Page 118 of Mark Us Little Bear
I squat down and she straddles my shoulders before I push back up again, letting her skim through the party-size bags of chips and Doritos, amongst others.
“This is the best day I’ve had in a long time,” Piper says. “I’m so happy you moved in with them.”
“Me too,” Amber replies, sounding like the happiest girl who deserves the world, but most importantly, she sounds peaceful. “They became my best friends the moment we met.”
That’s true.
“I’m kicking your butt that’s what I’m doing.” Piper’s eyes are fixed on the screen as the video game continues. Her sassy tone doesn’t lose an ounce of her clever mockery.
“I can’t believe we agreed to watch Star Wars with you,” Bradley says in frustration, getting his ass served to him by a fourteen-year-old.
“My b—friend would’ve if you didn’t.”
“Just so we’re clear, were you about to say, my bully or my boyfriend?”
“What do you think?” Her voice drips with sarcasm.
“You don’t need a boyfriend. They’re idiots.” Now he takes it out on the controller, his fingers fly on the buttons.
“Someone’s grumpy,” Piper smirks, getting closer to the finish line. Her car is a mile ahead of his.
“I’m not grumpy.”
“Denial… is one of the steps into an unhealthy—”
“What are you doing?” He cuts her off, screwing his eyebrows together.
“Talking until you lose,” Amber answers for her and gets a high five while she eats her chocolate chip cookies.
“I was just about to say it.”
“She’s like your spirit animal, look at you.” Bradley’s lip curves upward into a snarl as he loses the game.
“I messed up.” Piper puts the controller beside her.
“Can you be a little more specific?” Bradley replies with a raised eyebrow.
“I said something I shouldn’t.”
“Did you apologize?”
“Yeah, but it’s going to take more than that. So I thought I would buy her a gift. Take her somewhere special. Show her I’m sorry. Pay for her next purchase. Surprise her with something unexpected.”
Bradley narrows his eyes at her.
“My mom and I do it when we’re being mean to each other. We have strong personalities and can be a bit much at times.”
It clicks in my head and an idea surfaces. “Piper you’re a genius,” I say and rush to gather my phone from the table. Nana’s birthday is coming soon and I must prepare for her special day. Seventy-five should be a day to remember and Pipergave me the perfect idea. I’m going to do all of it. Surprise upon surprise.
“I expect payment in cash, see you at our next session.” She replies playfully and I chuckle at her witty answer.
“I already paid for everything, baby Yoda.” Bradley takes over the conversation again.
“I really liked that movie.”
“I can’t believe you forced us to watchStar Warsmy soul slowly evaporated with each take.“ It was evident in his eyes. He couldn’t help himself but talk for the entire movie.
“It wasgood, admit it.”
