After checking out, they loaded everything into the car and headed home. The ride was quiet, with both boys munching on their snacks and sipping their drinks. Their mom glanced at them through the rearview mirror and smiled.
"You two planning to do anything fun for your last day of freedom?" she asked.
Alex shrugged. "Probably just play some games and relax."
Jake nodded. "Maybe watch more Supernatural later."
Mrs. Faulkner chuckled. "Sounds like a solid plan."
Once they got home, they helped unload the bags before heading upstairs to put the new diaper supplies away. Alex tossed the pack onto his bed and flopped down beside it with a sigh.
"So... what do we do first?" he asked.
Jake sat at his desk, turning on his Xbox. "Minecraft?"
Alex grinned. "Always a good choice."
For the next few hours, they built massive forts, fought off creepers, and worked on expanding their pixel-art projects. The time flew by, and before they knew it, their mom was calling them down for lunch.
After eating, they decided to switch things up and went outside to shoot some hoops in the driveway. The cool breeze and fresh air were a nice change from being inside all morning.
"You ready for tomorrow?" Alex asked as he dribbled the ball.
Jake caught the pass and thought for a moment. "Not really... but I guess it won't be too bad."
Alex smirked. "At least we donât have to wake up super early for a bus ride."
Jake chuckled. "True."
As the afternoon passed, they went back inside and played more games, alternating between Supernatural and Call of Duty. Before long, the sun started setting, marking the end of their last free day.
Their mom called them down for dinnerâpizza, their favorite. As they ate, she reminded them that theyâd be meeting their new homeschool teacher, Mrs. Caldwell, in the morning.
"You boys should get to bed early tonight. Tomorrowâs a big day," she said as she cleared their plates.
After finishing up, they went through their usual nighttime routineâshowers, brushing teeth, and getting into their nighttime protection. As their mom tucked them in, she smiled down at them.
"Ready or not, homeschool starts tomorrow. Sweet dreams, boys."
She turned off the light and shut the door, leaving them to whisper about the day ahead. They werenât sure what to expect, but one thing was certainâlife was about to change.