Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 7: He's Not So Bad

"Ok boys and girls unfortunately the party has come to an end, but we hope you all have had a fun time!" The clown shouts out. "Grab your party bags on the way out, and thank you all for coming!"

I'm so looking forward to leaving this building so I can get some peace and quiet. One things for sure is that I will never go to a kids party with a hangover ever again. Zack runs ahead while grabbing his party bag. Michael walks along side of me holding Sophie's hand.

"Zack! Slow down!" I call after him.

Of course he ignores me and runs out of the building.

"Ugh that kid." I moan shaking my head. "Why can't he be like Sophie?" I look down at her, minding her own business being quiet.

"Because he's a boy." Michael laughs.

"True. I can imagine that's how you were as a kid, stubborn and annoying."

"And things don't change." He smirks looking at me and I can't help but chuckle, agreeing with him.

"Well I hope to god Zack changes as he gets older, or my sister will have a mental break down." I roll my eyes smiling.

We leave the party and walk towards the car park.

"Look look!!" Zack shouts running back over to me, holding something.

"What Zack?" I ask him, stopping.

He holds his hand up to me and I see he's holding a slug.

"Ewww." Sophie says pulling a face.

Zack shows a cheeky smile and can see Sophie doesn't like it. He walks closer to her, trying to scare her with the slug.

"No! Get it away!" Sophie shouts, trying to hide behind Michael's legs.

"Zack will you stop it!" I say trying to grab him.

Michael chuckles and kneels down, now at the same height as Zack and Sophie.

"That's cool Zack. Let me see." He says softly.

Zack smiles and holds it up to Michael.

"It feels funny." Zack giggles.

"Zack it's dirty. It's probably got diseases all over it. Put it back." I sigh folding my arms.

"No they're harmless. They're pretty much a snail, but without the shell." Michael says smiling.

"I don't like it." Sophie says.

"Don't be scared Sophie, it wont hurt you." Michael holds her closely. "But your Auntie is right Zack. You should go put him or her back where you found it so they can go back to their family."

"Ok, and it's a boy." Zack says looking at Michael.

"How do you know?" Sophie asks Zack.

"Because it just is. Boys are better."

"No they're not." Sophie shakes her head.

"They are." Zack replies, arguing back.

"No, girls are better!"

I sigh and Michael just laughs.

"Zack, girls are better. Now go put it back." I say taking his arm.

He gives me a look and runs off with the slug.

"Uh, I'm definitely on Zack's side with boys are better than girls."

"Of course you would be." I give him a look.

Zack runs back and runs right in to me. I hold on to him and shake my head.