Way to go, Diana. I knew you couldn't keep a secret. What did I expect from someone with a mouth like a punctured balloon?" Delan grumbled, clearly trying to look intimidating but failing miserably.
"Excuse me? Who are you calling a punctured balloon?" Diana shot back, tilting her head like it was his fault he had no chill. "Maybe if your brain wasn't the size of a two-year-old's, your pranks wouldn't flop so hard."
"But… but this one worked!" Delan whined, his voice squeaky as if success had suddenly given him courage.
Diana leaned back in her chair, smirking.
"'This one worked,' huh? That's exactly what you sound like. Pathetic."
"You… you… Mom!!!" Delan shouted, pointing a trembling finger at her like she'd personally ruined his life.
Diana shrugged, casually. "What are you going to do? Mom can't save you from your own stupidity, sweetheart. Figure out how to get yourself out of this mess."
Delan's eyes darted to me, that classic please-save-me look plastered on his face.
"Sis…" he whimpered.
I didn't even look up from my pancakes. "Please. Wipe that smile off your face. It makes you look even uglier."
"Christabelle! Stop wasting time on your brother and eat your breakfast so we won't be late!" Mom's voice rang from the kitchen, full of authority… and just enough irritation to keep us all in check.
"I wasn't planning to, and I never will," I muttered, picking up my orange juice. "I don't waste time on hopeless idiots."
"Mom!!!" Delan whined, his pout threatening to break the world record for cutest tragedy.
(After 1 hour)
Mom finally emerged from the kitchen. "I finished packing your lunch. Delan, grab your bags from the kitchen. Diana, pack your food so you can eat in the car."
"Okay, Mom!" they chorused, running off like their lives depended on it.
Mom turned to me. "Belle, take your luggage to the car while I grab their school bags."
I grabbed my suitcase, dragging it across the floor. "Fine, fine."
(Outside)
We reached the car, and Mom got in. The engine roared to life.
"Mom! Who are you dropping off first? Us or Big Sis?" Delan asked, bouncing impatiently in his seat.
"Belle goes first so she won't be late. Then you two," Mom said, calm but firm.
I ignored the chatter and leaned back, closing my eyes. Let them squabble without me. I've got bigger battles to fight…