Page 10 of Taking The Shot

“You’ve mentioned that.”

“Like really weird…”

“I’ve heard that before.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m comfortable in who I am – and some people don’t like it. That’s okay because I’m still me, and I happen to like myself.”

“I don’t like you.”

“I’m still okay with that.”

“Are you bribing me to talk to my mom?”

“Is it working?” he chuckled, marveling at Paige’s wit and deciding it would be best to have a direct approach like she was tossing at him.

“We’ll see,” Paige said begrudgingly and took a seat on the opposite end of the couch, picking up the other pony and starting to open it.

“Kayla,” he whispered to the little girl who was looking between him, the purple pony with a sparkly mane, and at her sister, who was opening the other orangish-yellow colored toy. “Are you excited?”

“Yes.”

“Do you like ponies?”

“I wike ponies…”

“Me too – even if I’ve never played with them,” he smirked and finally freed the object from the packaging. “Here you go,” he offered, handing it over and began to remove the hairbrush and whatever little knickknacks it came with before glancing at Paige. “Need any help?”

“From you – no.”

“Paige!” Kayla shrieked happily, holding up the purple pony and shaking it before saying something in a rush of gibberish. “Igotmeaprincesstwilightsparklepony and ish nota dainbowdashie….”

“I know it not,” Paige sighed and tossed Keith a withering glance. “You were reading the back of the boxes and didn’t buy a Rainbow Dash pony. That’s Twilight Sparkle.”

“Oh, um, I had no idea. Should I get a Rainbow Dash one instead? Should I take it back to the store?” he asked nervously and saw Kayla jerk the pony away, twisting away from him almost in betrayal as Paige grinned evilly.

Oh, you little turd…he marveled in disbelief. Paige played him to get her sister away, making him the bad guy.Fine, two can play this game…

“Constance,” Keith called out, staring down Paige almost in a confrontational manner as he got his cell phone out of his pocket. “What’s your zip code again?”

“75203… why?” Constance said easily, setting two plates on the small table in the distance. “Is something wrong?”

“Nope,” he replied, letting the ‘p’ pop audibly as he put several ponies in the cart on Amazon. “Rainbow Dash… check. What about Pinky Pie?”

“Ohhh yesss,” Kayla gushed happily. “I wuv Pinky Pie pink pony…”

“Uh-huh. You hear that, Paige? Your sister likes Twilight Sparkle – and Pinky Pie. Which one do you like?”

The girl’s eyes glittered as her mouth pressed in a deep frown of understanding, and Keith could practically see the wheels spinning as she tried to think of something to toss in his direction to shut him down.

Bring it, kid… two can play this game.

“I like the Friendship Castle,” Paige said carefully, “But Mommy says that it’s for special holidays like Christmas or…”

“Or meeting a new friend,” Keith interrupted, clicking purchase on his phone. “It will be here tomorrow evening.” Paige’s mouth dropped open. The two siblings looked at each other in shock, before the girl frowned even deeper… glaring at him.

“You’re lying.”

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