Bobby was relaxing in the living room when he heard the doorbell ring. He contemplated faking sleep so he wouldn't have to answer it, then he realised he was the only one home, so if it was something important, then he might get in trouble.
He hoisted himself off the couch and headed for the door, opening it and grinning in surprise at who was standing there.
"Well, aren't you going to invite us in then?" Octavian asked.
Bobby grabbed the girl in a hug, while stepping back from the door to allow Tav entrance.
"Hello Bobby!" Rebekah laughed.
"I found her lurking about at the school," Octavian told him. "She was dropping Jolie off with Jono. Ohooo, drama."
"How've you been?" Bobby asked, letting her go. "I've heard you've been touring. What, when, how...!"
Rebekah laughed again and followed the two boys into the kitchen. "It is a very long story, but first, I want to know all about you!"
"Oh you know," Bobby said, faking a blush. "Same old, same old. Julie should be home soon."
And the trio started yakking at once, catching up.
Julie and Annika
Julie, Annika and Olivia arrived at the door, kids in tow, and Julie unlocked it to let them in.
"Thanks again for letting Olivia mind the kids at your place," Julie was saying to Annika.
"Eh, it's perfectly fine," Annika replied. "Besides, Brett likes to play with yours, so it's all good."
"But you're busy too," Julie pointed out as they entered the lounge room.
Bobby and Rebekah
"Julie! Look who we found!" Bobby called from the kitchen.
Rebekah laughed. "Is it so exciting?"
"Yes!" Octavian and Bobby chorused.
Julie
"Bek!" Julie exclaimed.
She bounded over to give her a hug.
"Hey, long time no see! How's things?"
Rebekah and Bobby
"Good, really good," Rebekah said, hugging Julie back. "And how are you?"
Bobby threw his arm around Octavian and grinned broadly. "It feels like old times."
"Indeed!" Octavian agreed.
Julie and Annika
"Oh good, good. Busy, but good," Julie replied. "Oh this is my business partner Annika."
Annika gave a nod.
"And our nanny, Olivia. Olivia's is a lifesaver."
Olivia smiled.
Rebekah and Bobby
"Rebekah's a real life popstar now," Octavian said, nodding proudly. "And so in love with me."
"Dream on, Tav," Bobby laughed. "It's me she loves."
"It's neither of you!" Rebekah protested, but she was laughing. "Very nice to meet you both."
Julie and Annika
"That's awesome," Julie said.
"Anyway, I should get going," Annika said. "See you tomorrow, Julie. It was nice meeting you."
"See ya. Thanks again," Julie replied.
"No problem," Annika replied.
She adjusted Brett on her hip and left.
Bobby and Rebekah
"So, I'm thinking, mega awesome fun party tonight? Like old times!" Bobby nodded, bouncing slightly. "And you can meet my rad friends from Uni, they are the raddest."
"They are pretty rad," Octavian agreed, mimicking Bobby, but smiling while doing so.
"That sounds like fun!" Rebekah said. "Julie?"
Julie
"I'd love to say yes, but I've already been out all morning," Julie replied, visible disappointment on her face. "I'd better stay home with the kids."
Darn it! It would be all so much fun and... meh.
Bobby and Rebekah
"Oh what a shame," Octavian said. "Well, where shall we head for this night of debauchery?"
Bobby laughed. "We could start at Gab and Shayne's place. They room on campus together. Then head over to Lennon's after a bit."
Rebekah nodded. "Are you sure you cannot come, Julie?"
Julie
Julie's eyes narrowed slightly in Octavian's direction.
"No, it's probably best I stay here," she replied. "Thanks anyway."
Rebekah and Bobby
"I cannot believe you're leaving me alone with these two!" Rebekah joked.
"Oh, you love us!" Octavian protested. "Anyway, shall we leave Julie so that she can tend to those kids?"
"We should get out of your hair," Rebekah told her. "Give you some peace and quiet."
"Yeah," Bobby nodded. "I'll be back late, probably."
Julie
"Okay," Julie replied. "Enjoy yourselves. I know I will. I have four kids learning to speak and their favourites words are 'mama' and 'dada'."
She cocked her head at Octavian and added with an inadvertant overtone of viciousness:
"Tinga's particularily articulate."
Bobby and Rebekah
"Fascinating, darrrrling," Octavian said, already leaving the room. "Come on, I'll drive us."
"Not in my car, you won't, you dirty Brit," Bobby called after him.
"Oh please, I was driving before you were walking!" he called back.
"I'll drive," Rebekah offered. "Bye Julie."
"No, we can't have the dirty Frog drive!" Octavian's voice came from down the hall, and Bek ran after him, ready to defend herself.
Bobby looked at Julie and before he could hear whatever she was going to say, he sighed and shrugged. "It's Tav. He's not going to change right now. I'll see you later."
Julie
Julie waved good bye and refrained herself from slamming the door after them.
Bastard.