Dustin ! Nathan called out, panic in his tone.
I stopped in the living room, running a hand through my hair. Where was he ? He could’ve wandered off anywhere. My heart wouldn’t calm down until I found him. I had to find him.
Where did you leave him last ? Landon asked calmly, turning towards a guilty faced Tyler.
His room. He answered.
He could be anywhere. Max swore again under his breath, pacing the room.
It hasn’t been that long, he should still be in the building. Nathan thought aloud.
I tried hard to think of all the possibilities of where he could’ve ran off to, before a light bulb went off in my head.
Wasting no time, I quickly started walking towards the balcony door.
I pushed it open and my heart leaped in relief and joy at seeing a curled up Dustin on the floor.
I quickly ran towards him and bent down.
Dustin ! We all were looking everywhere for you and couldn’t find you ! I cried out, putting a hand on his back.
He suddenly looked up and my heart broke. His big blue eyes were wide and fresh with tears, his face red from crying.
I quickly pulled him onto my lap and hugged him protectively.
It’s okay, we’re all here for you. I’m here. I whispered, trying to calm him down.
I-I-I- He stuttered, sobbing at the same time.
Shh. I rubbed his back. Just wait for the tears to leave, then tell me. I whispered.
I quickly scooped him up in my arms and stood up, turning around. I abruptly stopped as I realized all four boys had been standing at the door and watching me.
Are you like a teen mom or something ? Max was the first to speak.
Nope, I’m just that good. I smirked back at him smugly, before pushing past them and getting back inside.
I hadn’t missed the look on Nathan’s face. Shock, admiration, and pride. Guess I was doing pretty okay at the whole girlfriend thing.
So, how about I make us both a cup of chocolate milk and we sit down and talk about what happened. I asked, pulling back slightly to face the kid.
He slowly nodded.
I gave him back a smile and made my way into the kitchen.
Alright, I’m just gonna sit you down right here so you can see how a professional makes chocolate milk. I said teasingly, placing him on the counter.
That caused a small giggle out of him, which was good.
I turned around and mentally face palmed. I had forgotten all about the drinks and chocolate milk I had prepared for my little ‘conference’.
I picked one up and sadly realized that they had all gone cold. Maybe I could warm them up… But those spoiled boys would want it fresh.
I stood there with a frown, before another light bulb went off in my head. Man, I am on a roll today.
I quickly dumped all the lattes and milk down the drain, silently apologizing and sending prayers to the children in Africa, before turning to get out all the essential ingredients to make eggnog.
Yeah that’s right, I was making eggnog. And this time I knew for a fact that I wouldn’t blow up the kitchen because it was a family recipe. Sort of. My grandmother had made it once, then promised to give me the recipe. But she always forgot to so I had stolen it from her. It was that good…
Okay, change of plans. I said, spinning around to face Dustin. I was surprised to see the whole gang strolling in now. I spared them a look, raising an eyebrow, before turning back to Dustin.
Like a pack of lost wolves…
You up for some eggnog ? I asked him with a grin.
Dustin’s face lit up and he nodded excitedly.
Okay, just give me ten minutes and I’ll have five cups of fresh eggnog. I smiled wickedly, turning to my little group of lost pups.
You mean six cups. Landon corrected.
No I mean five. Tyler doesn’t deserve any. I turned to smile evilly at my older brother as he shot me a glare.
They all ended up agreeing and so I turned to start my delicious creation.
Wait, are you sure you wanna do this ? Nathan asked, stepping into the kitchen and standing in front of me.
Yeah I’m sure. I spoke, looking at him oddly.
He leaned in a bit, causing my stomach to flip like a pancake. Remember what happened last time ? He whispered.
I jerked back, pulling an incredulous face. I’m not gonna blow up the kitchen ! I yelled, offended.
I know that princess. He spoke calmly, putting his hands up.
Landon snickered. Princess. He mimicked, before laughing full on. I spared him a glance, before snapping my eyes back to my silly doubtful boyfriend.
But I’d rather not want to clean up after your mess. Again. He spoke.
Look, I may not be as good as those kids on Master Chef Junior, but I can sure as hell make amazing eggnog. I defended myself. Even Tyler thinks it’s delicious, right ? I turned to my sibling for backup.
It’s the worst thing on the planet. He spat out. This was his way of getting back at me. What a child.
You know you love it ! I yelled, pointing at him.
Hey, calm down babe- Nathan started.
No ! I snapped. Stop saying that ! You act like I’m a volcano that’s gonna explode, stop it ! I’m sick of this. You don’t want my eggnog ? Fine, go sulk with Tyler about it, but I’m making that eggnog whether you like it or not. I finished my justice speech by crossing my arms and standing my ground.
There was a moment of silence as all the boys stared at me in fear, which only pissed me off further.
PMS. Max muttered quietly under his breath to the others, finding that as the only explanation.
I shot him an icy cold glare and his eyes widened as he realized I had heard him. Without another word, he quickly turned and bolted.
I really did feel like their master now.
Okay, you can make your eggnog. Nathan said quietly. But if you need any help… He trailed off.
Get. Out. I said through clenched teeth.
Landon took the risk of silently chuckling at my anger, but quickly stopped when my gaze snapped towards him.
Someone woke up on- Tyler started to mutter.