Beth and D...(Part 2)

12.20 and still no sign of Beth.

As I got my keys and prepared to cross the street to reclaim my runaway girl, there came a knock at the door.

2 little faces peered through the plexiglass panel.

Beth and D.

"I was just wondering..." began D hesitantly, "Can Bethany stay over for lunch and then I'll take her back here after lunch?"

A plethora of possible responses went through my mind as I considered her question. Beth beamed hopefully at me.

Do you have your Mum's permission to do this?
Are you sure it won't be too much trouble?
What are you having for lunch?
Why can't Beth eat at home?
How about I send Beth over after she has her lunch?

I explained that Beth could eat at home first and I would send her over afterwards, but for some reason D couldn't understand what I was saying, and went on again about Beth having lunch at her place and she would bring her back later.

I gave up and said, "As long as it's ok with your Mum."

Beth grabbed D's hand with glee and away they flew across the street.

Barely 30 mins later, another knock on the door.

Just D, and barefoot too. Where was Beth?

"We're watching a video...Beth wants to watch too. Can she stay and we'll bring her back after the video? If it's nighttime we'll pause the video..." she grinned.

"Nighttime? How long is your video?" I asked incredulously. "Just bring her back after you finish watching ok?"

And off she ran in her bare feet (how can anyone run on the tarmac sans shoes on a hot summer's day?).