cook." Josh muttered, looking slightly embarassed. He always tried to impress girls--whether he liked them or not. "Shiraz?" He asked, looking at Ebony. "I haven't heard of her. I'd like to meet her sometime, though."

Vinny frowned at his older brother. "You're the one who suggested we cook!" He said. He smiled at the older girl. "Toasted cheese sandwiches?" He suggested.