Fourteen
A/N: here the fun begins. I ran out of ideas for what to write about for this but there is mayhem as can only be expected from a day out.
The Elm Tree house kids got out the van and stood and waited for the instructions from Mike. "Ok. You have two hours to go and explore on your own and we will meet at the play park in two hours. You have to go around in groups of three or more. Liam, Frank – no burger diving or theft please, Elektra keep an eye on the younger ones if possible and don't get them into trouble. Summer, Tyler and Rick you three aren't going anywhere without an adult," Mike told everyone.
"That's not fair," Tyler complained.
"And I'm already classed as an adult," Summer moaned pointing out the fact that 16 and over were classed as adults at the zoo.
"Summer, Tyler stop complaining. Last time you went to a zoo you almost got yourselves arrested," Mike shouted while all the others were trying not to laugh at the misfortune that was facing the three kids.
Summer pouted and Liam patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry sweetie I'll tell you all about the penguins and how they want to be rescued," he teased her. Summer glared at him and he ran off with Frank and Harry and Sapphire. Carmen, Tee and Lily ran off in the opposite direction while Elektra rounded up Johnny, Gus and Kitty and went off towards the giraffes with them. Rick, Tyler and Summer all looked up at the three adults watching them. They smiled innocently.
Mike turned to Gina and Tracy turning his back on the three. Gina and Tracy moved in closer to hear what he said so Tyler attempted to break for it but Rick and Summer both pounded down the path after him and caught him pushing him to the ground. "Ok Gina is going to stay here with the food and in case anyone needs an adult. Tyler you're going to go with Tracy round the park and Rick and Summer you're coming with me." Mike told them. They all opened their mouths to protest. "We are splitting Tyler and Rick up because you two would encourage each other to kidnap the monkeys again and we put Summer with Rick because you are closer in age. Tracy's going with Tyler because if he runs off like he just did she's quicker than me and will be able to catch him," Mike continued silencing the three trouble-makers. Tracy and Tyler headed towards the savannah area while Rick and Summer psyched themselves up for running after the younger kids when trouble occurs. They walked down the path and got to the penguins. Summer immediately smiled brightly and ran over to the glass to watch them swim like she was seven again. Rick leaned against the glass next to her. He smiled at her while Mike bit his lip.
"They still amaze you then," Rick whispered in her ear. She giggled and nodded.
"I still think they are cute," Summer replied as Mike coughed. "Don't worry Mike, I'm not going to let them go. They have more room to swim than the penguins last time I went to a zoo." She told him causing him to relax a little.
"What's with your obsession over penguins?" Mike asked. Summer turned to look at him.
"They were Ophelia and Jamie's (A/N: Summer's brother and sister who drowned) favourite animals and I just think they are cute. Whenever I see them I think of those two and I feel happy inside," Summer replied.
Mike looked at her. He smiled. "I understand now," he replied. Rick put a comforting hand on Summer's shoulder as she rubbed her eyes gently. Mike got a call on his mobile.
"Mike!" Rick and Summer could hear Gina's voice through the phone as Mike was holding it slightly away from his ear. "Liam and Frank are planning to burger-dive. Sapph rang to tell me they started planning it," Gina shouted. Rick and Summer rolled their eyes.
"you ready to leave the penguins?" Rick asked. Summer shook her head.
"No but I don't have much of a choice," Summer replied as they started running after Mike.
While Rick, Summer and Mike were running around trying to find Liam, Frank, Sapphire and Harry; Tracy wasn't having much better luck with Tyler. Tyler was trying to unlock the gate at the elephant enclosure. "Tyler let go!" Tracy shouted pulling Tyler off the padlock. She finally managed to get him off the padlock and she managed to drag him all the way back to Gina who was pacing up and down. Tracy sat him down on the bench and turned to Gina. "What's happened?"
"Liam and Frank. Burger-diving again," Gina said irritated as Rick, Summer, Frank, Liam, Harry, Sapphire and Mike came around the corner. "Sit boys," Gina told Liam and Frank. Rick, Summer, Harry and Sapphire sat on the rock next to them. "All three of you are grounded," Gina continued. "For a week for your inappropriate behaviour."
Mike turned to the other four. "Go and look around the zoo you four. I'll give you two the benefit of the doubt to behave. But be back here in forty five minutes." Summer, Harry, Sapphire and Rick got up and walked off.