The cacophony inside JC's new home was so loud, she was almost taken aback as she opened the door. Inside, two much younger children, not even school-aged, were literally racing through the hall and giggling like crazy, while an embattled woman chased after them.
"Ethan! Emily! Get back here this instant, you two!"
Aaaand those must be my little twin brother and sister, the newest Calloway thought to herself. Four kids...yeesh. Of course, JC hadn't known Ashley had younger siblings; Ashley hadn't exactly been best friends with Jon, so --
No, she thought. I'm not doing this to myself again. No more 'Jon did this,' or 'Jon did that.' It's too confusing. I'm Jay-Cee now. Jennifer Leigh Calloway. 'Jenny' to my sister Ashley, and probably to the little ones too. Ms. Callo -- I mean, Mom...I wonder what she calls me?
"Jennifer, will you please help me with these little terrors? Your brother and sister have been wound up like this all day, and I have got to get started on supper!"
Makes sense, JC reasoned. But I hope dad's a little more casual...
"Sure thing, mom!" she called into the house in Mrs. Calloway's general direction. "Just let me put my stuff away, and I'll be right there." Even though I don't know the first thing about little kids...it'll be fine, surely. I was able to handle that basketball well enough, I guess.
An educated guess sent JC up the stairs, where she luckily didn't have much trouble locating her room -- Ashley's door was covered in basketball stuff, and the twins had their initials in bright pastels stenciled on theirs. By process of elimination, she turned the doorknob and braced herself for her new room...
