Meet the Howlters

Famous Last Words

YEAR: 2053

[Jenny's POV]

"Mum," Lydia whined. "When is dad coming home?"
"What's today?
"The eighteenth,"
"Later today," I said.
"He left a week ago!"
"No, honey, he left four days ago,"
"If his interview was two days ago, why isn't he back yet? And why'd he leave early?"
"So he could rest up and adjust to the time change,"
"Time changes?"
"Yeah, he's five hours behind us, right now,"
"Whoa... So we're in the future!"
"I guess you could say that," I laughed.
"Mum," Charlie said, walking downstairs.
"Yeah?"
"Lara just woke up. I'd go before she starts crying,"
"How would you know that she's up if she isn't crying?" I asked.
"I may or may not have been bothering her in her crib,"
"Now why would you do that?" I huffed, walking upstairs.

I walked into Lara's boxed up room and picked the fussing baby up. I cradled her in my arms and started bouncing her lightly. I wrapped her in her favorite blanket and traveled back downstairs to the other two trouble makers.

"Okay, you two, I've been on my own for a few days and I'm really tired. So, I really need you guys to cooperate until your father gets home,"
"What do you mean?" Lydia asked.
"Behave,"
"We always behave," she pouted.
"Really? Cause your brother just woke the baby from her nap,"
"Sorry," he snickered.
"Why don't you two go visit Aunt Dil for a bit,"
"We wouldn't wanna leave you with Lara," Charlie said.
"Please, just... Go..." I sighed.
"Can you at least walk us over?" Lydia asked.
"Fine," I huffed. "Let's go,"

We all walked out of the house and headed across the street to see Delilah. Lydia and Charlie raced to the door; they both loved ringing the doorbell.

"Oh, hey guys," Delilah greeted. "What's up?"
"Would you mind if they stay over here for a bit?"
"No, I don't mind at all,"
"Where is everyone else?"
"They're in the back, swimming,"
"Mum, can we go get our swimming stuff?" Charlie asked.
"Yeah, please mum?"
"Be quick," I said. "And be careful!" I yelled as they ran out of the house.
"Would you like some tea or coffee?" Delilah offered.
"Y'know what, that would be amazing," I said.

She let me in, and we headed for the kitchen. She closed the front door but, left it unlocked so the kids could get back in when they return. Delilah and I took a seat in the kitchen; she grabbed me a cup and filled it with some cheap tea.

"Do you want sugar or cream?"
"Just sugar, please," I said.
"Here y'go," she smiled, setting the cup down. "Do you want me to grab the old high chair from the attic? Y'know, so you're not holding her," she chuckled.
"Would you mind?"
"No, not at all," she said, standing up. "I'll be right back,"

As she ran upstairs, my kids dashed through the front door, with their swimsuits in hand. They both went into separate bathrooms and came out a few minutes later.

"Be careful," I warned as they ran outside.

A few minutes passed and Delilah came back downstairs, cheap high chair in hand. She set it down next to me; I quickly sat the tired infant down.

"So, has Winnie gotten an answer on the job yet?" Delilah asked.
"Oh, I don't know,"
"He was supposed to hear by today. He hasn't called you?"
"My phones been dead," I said.
"Wanna charge it?"
"Nah, it's fine," I insisted.
"Are you excited to move?"
"A little," I smiled. "I already got a patients file and she seems so sweet. I can't wait to meet her,"
"I'm glad that you're excited," she sighed. "I'm gonna miss you and Winnie,"
"We're gonna miss you too,"
"I don't know what I'm gonna do without you guys across the street..."
"I know," I whispered.
"Okay, this is getting too sad," Delilah said. "Um... Do you think you'll ever want anymore kids?"
"Honey, I'm getting old... I don't think I could get pregnant again,"
"Oh..."
"What about you?"
"I don't think so," she shrugged. "Joe and I are so busy with work and the twins and it's just too much. In all honestly, I think I'd rip my head off if I had another kid,"
"Me too," I laughed, lightly rubbing Lara's head.
"I'm really gonna miss you guys..."