Laura is playing a board game with Mark when they're called down for dinner. She happily digs into the chicken and macaroni and cheese, her stomach grateful to finally be getting filled.
"Slow down Alexis. You'll give yourself a tummy ache."
Laura feels herself bristle at being called Alexis. She knows it's her niece's name, but the Alex nickname had started to feel proper. Alexis just feels too girly in her current state.
"Alex. Not Alexis."
"Either way. You still need to slow down."
Laura puts down her indignation and follows the instruction.
"Thank you. Also it's getting late. I'll take you home after dinner."
"But moooom, we're in the middle of a game. Can't she spend the night?"
"We'll have to call her parents and ask. That's if she wants to."
"I do. I'll call," Laura doesn't even stop to think before speaking. She realizes a moment later that means she's putting off going to the magic store until at least tomorrow.
"Ok. Do you remember the number or do you need me to type it?"
"I remember," Laura takes the phone and typed in her cellphone number. She let's it go to voicemail then pretend to talk to "her" daddy and get permission. She hangs up and returns the phone.