Chapter 919
"I read with Keith, drew with Owen, and jammed on the piano with Todd," Angela said, tilting her head. "Mommy, can you tell me a story now?"
On her way back, Haley popped a couple of pills, hoping they'd knock her out for a bit. She just wanted to crash with her heavy head.
Forcing a smile, she said, "I'll catch some Z's for half an hour first. After dinner, I'll spin you all a tale."
She ruffled the kids' hair and then headed upstairs, gently closing the door behind her.
Angela's face fell. "Mommy looks wiped out. Why does Daddy still make her go to work?"
"Mommy was out of the country for more than half a month. Since she got back, she hasn't hit the office. Bet there's a ton of stuff she needs to handle," Keith explained. "Let Mommy sleep for a bit. We'll wake her up for dinner."
Todd was fiddling with his building blocks, lost in thought. He knew what was up but felt totally helpless.
"Angela, let's play hide and seek," Owen suggested, all pumped up. "You hide, and I'll find you."
Angela giggled. "Keith, Todd, come find me too, okay?"
Keith put down his book and nodded. "We'll count to ten; you better find a good hiding spot."
Angela turned and dashed upstairs, her white dress fluttering like a kite.
"One, two, three... eight, nine, ten." Keith finished counting, and the three boys opened their eyes.
Owen whispered, "I heard Angela go upstairs. Let's go get her."
Keith put a finger to his lips. "Let's sneak up and surprise her."
Todd followed them upstairs, moving carefully.
During winter break, the four kids often played hide and seek at home. Angela and Owen were all about the game, and Keith and Todd usually joined in, with their play sessions stretching over an hour.
"She's here," Owen whispered, crouching by the toy room door, covering his mouth to stifle a laugh.
He held up a finger and softly counted, "One, two, three."
With that, he pushed the door open. Owen, Todd, and Keith all shouted, "Angela, we got you!"
Angela popped out from behind the door, looking miffed. "You must've peeked!"
Owen blinked his big eyes. "We didn't peek. We heard you making noise."
"Owen, you're cheating!" Angela stomped her foot. "Let's do it again."
"Angela, you're the one cheating!" Owen shot back, hands on his hips. "You hid once, now it's my turn!"
Keith frowned. "Why don't you let Angela hide again?"
The kids' argument got louder, their voices overlapping, when suddenly the bedroom door next to them swung open.
Haley stood in the doorway, her face stern. "How long are you gonna keep making noise? Can't you let me sleep?"
As soon as she spoke, the toy room went dead silent. The kids looked at her with obvious fear in their eyes.
Haley was filled with irritation. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn't control the surge of agitation inside her.
"If I hear any more noise, don't call me Mommy anymore!"
With that, Haley slammed the door shut.
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