Chapter 277
Epilogue: Siblings
Years passed, and it certainly had been a challenge to raise two young children who only had a year in age difference.
Elizabeth and James were demanding in their own ways, but as they grew, things eased up. Instead of competing for their mother’s attention, they would team up to play tricks on the adults or have fun in the big backyard.
Samantha and Eric loved seeing their grandchildren run and laugh throughout the garden, fully enjoying the play area, the treehouse, the pool, and the greenhouses.
One of the siblings‘ favorite places was the treehouse with a slide that their dad built for them when they turned six and five years old. They also loved playing in Grandma Alexandra’s greenhouse because of the atmosphere in that place.
They enjoyed visits from their Aunt Caroline, who would bring their cousin Edward along. Being in a group of three meant having even more fun together.
It was a peaceful and perfect life for these siblings. But that happiness wavered a little when they were eight and seven years old.
The day was unfolding normally when a van pulled up in front of the house and out hopped a brunette boy. of eight and a blonde girl of seven. Both ran straight to the door the moment their feet touched the ground.
Hearing the hurried footsteps, the butler opened the door with a smile on his face.
“Welcome home, young masters,” he greeted as he watched them enter the house.
“We’re back!” James shouted happily as he came in.
“Hello, my dears,” Eric greeted them, looking up from the crossword puzzle he was working on in the living room.
“Hi, Grandpa,” Elizabeth ran over tkiss himss on the cheek.
“How was school?”
“Good,” the siblings answered in unison as they dropped their backpacks on the couch.
“That’s great, kids. By the way, it’s just us today. Your grandma went out to lunch with some friends.”
–“What about Mom and Dad?” James asked,
“They’re at work, but they’ll be back in time to take you to the party.”
“Yay!” James and Elizabeth said in unison, excited because it was Grandpa George’s birthday.
“Well, let’s go wash your hands for lunch, then it’s homework time.”
“Nooo,” they said, laughing.
“Come on, kids, remember the deal you made with your parents.”
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Chapter 277
#25 BONUS
“Oh, right,” James said.
“We’ll get good grades so we can have a puppy!” Elizabeth declared excitedly.
Eric laughed at his grandchildren’s enthusiasm and asked for lunch to be served. They sat down to eat while telling their grandpa about their day at school.
Later that afternoon, Deborah and Jayden arrived home.
“Welcome back,” the kids shouted, tackling them as soon as they came in.
“Whoa… hey,” Jayden greeted, looking a little tired, but that didn’t stop him from catching his kids and picking them up.
“Now the question is… are you happy to see us or because you get to go to the party? Deborah joked, laughing as she received a kiss on the cheek from each of her children.
“Both,” the siblings said in unison.
“Well, let us change so we can get ready for the party,” Jayden said as he put them down and stretched.
“You two go get changed too.”
“Mom, can I wear my new dress?”
“Of course, and remember, Grandma left some accessories in that box to match your dress,” she reminded her little girl.
“Yes!” she said, running to her room.
“Mom, can I bring my console?” James asked.
“No, honey, remember what happened last time,” Jayden said.
“Oh… right,” James said, making a face.
“James, don’t be sad. Remember, Grandpa promised there’d be piñatas for you to play with,” Deborah
said.
“That’s right. Then I’ll wear my pants with lots of pockets,” James said happily, running off to his room to get ready like his sister.
“You reacted quickly, love,” Jayden commented.
“Yeah, because I know how things would end if he brought it. The last time, he was having so much fun with the others and forgot about the console which got damaged. If he does the same thing this time, it could fall, break, or get spilled on,” Deborah said as they walked to their bedroom.
“True, I didn’t like seeing him upset then, Jayden said, letting out a sigh
“Well, let’s get changed, or they’ll beat us to it,” Deborah said as they entered their room together.
After a few minutes, the family was ready. They got into their family SUV, and the four headed to the party hall where George Peterson’s 55th birthday celebration would be held.