It was very calm and quiet for a party. Amelia and Josiah slowly creep their way towards the kitchen, peeking in on the mothers.
The kitchen is filled with the hum of the refrigerator and the occasional clink of Zima bottles. The women stand around the island, gossiping.
“Did you hear about Karen and Mike? They had a huge argument at the grocery store,” says Josiah’s mom.
“Really, over what?” asks Amelia’s mom.
“Apparently, Mike put the wrong kind of cereal in the cart. Karen was not happy,” continues Josiah’s mom. Amelia’s mom and the others sigh in horror.
Amelia turns to Josiah, who rolls his eyes and shrugs. “Told you, chismosa”, he whispers to Amelia. They turn back to the mothers.
“Oh dear. And what about John and Lisa? I heard they’re planning a second honeymoon,” says Shilo’s mother.
“Yes, to the same place they went the first time. How original,” says Josiah’s mom.
“Well, at least they’re trying. Unlike Bob and Nancy, who can’t even agree on a movie to watch,” says Amelia’s mom.
“True. It’s always something with them,” agrees Josiah’s mom.
Kimmy’s mom walks in holding up a small box of fabric softeners. “Ladies! Just wanted to let you know, I finally found a new fabric softener. It’s unscented, so it doesn’t come with all that extra gunk.”
“Oh, that sounds nice,” says Amelia’s mom.
“Yes, very nice,” adds Josiah’s mom.
“Scentless, you say? I might have to try that,” chimes in Shilo’s mom.
Amelia shakes her head and whispers to Josiah, “This could not get any more boring.”
....
Olivia, Kimmy, and Shilo peek into the garage where the dads are. The garage is dimly lit, with the faint smell of motor oil lingering in the air and Demolition Man on the screen showing Sylvester Stallone munching away on a burger. The men sit on old lawn chairs, nursing their beers.
“So, I tried this new recipe for chili last weekend,” says Shilo’s dad.
“Yeah? How’d it turn out?” says Amelia’s dad.
“Pretty good. I used a mix of ground beef and pork, added some smoked paprika and a bit of dark chocolate,” continues Shilo’s dad.
“Dark chocolate? In chili?” adds Kimmy’s dad.
“Yep. Gives it a nice depth of flavor,” says Shilo’s dad.
“Interesting. I usually stick to my classic BBQ ribs. Slow cooked for six hours, with a homemade rub,” chimes in Josiah’s dad.
“That sounds good. I’ve been experimenting with a new marinade for my steaks. Soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey,” says Amelia’s dad.
“Nice. I’ll have to try that,” says Shilo’s dad.
“Yeah, sounds like a winner,” agrees Kimmy’s dad.
Kimmy can’t hold her laughter at how ridiculously boring the dads are and she chuckles out loud. Olivia quickly covers her mouth and all of them fall to the ground, out of sight.
The dads turn towards the noise but see nothing. They go back to watching the TV and drinking.
Olivia and Shilo shush Kimmy, as she tries to contain her giddiness.
“Shh! Quiet, they’re going to hear you!” whispers Olivia.
She looks at Shilo and nods to her to check if the coast is clear. Shilo peeks and then turns to Olivia with a thumbs up. Olivia slowly removes her hand from Kimmy’s mouth.
“I’m good now,” says Kimmy. Olivia and Kimmy join Shilo to focus back on the dads.
Amelia’s dad glances at the garden hose. “Hey guys, just wanted to let you know, I finally fixed that leak in my garden hose. Took me a while, but it’s good as new now.”
“Oh, that’s great,” says Shilo’s dad.
“Yeah, good job,” adds Kimmy’s dad.
“Nice work,” says Josiah’s dad.
The sound of Kimmy laughing captures their attention again, and they look at each other confused.
....
The kids sync back up at the stable.
“Looks like we’re good. Is everybody ready?” asks Amelia.
“Yup!” everyone says in unison.
Amelia turns to Shilo and gives her the nod. Shilo nods back and turns to face the house. She takes a deep breath in and screams at the top of her lungs. Then, everyone rushes inside the stable.
Amelia and Olivia stay behind as they hear the commotion inside the house from the parents. Amelia turns to Olivia.
“Let’s do it.”