“Come on, boys,” Victor says, walking unannounced into my kitchen the next day. Note to self, I think, narrowing my eyes. Get a deadbolt for the back door. “We’re taking the day off!”
Alvin and Ian throw their hands in the air, shouting with joy and excitement.
“No,” I say, my voice low. “Today is a school day. We have to go to school.”
The boys collectively moan, looking at me with pleading eyes. I glare at Victor, shaking my head, warning him not to push it. He looks at me, smirking, willing to play with fire.
“Nah, let’s skip it,” he says, and the boys cheer again. “Besides, you’ll be going to a new school soon – a better school. You can skip this one for just a little bit.”
The boys are almost hysterical now with excitement, jumping from their chairs and running to their dad.
