They both nodded, relief washing over their faces.
I ushered them into the house, closing the door firmly behind us. They were both quiet as I led them upstairs.
My chest was tight. Too tight. The feeling was familiar, almost overwhelming. I felt it in my bones. The pressure to be pretty on command. The way it made you feel like a doll instead of a person.
In the bathroom, I grabbed a fresh washcloth from the cabinet and ran it under warm water. Alice climbed up on the step stool. I turned her to face me, dabbing carefully at her cheek.
The makeup was water based. Thank fuck.
Doing my best to keep my voice normal, I said, “So after dinner, what do you think about watching a movie?”
“Yes, please!” Alice went to jump, nearly toppling off the stool.
That made me laugh softly. “Keep still, or you’ll fall off.” Two more wipes with the cloth and she was done. “Alright, Audrey. You’re up.”
Once Audrey was done, we headed to their bedroom to get changed into their pajamas. “You know what I think?”
“What?” They both looked up at me, faces makeup free and hopeful.
“I think we should have a cozy night. Like, the coziest.” I pulled out my phone. “Give me one second.”
I fired off a text to Maya:
SOS. Need you to bring my bunny onesie. The soft one. ASAP.
Her response came back almost immediately:
On it. Come to the gate in one minute.
“What are you doing?” Audrey asked, curiosity replacing the lingering unhappiness in her expression.
“Making tonight more fun.” I grinned at them. “How would you guys feel about having dinner in your onesies? Like, the full cozy experience?”
“Really?” Alice’s eyes went wide.
“Why not? It’s just us. We can be as comfy as we want.”
“YES!” They both scrambled for their drawers, pulling out their favorite suits. Audrey had a purple unicorn one, Alice a pink dinosaur.
While they were getting changed, I slipped out the back door and crossed to the fence. Maya was already there.
“You’re a lifesaver,” I said, taking my onesie from her.
“You owe me an explanation later.” She was grinning. “But whatever you’re doing over there, have fun.”
“Will do. Thanks, Maya.”
I returned to find both girls almost shaking with anticipation.
I changed in the bathroom, the soft fabric immediately making me feel better. When I emerged, both girls gasped.
“A bunny rabbit!” Audrey exclaimed, clearly impressed.
“You look so cute!” Alice ran over, rubbing her hand on my arm.
“Thank you! Okay, dinner time. Everyone to the table.”
Back downstairs, I served up the pot roast Cam had left, and we all settled around the kitchen table in our ridiculous getups.The girls were giggling now, completely transformed from the unhappy little things who’d arrived half an hour ago.
