I'm not a puppy! (age regression)

9. Getting a bit late

"Yeah you and sweet press are gonna have heart problems one day, and microwave meals are mostly balanced and taste pretty good, especially when moneys tight"
"I'm sure mom wouldn't be too pleased hearing that"
"Thats why she's never gonna hear it. And speaking of mom, i heard you're not answering her calls, she's getting worried about you Andy"
Tom said in a jokingly taunty way.
"I've been busy"
Andrew pointed his thumb at me and I frowned, Tom laughed.

"Still, if you don't let her know you're not dead she'll come barging in here in the middle of night. And that's never fun"
"So why don't you tell her I'm not dead"
"I have been, but my word is nothing to her... not since the vase"

Andrew sniggered. I tilted my head in confusion and ate another meatball, talking with my mouth full.
"What vase?"

Tom sighed.
"When I was... probably 17 I completely smashed this massive glass vase that our mom loved while her and dad were out of town. She claimed it was an irreplaceable relic. I replaced it with a cheap glass vase from IKEA-"
I actually laughed. Tom stopped his story and smiled, Andrew continued.

"Mom only found out a month ago, she went ballistic over being lied to for so long"
"And I am no longer trust worthy in her eyes... so you have to call her yourself"
"Fiiiine I'll do it tomorrow"
"Jamie-"
Tom looked at me seriously.
"You have to make sure Andrew actually calls her. Or she'll bust in here and I don't want you to have to see that"
"Alright"
I said, laughing a little. Andrew chuckled too.
"Not the best first impression I can imagine."

"Yeah, shes not too happy I'm the only one visiting as well"
"What has miss juggling 2 kids and a totally gonna happen business not been around"
Tom laughed.
"No according to mom, the market is wide this time of year and she's far too busy to make the trip"
"What market?
"Absolutely no clue"
I was a bit confused as to who they were talking about but I wanted to involve myself in conversation as little as possible.

"And how's dad?"
"He's fine, he's dad. Happy out"

We kept on eating, the brothers talked and I didn't really join in but they'd ask me questions, encouraging me to engage.
"So did you like the stuff I picked out Jamie?"
I nodded, simply saying
"Yeah, thanks again"
"No problem, good to know I have some style"

"Jamie you were reading that space book earlier, do you like that sort of thing?"
Andrew asked then took another bite of pasta. I didn't really know what to say. I wasn't reading per-say but the pictures were cool.
"Yeah..."

I think the expected me to elaborate. I did not, Tom tried to add.
"Like you're jumper there, I think dinosaurs and space are possibly the coolest combination"
I smiled, he was right. Dinosaurs are so cool and powerful and space is really pretty looking, it just makes sense that dinosaurs would hang out there! I was about to tell this all to Tom-

but I stopped what I was thinking. It sounded dumb and childish and I didnt want to think it. I stopped smiling and looked down at my plate.

I could feel Andrew sneakily squeezing my shoulder in a sign of comfort.

I finished my food first while the other two were nowhere close to being done, it annoyed me. I frowned.

I doubly frowned when I put my hand up to my face to scratch it and my face was covered in sauce. I must've looked ridiculous. Luckily my cool dinosaur jumper was fine.

I went to wipe my mouth with my sleeve then i realised that'd get sauce on my jumper and I didnt want it to be dirty. I let out an involuntary whine, not knowing what to do.
"Here bambi"
Andrew put a hand on my back and grabbed a tea towel off the counter, then handing it to me. I blushed at him calling me bambi in front of Tom.
"Wipe your face"