I wasn’t quite sure what to say or do. It wasn’t like I was totally averse to kids, but I hadn’t had to spend much time around them.
Mini people, only louder and messier… Great.
“Um… Hi,” I murmured. I figured that actually speaking to them would be nicer than being stared at all day, but I guessed the kid didn’t agree.
He held a finger up to his lips, his eyes darting toward the door before landing on me again as he shushed me. “Shh! Tia Qwinny told us not to disturb you! You’re not disturbed, are you?” he questioned with wide eyes.
The little girl nodded quickly. “Yeah, be sure you’re not disturbed!”
I couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. “No, you didn’t disturb me. I’m not disturbed.”
As long as you don’t count waking me up.
“Good.” He smiled a little, shuffling forward, and the little girl followed right after him.
“What’s your name?” she asked. Her hair was twisted into braids, with beads at the end that brushed her shoulders as she tilted her head. The two kids shared Quinn’s rich mahogany skin tone.
“I’m Jasper,” I told them as I grabbed another pillow to prop my head up.
“Why do you talk like that?” The boy frowned. “Are you a robot? You sound like one.”
A burst of laughter sputtered out of me before I could stop it, startling the kids, who jumped back a little and stared at me the way someone would stare at an unfamiliar animal out in the wild. Given the situation, that was exactly what I was at the moment.
“No, I’m not a robot.” I continued chuckling. “I have a disability.”
The kids frowned, eyeing each other and shrugging after a few moments before looking at me again. I thought for a moment before deciding on a different way to word it. “Some parts of my body don’t work properly. It makes it hard for me to walk and talk.”
“Oh.” The boy nodded, satisfied with my new answer.
I guessed they didn’t have any more questions because they grew quiet and started staring at me again.
I raised my brows. “If you don’t mind me asking, where’s Quinn?”
The little girl leaned forward and cupped her little hands around her mouth. “Tia Quinn’s in the kitchen breaking up with Mr. Marlon!”
“Who’s that?”
“Her boyfriend.”
“Really?”
“Uh-huh… Well… Not anymore, I guess,” the little boy whispered.
I grinned at the two of them. Their innocent and blunt honesty was surprisingly refreshing. Just a few minutes ago, I wanted nothing more than for them to leave so I could be at peace again, but now, I couldn’t say I felt the same way. It was apparently very nice being around mini people. They were much less complicated than adults.
Just as I opened my mouth to ask more questions about ‘Tia Quinn’ and this boyfriend of hers, the basement door swung open, causing all three of us to jump. Quinn came marching down the stairs a few seconds later, her features tight with anger as she crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at the children. “Jamal and Janiyah, what did I tell you two about coming in here? Wejusthad this conversation!”
Their heads dropped, shoulders slumping as identical pouts formed on their faces. “Sorry, Tia Qwinny.”
“Mm hm.” She sent them a disbelieving look before pointing to the stairs. “Upstairs, now. Your food is ready.”
“Yes, Tia!” the two of them echoed as they scurried past her. The little girl—Janiyah—stopped in the doorway to send me a small wave before disappearing up the steps.
Quinn walked further into the room and sent me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry about that. This space doubles as a storage and playroom. I told them not to dist—”
“I wasn’t disturbed,” I murmured, amused. I was sure the kids would be happy to hear me say it.
She nodded, her eyes scanning me briefly before landing back on my face. “How did you sleep?”
