At Home

Alice Parker hurried downstairs, her spindly legs extending down two steps at a time like the coils of a very energetic slinky. “Eddie! Eddie!” She rolled her eyes at the colorful cuckoo clock as it chided her vigorously. You’re going to be late, you’re going to be late … where was Eddie? He had probably forgotten all about it. Silly boy. Only he would be able to forget about something like this …
Edmund Parker leaned against the edge of his bed and languidly strummed his guitar. There was Alice again, calling … so ready to leave … probably should get up and go with her …
With a groan, Eddie rolled himself over and up into the air, extending his six-odd feet with a world-weary yawn.
Back to college. Again.
Eddie was packed, ready, eager even – not that he needed to be. Alice was eager enough for the two of them. But he was looking forward to classes again, and band, and soccer …
He nestled the guitar carefully into her case, zipped it, and dragged himself up from his basement lair into the world above.
“There you are!” Alice laughed and bounced into the air. “Are you ready? Are you packed? Where have you been? Do you know where Mom and Dad are? Where’s Maggie? Maggie!” And the sleek Dalmatian came bounding up, awkwardly and eagerly, to greet her family member. Alice bent down to rub the dog’s ears. “Promise to be good while we’re gone, Maggie; don’t get into mischief, and don’t think you can sleep in my room while I’m not there. Be sure to take good care of Mom and Dad,” and Alice looked up at her brother. “Where are they, anyway?”
Eddie lifted an eyebrow. “In the kitchen with Aunt Catherine, I think.”
Alice stared at him. “You’re joking, right? Aunt Catherine? Why … come on, let’s go see,” and grabbing his hand, she led him off to the kitchen, with Maggie following close behind.