"Vivian, you know I can't help you with that stuff," I mumbled, digging into the laundry basket and pulling out the final white items.
"But Mae, this is important! I don't know how to make the mixture bubble!" Vivian whined from her perch atop the washing machine.
Michael could be heard from his room screaming at whatever video game he was playing. Lexi and Ryan were on the floor in the hallway, talking about the latest craft they made in school today.
This is a normal day for the Elsanor family. Me, running around the house and caring for my siblings and fighting crime in the city of Detroit, Vivian coming home from high school, helping me for a little bit before needing to start on her homework. Michael goes to middle school before coming home and ignoring everyone to play a new game. I dropped Lexi and Ryan off at Preschool before going into work, and then I pick them up before dinner.
It was simple, and perfect for us, although it was kind of hard. I was expected home for the night, although I could always be called in randomly to my job as a cop. In that case I have to have Vivian put everyone to bed and take care of the house until I'm done. She's the best sister one could ask for, until it comes to helping her with science homework.
"Mae, what would you suggest I do?" Vivian hopped down and followed me to the kitchen, stepping over the twins as we continued.
"Maybe look up some of those old Crash Course videos? They've got pretty much everything," I suggested, placing the laundry basket of darks on the couch before moving on to check on dinner. Spaghetti, our favorite (and the cheapest).
"But they're so old!" She groaned.
"Only 20 years old," I commented, stirring the noodles.
"Yeah! Ancient!" Vivian complained, stirring the meat up.
I laughed, "Only 6 years older than you? You must be ancient too!" I tickled her and she shrieked, throwing the spoon in the air. We both laughed, cleaning up what mess we just made. Lexi and Ryan walked in, still babbling.
"But I want the crackers," Ryan mumbled, crawling into one of the chairs we got for them.
"I will kill you," Lexi monotoned, holding her bowl of animal crackers in front of her.
Vivian and I swung around, "Whoa! Hold up girl!" I turned and picked her up, placing her in the chair, "We can't just kill people! I would have to arrest you, right?"
Lexi's face stayed straight, "But he wants to steal my cookies. They're my cookies."
"It's still not nice to hurt people," I said, going back over to the stove where the noodles were about to boil over.
"Fine," Lexi grumbled.
I looked to see her glaring at Ryan with her arms crossed, chewing on a cracker. I chuckled, taking a noodle and throwing it against the wall. It stuck, and I peeled it off and threw it away. I pulled the noodles off the stove as Vivian gently pulled the meat mixture off as well. "Go get Michael please," I said, dipping bowls for everyone.
"Yes ma'am," Vivian said, skipping out of the kitchen. I set two bowls in front of the twins, the steam rolling up to cloud them from my vision temporarily as I brought the bowls for Michael and Vivian to the table. My bowl was at the table by the time the older two came in. We all began eating, laughing at Michael's jokes and Lexi's comments.
I had just finished my bowl of spaghetti when the doorbell rang. I sighed, standing up and going to answer it. I hoped it wasn't anyone important, our house was a mess. Living in the slums of Detroit wasn't the best thing for someone to do but it was all I could afford.
I opened the door to reveal an android with dark brown hair. He was a few inches taller than me, and wore an android version of the Detroit Police Uniform. A blue LED blinked on his right side of his forehead. I blinked, catching myself staring.
"Hello, how can I help you?" I asked, leaning against the door frame.
"Ms. Elsanor, I need you come with me please. I have been assigned to find Lieutenant Anderson but I cannot currently find him," His voice was level, and he didn't even seem to blink when he told me this. A blast of cool air came from outside and I shivered. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to protect my body.
"Yeah, sure. Gimme a few minutes to change," I began to walk away, "You can come in, sorry the house is a mess."
I poked my head into the kitchen, only to be met with the sad faces of my siblings. I sighed, "I'm sorry guys. Vivian, you know how to clean up?"
"Yes ma'am," Vivian mumbled, taking a bite of spaghetti. A strand of pink hair fell over her shoulder and I leaned forward to push it back.
"I'll be back to take you guys to school, okay?" I asked, going back into the doorway. I noticed it wasn't as cold, the android must have come in.
"Yes ma'am," The kids all said, eating still. I smiled, kissing all of them on the top of their heads and then leaving. I needed to change.
I walked into my room, shutting the door and digging through my dresser. I pulled out a pair of black pants and my Detroit Police hoodie. Sneakers were slipped on and I walked back out into the living room, grabbing my purse. "I love you guys!" I shouted over my shoulder as I waved for the android to follow me.
"Love you too!" The kids shouted as I left. I sighed, turning back around and locking the door before the android and I walked to my car.
"So, you know my name but I don't know yours. What is it?" I asked, climbing into my car.
"It's Connor."