Dinner

Aiden: heyo we're done with the historical site & addie found a spot for dinner

Aiden: we'll meet u at the toy store in 15 ヾ(＠⌒▽⌒＠)ﾉ

You: okie, sounds good!

Elise chuckles before turning off her phone and sliding it into her pocket. "Hey, guys," she calls to Kathryn and Ethan, who are enjoying themselves at the giant stuffed animal display. "We're meeting the others soon; if there's anything you wanna buy, we should get in line now."

"I want the tiger!" Kathryn declares, pointedly hugging the striped cat that's so large, it's almost half as tall as she is.

"Do you have enough money in your allowance?" Elise asks. Given the size of the toy, it's probably no, and Kathryn's expression confirms the realization. She pouts.

"Ack, fine." Elise pushes a hand through her hair, sighing. "I'll pay for you. Ethan, is there anything you want?"

He shyly peeks out from behind the sea-green turtle he's holding. "Um… it's okay. I don't have enough money, either. I don't have to get anything."

Elise shoots a look at Kathryn, a 'why can't you be like this' type of stare. But to Ethan, she says, "You like the turtle, don't you? My treat."

"But, I can't let you—"

She grins. "Don't worry about it; I'm already getting Kathryn what she wants. Come on, now, let's get in line."

She herds them toward the cashier, toys in tow. By the time they finish up with the purchases, Adelaide and Aiden are already waiting outside.

"Nice animals!" Adelaide smiles, seeing the toys the younger ones are still hugging.

"Yeah," Aiden agrees. "But Ethan, how'd you get the turtle? Mom didn't give you enough money for that, did she?"

"Elise got it for me!"

Aiden frowns. "Elise, weren't you planning on saving for—"

"It's not a big deal. What's a few more hours at the bookstore?" she shrugs, referring to the job she has working there back home.

"But—"

"Really, it's fine. Don't worry about it." She smiles.

"Okay. Well, Ethan, you at least said 'Thank you,' didn't you?"

"Yep! Thanks, Elise!"

"No problem, buddy. Enjoy your turtle. Anyway, we're getting dinner now, right?"

"Mhm, I found a casual sit down restaurant near here," Adelaide says, but frowns at the stuffed animals. "Do you guys wanna bring your new toys in, though? You'd have to carry them there and I don't know if you'd have enough space. And you probably wouldn't want to get food on them."

"I can take them back to the car," Aiden says, reaching into his pocket to grab the keys.

"Nah, I'll do it," Adelaide volunteers. "I should be getting more exercise. Kathy, Ethan, you guys wanna come with me?"

They clamor in agreement, but Elise frowns at Adelaide and mouths 'What?' When did Adelaide ever care about exercise? But she just grins back. "Can you pass me the keys?" she asks Aiden.

He assents, tossing them to her.

"Okay, you guys stay here, and we'll meet you back here in no time to head to dinner."

Before Elise can say anything else, Adelaide has rushed away with the kids behind her, shouting about turtles and tigers and who knows what else.