Amazingly things remained quiet at the Turner home, despite the fact four 6 year old girls now occupied the house. Jason was surprisingly okay with what occurred, going so far as to buy the girls Christmas gifts and shoes. The girls happily went about the holidays, with Lynne begrudgingly made their babysitter.
“Mom,” Lynne whined. “Do I really have to babysit?”
Lisa frowned as she glared at her future daughter. “This is your mess,” she stated. “You made them kids. You watch them, or I use your sisters ring....and you join them.”
Lynne frowned as Lisa held up Gloria’s Ring of Age. After being accidentally deaged to 6 Lisa and the others decided it would be best to hold onto the ring until Gloria returned to normal. A 6 year old with age changing and reality warping powers could have proved very chaotic. As a result Lynne now begrudgingly found herself a live in babysitter. Her week had consisted of taking the girls to see Santa, taking them to tree lightings and other holiday events the kids would enjoy. Although outwardly she complained, deep down she was enjoying herself. “Ugh fine mom,” she groaned as she trudged over to where the girls sat.
Ann, Jackie, Stephanie, and Gloria were greatly enjoying themselves. While childish impulses raced through their minds they still maintained there adult memories. The girls were able to talk things over about their situation as well as what was going on in their respective lives. It was during this time (in between off key renditions of their favorite Christmas songs) that Jackie and Ann told Gloria about their budding relationship.
“Wait,” Gloria exclaimed. “You guys are together!?!!”
Ann and Jackie blushed as they held hands. Although the loss of age and maturity had altered the relationship the two girls still cared about each other. Now though the love seemed confusing to the two young girls.
“Well sort of,” Ann blushed. “I like her, like, like her like her. But we can’t be together because our mommies wouldn’t let us.”
“Ann focus,” Jackie smirked. “Your talking like a silly head again.”
Ann sighed as she shook her head. “Sorry,” she apologized. “It’s just anytime I try to talk about adult things it comes out so childish. I remember being an adult, I even think like adult, but I have little kid instincts and actions. It’s really frus...frusta...Ugh it’s really hard.”
Gloria nodded, she could understand. Since becoming a 6 year old temporarily her thoughts were jumbled as well. She would find herself talking with Lisa about things she usually would only to begin singing Christmas carols like a happy 6 year old a moment later. “Know the feeling,” she grumbled. “I seem to go back and forth between being a kid and being myself over the last few days. Still Aunt Ann, you should talk with mommy...I mean Lisa.”
While Ann, Jackie, and Gloria discussed the best way to talk with Lisa, Stephanie was happily singing to some Christmas music playing through the house. This had perhaps been the happiest she had been in years, maybe decades. Stephanie’s childhood had been profoundly lonely when she was young, her parents were distant, she hadn’t had a lot of friends and the only person she could of relied on was her nanny. Over the last few days she had discovered what a truely loving family Ann had. Lisa and Jason were perfect parents, they had rules but the love they had for family was undeniable. Glancing into the kitchen she could see Lisa, Jason, and Lisa’s parents happily talking while the girls played. Smiling she skipped over to where they sat, embracing Lisa in a tight hug.
“Whoa what’s up Stephanie,” Lisa asked, somewhat surprised by the girls actions.
“Just wanted to thank you Ms. Lisa,” she grinned. “You have no idea how much I appreciate what you and your family have done for me this week.”
Lisa smiled as she tossed the young girls ebony locks. “Hey don’t mention it Steph,” she smiled. “I should be apologizing to you. Pretty sure you didn’t intend on being 6 for a week.”
Stephanie paused grinning up at the woman. While the idea of reliving her childhood would of been a nightmare a week ago, living in this home had proved to be a wonderful experience. “You shouldn’t have to say sorry,” she sighed. “This has been the bestest week ever. I haven’t enjoyed Christmas like this in so many years.”
“Happy to help,” Lisa smiled. “And by the way you have been an absolute pleasure. Your just the sweetest kid, hope this doesn’t scare you off from visiting again in the future.”
“No way,” she said. “I definitely plan on coming back soon.”
Lisa and Jason smiled as the girl now ran back to join her friends. “Glad Ann invited her,” she thought. “She does seem like a really nice person and she seems to love being a kid again.” Glancing at the clock she sighed. According to Lynne the powder would be wearing off by morning. The girls had perhaps another 12 hours as 6 year olds. By noon on Christmas the four would return to their original ages. As she fingered the ring, she wondered how many of them would want to stay like that or just be a kid for Christmas.
“Guess tomorrow will be interesting,” she whispered. “Until then I might as well enjoy a fun and relaxing Christmas Eve.”