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 Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 10:03 pm
Joseph may disapprove Johnny’s silly antics, but the boy’s behavior was right at home with Sydney. People often told her she was a child—only taller with scrawny limbs and the strength of an athlete. She often flopped onto the school lunch tables or clumsily flailed her arms, even happily ambling down the hallway or street like a child. Not only did Sydney mind Johnny’s eccentric gestures, she was delighted to realize that she wasn’t the only goofball in town. She was so overcome with joy she really didn’t care if Johnny decided to break into her house and chill there for the night—not that she would have been that miffed if she wasn’t overjoyed, but still.
Sydney walked over to her board and scooped it up in one fluid motion. “It’s no problem. My dad’s working and my brothers are at their friends’ houses or taking care of other business. Having Johnny over won’t be any trouble at all.” She grinned at father and son. It was nice to see their relationship; it wasn’t harmonious, but it was close.
She chuckled, politely patting Johnny’s head as he excitedly wrapped his arms around her waist. “Pie and cleaning sounds like a nice deal.”
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 6:24 am
The older man raised an eyebrow. Did Sydney not understand what a great responsibility having his raving son around actually was? Part of him felt sorry for Sydney (in multiple ways, gender being one of them. Poor young man thought he was a woman.) and the ignorance of the new situation showed. Johnny was happy as a clam and it showed as he was attached to poor Sydney's waist in a death grip. A well-intentioned one, but a death grip nonetheless. The boy grinned from ear to ear.
"...you don't mind taking him now?" It would make getting home so much easier and faster, but I better not get any calls from the police in the middle of the night saying he's stuck in the chimney or something. Joseph's face was stoic as ever as he thought of his options. Sure, there wouldn't be anyone around to cook until his wife got home, but the house would be comparatively quieter.
Johnny practically vibrated. "Yes, lots of pie if you have the stuff! I love pie! OH MAN I don't have my awesome apron but that's okay! Aprons don't make awesome pies. I make awesome pies. What's your favorite kind of pie, Sydney?" He tried to stay out of the way as much as possible, but the boy was certainly acting like a spastic little brother and not someone she just met. Really, all he knew about her was that she was awesome, she had red hair and her name was Sydney. What else did someone need to know?
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:46 pm
Sydney shrugged. “I don’t mind at all. It’s not that long of a walk from here, so getting to my house isn’t a problem. No one else is home so bothering my family isn’t a problem either.” She playfully smirked. “Since you seem to be quite agreeable with this arrangement, I hope you won’t mind if I steal your son away for a bit.” Taking it even further, she stared at Joseph as she winked and added, “Don’t worry, sir, I’ll have Johnny back by nightfall. The city’s dangerous during the late hours, after all.” And I’ll need to begin patrol, too. I don’t want to skip out on it. Sydney looked down, quietly laughing as she took Johnny’s arms and gently pried them away from her waist. “Walking with you around my waist will be a bit awkward, sorry.”
She clutched her skateboard with one hand while protectively holding onto Johnny’s hand with her other. He seemed so hyperactive. Sydney felt like he just may run off as soon as he saw something shiny! Of course, the redhead would probably gleefully follow his lead, but they already had a destination in mind. “I’m sure we have the ingredients at our house.” She paused as she pondered her favorite flavor of pie. Over the years she had tasted multiple varieties, but found herself attracted to the classics. “Apple pie is good, but strawberry is as well. With lots of whip cream.”
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Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:49 am
Joseph kept his thin-lipped expression. Sydney seemed responsible, but she didn't know what she was getting herself into. Sure, his son could cook and clean just fine, but for some reason, he never grew up. Joseph still wasn't sure why and it frustrated him to no end. Still, he agreed to let his son play in someone else's hair tonight. "Yes, just have him back by nightfall and in one piece. I also hope there is no bill for damages." While they had the cash to spare for the occasional haircut or ice cream, a new sofa was out of the question. Joseph could only work a few days a week as it was.
When Johnny was pried off, he still smiled as wide as if it had never happened. "I can do both! Both pies would be awesome, and you can give 'em to your family when they come home as a thank you for letting me come over!" The boy clapped his hands and began plotting to make the most amazing pie ever. He waved goodbye to his father as well. "Now don't you start crying while I'm gone, dad. I know you'll miss me a whole lot, but I'll be back soon! I promise!"
The older man shrugged. "Just be back on time and don't make them regret having you over. And cook them dinner or something. Just stay out of trouble." Joseph turned to leave and Johnny waved after him.
"Okay, ready when you are!"
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Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 9:07 pm
Indeed. Sydney had no idea what to expect from Johnny, but she was prepared to handle whatever problems came her way. She laughed at the father. “I assure you, any damage Johnny would cause—and I’m sure he won’t!—would be pale in comparison to the stuff my little brothers have done. Rambunctious twins can do that.” She wisely left out the rather important fact that she occasionally joined the two boys on their property-damaging and pranking escapades.
She smirked and patted her stomach. “Two pies sound like a good idea. My family likes to eat a lot, after all. Including myself.” Sydney kept quiet as Johnny’s father mentioned cooking dinner. “Johnny, you cook dinner?” This was a blessing in disguise. Now that the Martin household no longer had a mother figure, everyone took turns cooking up basic meals—it got everyone through the day, but nothing like a meal cooked by someone who knew what to do in the kitchen.
“Oh, yeah. Just take a left up ahead and it’ll be a few blocks down.” She half nodded at the end of the street and began walking. “Not too long, right?” Sydney smiled.
This would be interesting, to say the least.
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