"Next time I'm going to put some war paint on Riley's face."

[allhart]

Maya Penelope Hart

Comments

[allhart]

What? You do this every year, and I love you for trying every year.

And it kills me when you fail. Because every year its a surprise.

I just... Want you to see what you're up against.

[ofbelief]

I know what I'm up against, Maya. I always know what I'm against but I'm going to make it. I will make it because I can be just as good as any of them if I put my mind to it.

[allhart]

Okay sweetie, as long as you know.

I'm sure it will go better than last year.

*Well, Riley is less of a superklutz... So the chances are higher. That's something, right?*

[ofbelief]

It will. I've been practicing.

[And she sounds so absolutely delighted and sure, but she's still a superklutz.]

[allhart]

...When was the last time you fell off a sofa or chair for no reason?

*The goal isn't to break Riley, more to just give her a little bit of reality to prepare her for the huge wall of reality that is the cheerleading coach.*

[ofbelief]

[...squeaks.]

I don't have to answer that unless it's in a court of law.

[allhart]

It was yesterday. It was yesterday and I was there.

It was yesterday, right?

[ofbelief]

...Yeah. Yeah. Let's go with that one. I didn't fall out of my bed this morning at all. Nope.

[allhart]

That was the sound before I got to your window. I thought it was coming from another room.

[ofbelief]

It might have been Auggie. You still don't know, there isn't any proof.

[...yes there is, riley. you admitted it already]

[allhart]

Of course sweetie.

Because Auggie falls out of your bed so often.

[ofbelief]

Well, he is usually hiding in it eating spaghetti. Apparently!

[allhart]

Yeah, its weird.

What do your parents have against cold sketti?

*Since that is clearly the thing wrong here.*

[ofbelief]

I don't know. If I knew a lot of questions about life would be answered.

[allhart]

Yes, I am sure that is the secret to figuring out your Dad's weird lessons.

Oh yeah, and your brother would never fall out of bed like you.

[ofbelief]

I think taking away the potatoes would be the answer to that.

[No, deflection didn't work. Huffs.] He would if i pushed him out for eating food in it again.

[allhart]

Oh no, nonono, we're not doing that again.

Messing with the Tater Tots once was bad enough.

You wouldn't push your brother, that isn't you.

[ofbelief]

I'd say he wouldn't notice, but that would be a lie. And it'd probably be worse than when he chased Lucas through a window.

I push you out of bed.

[allhart]

He'd make a great face though.

Yes, but I'm not your little brother. And I can take it.

*Enjoy the hug, you're not escaping it.*

[ofbelief]

[ ??? Is it time for sudden hugs! ]

Maaayaa. What's going on? Is it surprise hug time? I can always get behind hugs.

[allhart]

This is for being willing to push me.

[ofbelief]

[ Okay, hugging. ]

Now you're not being fair.

[allhart]

I'm being totally fair. Because in a month when you try out for the cheerleading team I'm probably going to listen to your parents when they beg me to talk you out of it. You know they dread that day right?

[ofbelief]

[Makes a face.]

I don't know why. I get better every year, they have to know this will be the year, too.

[allhart]

Yes, but they remember every day before that day.

Every year it wasn't the year. I think they just see that. Instead of seeing something new.