The Photo: Chapter Three (part one)

  When I woke up the next morning I had a terrible headache. Whether it was from lack of sleep, or Ken’s obnoxious pig noises, I didn't know. The photo hadn't talked to me again since last night, but….I glanced at the photo, who knows what could happen in the days to come!

  I had quickly looked the other way when Mrs. M. asked about a missing photo. I couldn't give it back, I just couldn't! Especially since I have had that creepy conversation with it!

  Ken knocked on the door. “Mom left us a note. She went to the post office, and to run a couple of errands.” He said. I heard a few pieces of paper rustling. Ken started to read.

  “Dear Rose and Kenneth,” He started in a high-pitched voice. “Should I do the voice?” he asked.

  “That doesn't even resemble Mrs. Ranker’s voice.” I remarked.

  “Whatever,” was his typical teenage response, and he continued to read without the “voice”.

  “I have gone to run a few errands this morning. I should be back around lunchtime, but if I am not, you can fix lunch yourselves. Rose you are allowed to go to Madelyn’s if you would like. The leftover change from Mr. Connor’s shop is on the kitchen table. Kenneth, I would like you to clean the house.” Kenneth groaned, but continued reading. “We will be having company over tonight for supper, and I don’t want the house a mess when they get here. Both of you have a nice day! I’ll see you later. Signed Mrs. Ranker.” Ken finished. I could then hear Ken running down the stairs for breakfast. I opened my door and followed him.

  “What do we have for breakfast?” I asked.

  Ken opened the freezer. “What every kid in America wants for breakfast!” he grinned mischievously. Kenneth then pulled out a big bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. He took out a scoop from the dish drainer and helped himself to four gigantic scoops of ice cream.

  “Yeah, um, I am not going to be sick today, so I think I’ll pass.” I said. I pulled out an apple (that was not bruised by Ken) and started to eat it. Though my fun, and unreasonable side persuaded me to have one scoop of ice cream.

  After I was finished eating, I grabbed the money off of the kitchen table. “Bye Ken! I am going to Madelyn’s house. I will be back in time for lunch though.” I started to head out the door. “Oh wait. I forgot something.” I ran back upstairs and grabbed the photo off of my dresser. The blue-eyed baby smiled at me as I carried her downstairs and out the door.

  “Good luck with the house!” I smirked.

  Ken growled at me with indignation. He then disappeared when he went to go wash the dishes.

  I closed the door and skipped down the sidewalk towards Madelyn’s house. She always had yummy treats for me to taste, and even more to buy! Cookies, cheesecakes, scones, cupcakes, home-made ice cream, and her famous chocolate chip brownies! My mouth watered at the thought of them.

  I pulled out the photo and slowed down to a walk. I looked down on the baby’s smiling face. I rubbed my eyes, and looked back at it. The baby was moving! She laughed at something in the background, and the old lady walked into view. She handed the small child a brownie. I stopped walking and looked closer. The baby was no longer a small newborn as it had once been! Now she was a toddler! The old lady then handed her a dark chocolate chip covered brownie. She took it eagerly and took the chocolate chips off one by one. She then ate the brownie in three quick bites. Somehow the way she ate it felt familiar. Probably Mrs. Ranker had eaten it like that before.

  I started walking again and soon reached Madelyn’s house. I ordered two brownies, and left back for home.

  When I arrived at the house. I pulled open the door to a fresh, cleaned house. Ken was slumped down asleep on a chair. Funny, he looked so innocent, and not obnoxious when he was asleep and quiet. It was too unusual, so I threw a brownie at his face.

  “Oww!” Ken exclaimed. He reached for the brownie. “Oh. Thanks!” He said. He eagerly tore into the wax paper and bit into the brownie. “By the way,” he said with a mouthful of brownie. “Lunch is on the table.”

  I smiled at Ken. “Okay. Thanks.” I said, and headed into the kitchen. I grabbed a bowl of soup off of the table and took a sip from it. I let the warm liquid trickle down my throat. I quickly finished the soup, and then took a bite into my brownie. I closed my eyes as all of the tastes flooded my taste buds, it was really that good. It brought back memories of my childhood, even though I couldn't picture anything; I remembered warm soup on a cold day and a nice sweet once in a while, to give my taste buds a nice treat.

  After I ate, I went upstairs to go study the moving blue-eyed toddler.