How to Teach My Niece a Lesson

JERICHO

"Mum, sit down." I grumbled, throwing my hands up in the universal symbol of hopelessness.

She giggled. It sounded so much like my giggle. She rested back on the settee and crossed her legs.

"You look gorgeous mum." I smiled at her.

She smiled back, "I know. Now get on with it" she waved her hand at me.

I rolled my eyes. Mum was a busy bee, her body always pulsing with energy. I was so much like her; active and vibrant. And that was what I was hoping I'd be able to capture in my painting. Her essence. Much more than her beauty. And she was a beauty. She always said she was too beautiful to settle for one man. I knew it was all a hoax. She loved my father dearly. When I was younger, I had never understood it, though I had never questioned it.

Why didn't I have one dad like all my friends? But I loved having two dads. It was twice the love. And twice the birthday gifts, I thought with a grin. As I picked up my brush, I heard the front door open. I groaned loud because I knew that there was no chance in hell of mum sitting still for this picture anymore. I could as well just trash the whole thing.

Mum shot me an apologetic grin even as she jumped out of her seat and dashed across the house. I followed at a more sedate pace, grumbling the entire way.

I rolled my eyes as mum jumped into dad's arm, kissing him full on the mouth, turned to my other dad and whispered something to him, causing both of them to laugh conspiratorially. I cleared my throat loudly.

"Lonely daughter here" I pouted.

"Hey there" Dad smiled at me. This one was Ethan III. I'd never met Ethan I or II.

"You ruined my painting" I accused.

"Which of us?" my father asked. This one was Grayson.

"Both of you."

"Maybe you should try finding a more motionless model. You know your mum can't stay at a place to save her life" Ethan kissed my forehead as he walked past me. I turned in time to see mum eye him appreciatively. Gross. I made a face, narrowing my eyes at her.