Trial & Error Chap. 12 Part 2

Instructions

Luke leans on the wall, breathing heavily. I catch my breath. “Leo and John,” I say, swallowing hard. Jake’s face turns from concern to panic. “Did they follow you?” He asks quickly. I shake my head. “Not as far as I could see,” I say breathlessly. Mark comes running down the stairs. “What’s going on?” He asks, looking at us all. “I’m not sure exactly what happened, they’re out of breath, but Ashley said something about Leo and John,” Jake explains. Mark sucks in a breath. “Is everybody ok?” Dad asks from the top of the stairs. I look up at him and shake my head. “It was Leo and John… almost got us on the way here,” I say, still breathing hard. Mark leaves the room while I explain everything. Then he comes back with a glass of water. I look at him and almost laugh. “Give it to Luke. I can’t touch it for the next few minutes. It’ll freeze.” I say. He laughs and hands the glass to Luke. “I’ll send out a bunch of guards and put out a warning for Leo and John,” Dad says, starting towards his study. “Go ahead, but they’re pro’s. If I had to guess they’re already in another kingdom.” I say grimly, shaking my head. Dad pauses. “One thing… Leo said ‘You have till the dance.’” I say slowly. Dad frowns and continues to his study. “Luke, you really should just stay here tonight…” I say, turning to him. He shrugs, grinning. “If I have to…” He says, laughing. “I’ll text Mom and Dad.” He says with a thumbs up. “Ok. I’ll go change, you can go change. Meet in the movie theater?” I ask. He nods. I go up to mine and Emily’s room. Emily is sitting on the floor, playing with Sophie. “Thank you soooo much for watching her. You’re the best.” I tell Emily gratefully. Emily looks up and grins at me. “No, she’s the best! She’s so well-behaved. We had lots of fun, didn’t we princess?” She says, tapping Sophie’s head. Sophie giggles and looks up at me. “Mommy!” She squeals. “Almost bedtime, Soph,” I say, smiling. I glance at Emily. “Would you mind-” She holds up her hand, hushing me. “Not at all. I’ll get her in bed, no problem. Don’t worry about it. Go have fun with Luke.” She says, smiling. She picks up Sophie and gives me a side hug. “Thanks, Em. You really are the best.” I say. Then I kiss Sophie on her forehead and grab a white tank top, white and red checkered flannel pants, and white fuzzy socks. I change in the bathroom and then walk out. Emily is rocking Sophie in the rocking chair. We had put up a crib last night and it’s beside my bed. I run a hairbrush through my hair, blow Emily a kiss, and slip out the doorway, shutting it quietly behind me. Just as the door shuts someone grabs my waist. I almost scream but stop myself. I turn my head and look at Luke. He’d changed into a white t-shirt and black and white flannel pajama pants. I suppress a laugh, putting a finger to my lips. He kisses my finger, then moves my hand and kisses my lips. “Alright, alright,” I whisper, pulling away a little. “Let’s go watch a movie,” I whisper, giggling. He shrugs. “Ok, but I’m not gonna be watching the screen.” He jokes. We start down the stairs. “I knew you too would become a couple eventually!” Jake says from the top of the stairs. Me and Luke both spin around quickly. “Shhhh!” I yell-whisper. Jake glances towards my bedroom door and then nods. “Sorry. Still getting used to a kid in the house.” He whispers. He runs down the stairs. “See y’all later. Going to hang out with Kim.” He says, starting out the door. I playfully roll my eyes in Luke’s direction. -see more below-