"I don't think you really need to go." He turned to Marie, "he doesn't have to go. Does he?"

Marie took a deep breath, "they were nice enough to invite us-ALL of us. We're going." Richard patted her shoulder, and still she felt as if she were about to loose the argument.

"Well, if he stays home, he will have to watch Nicole," Richard said, his eyes begged Marie to see that as a good deal all around. Marie bit her bottom lip. Nicole didn't want to go either; she'd made that quite distinct only a moment before in her bedroom.

"Dad," Bobby screeched.

"Take your pick." Richard stepped back out of the doorway, and Marie watched Bobby contemplate which fate would be worse than death.

"Richard!" Marie left Bobby to make a decision she didn't even want him to make, and hurried down the hall following Richard as he headed for their room. He stopped and waited for her to catch up and confront him. Before she could utter an argument he took her by the shoulders and drew her close. "No reason for them to go. They wouldn't have any fun."

From down the hall a whoop threatened to raise the roof. Marie turned to see Nicole, standing at the end of the hall watching the scene unfold with a huge smile on her face. Marie sighed and gave up, three against one, typical odds.