Page 46 of Maggie

“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.”

The third wall was a haphazard tunnel of black and white tiles made to look like Alice was falling down the rabbit hole, with a falling Alice accompanied by miscellaneous items such as a teapot, a watch, the white rabbit, a top hat, and cards, all caught in the gravity of the tunnel.

“This is amazing,” Maggie said. “Wylder, you are unbelievably talented.”

“Thank you,” he said.

“Let me know if I might convince you to design our next album cover.”

Wylder laughed like Maggie was joking, but she meant it..

Kelsey had posters of different bands and movies displayed along the plain wall. One of the posters above her bed was Lovely Oblivion’s.

“Want me to sign that poster?” Maggie asked.

“Yeah!” Kelsey jumped off the bed and ran to the desk. She found a sharpie and took it to Maggie.

Maggie slipped off her sneakers and climbed onto Kelsey’s bed. She stood on the bed and autographed the poster where it was posted on the wall.

“Can I call you Aunt Maggie?” Kelsey asked.

Maggie smiled. “Sure.”

When Maggie went to climb off the bed, Wylder stepped forward. He wrapped his arm around her upper legs and lifted her off the bed. He slid her down his body until her feet touched the floor. He didn’t let go and pulled her close. He kissed her.

When he finished, he said, “Hi,” against her lips.

“Hi,” she answered.

“Ewww, guys, stop it,” Kelsey screeched and covered her eyes with her hands.

Wylder laughed and stepped away from Maggie. “Sorry,” he said. “My bad.”

Aubrey shouted up the stairs. “Dinner’s ready!”

Maggie slid her shoes back onto her feet, and they all headed downstairs to Sunday dinner.

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