"I think you should let me do the talking," Mark interjected.
"I agree with your brother," I said. "Whenever you need to withhold information, or even give false information, like in this case, you should always say as little as possible. Keep things simple. That way it doesn't feel so much like a lie as just keeping quiet."
"We'd better go now," Mark reluctantly put the kitten on the floor. It stumbled a few steps, but gained its balance, and limped across to Rebecca, who leaned down to stroke it. "Mum will be home in about thirty minutes, and it's my turn to make supper."
Rebecca looked up suddenly, grinning widely. "Something to look forward to," she teased.
"Just because you've now got a taste for the red stuff, doesn't mean you should mock my broccoli cheese bake." Mark pretended to be indignant. Rebecca chuckled, and stood up. I stayed where I was, watching their easy interaction.
"What about tomorrow?" Mark asked. "Should we come here after school?"
I nodded. "Both of you, please. We don't want to give the neighbours cause for concern."
Mark seemed to think that was hilarious and launched into a long loud baying laugh, clutching his abdomen, and tears streaming down his face. I wondered if all the excitement of the afternoon was catching up with him, and he was becoming hysterical. Then he spluttered, "If only they knew!" He was still giggling as he crossed the road with his sister. I smiled. Nice kids. Brave. But very vulnerable too. That worried me.
Rebecca
I knew Mark was going to make trouble for me as soon as we got in the house and he started making loud smacking noises with his lips.
"Smooching a vampire! Woohoo!" he ducked away from my attempted swipe, grinning.
"Mark! Someone might hear you!"
"There's nobody home yet, Bex." More kissing noises. Brothers!
"Seriously, Sis, it might be a good idea for you to go on the pill or something. Angus didn't look like he was going to stop, and I seriously thought he was going to kill me when I interrupted you two."
"I'm considering killing you myself, you irritating little…" My voice tapered off. Someone was turning a key in the front door. "If you're not careful, I will bite you," I hissed at him, showing my teeth. He giggled again, and ran up the stairs.
"Hello, baby! How are you feeling" Mum sounded slightly breathless.