Phil and Lil ran into the kitchen quickly, avoiding their parents' gaze. Lil grabbed a banana while Phil, who was in such a hurry to get out of there and wasn't paying any attention whatsoever, poured orange juice into his hand.
"Gotta go," Lil said.
"Yep… Big math test in gym today," said Phil quickly. "P.E… study climbing… rope equations…"
Lil looked at her brother for a moment. They had planned it out so perfectly last night. Big test in math class today, was what he was supposed to say. Leaving early to study some equations. Phil didn't seem to notice his mistake, or he didn't seem to care. He just stood there, orange juice in hands, staring down at the ground. "Okay bye," said Lil, and the twins started to sprint towards the door.
"But it's a quarter 'til six," said their mom, looking at her watch. "The school doesn't even open for another hour."
"Like Phil said, loads of studying to do," Lil said.
"C'mon, take a seat. Eat some breakfast," ordered their mom. "Besides, your father and I want to talk to you about something."
The twins cautiously sat down, their eyes still low, and unwilling to look at their parents.
"This isn't another sex talk, is it?" Phil asked meekly.
"No, no," said their mom. "Unless, of course, there's something you don't understand?" Phil plopped his head down onto the table while Lil's face turned a bright shade of red. "We've realized that we've been focusing a lot on the new baby…"
"And not enough time on you," said their dad. Phil groaned.
"Now, as an apology, we've decided to let you watch Attack of the Brain-Eating Clown III." Phil lifted his head up from the table, and they both looked at their parents in disbelief, their embarrassment suddenly forgotten. "We talked it over with the other parents and, if you can behave responsibly, we'll allow you to watch the movie tonight during our weekly poker game."
"Really?" asked Phil. "Is this some kind of trick?"
"No," said their mom. "But, be warned, it was banned in six countries for a reason."
"That movie gave me the heebie-jeebies," their dad commented, visibly shaken.
"Wait… you're just gonna let us watch the movie," said Phil, "without parental supervision?"
"Oh, heavens no!" said their mom. "What kind of parents would we be if we let you watch that movie all alone? Tommy's Grandpa Lou will be here looking after you."
The twins turned to each other, smiling. Grandpa Pickles is probably the best babysitter, simply because he's so bad at it. He'll be out before the television even gets turned on!
"But we want you both to be responsible," their mother continued. "Your father and I are going to need some extra hands around the house once this baby comes. And, if you prove to us you can be responsible with these types of movies, we might even let you watch Attack of the Brain-Eating Clown IV."
"Curly's Revenge?" said Phil, eagerly. "Man, I heard that movie is the bloodiest with a total death count of a hundred and twelve!" Their mother smiled as Phil mimicked a chainsaw. Their father, however, was shivering, looking paler than usual.
As cool as their parents were being, Lil couldn't help but feel something off about this whole arrangement. She didn't want to question it but knew it would kill her if she didn't: "Why are you guys being so cool with all this?"
Their parents exchanged looks, before turning back to the twins. "You pups are growing up," said their mother simply. "It's time we treated you like it."
