My mother grabbed the key card from her purse. 

“But we don’t want Sofia to babysit,” Audrey whined, her charm bracelets chiming as she crossed her arms. She always, literally always, does this when she tries to prove her point. She says it makes her sound more “professional.” Bella, the quiet one, nodded excessively in agreement. 

My sisters and I sat on the squeaky pullout staring at each other while the generator hummed a monotone tune. I had strict instructions: no electronics and, obviously, no leaving the hotel room. 

After fifteen minutes, Audrey pulled her favorite card game, “Spot It,” from the front of her electric blue backpack. Bella and I knew that if we didn’t play, she would whine endlessly. So, my computer transformed into a table in the middle of our three-way circle. Audrey dealt cards until I interrupted –  “We have to order room service.” 

“Not it,” Bella said instantaneously, shooting her pointer finger to her nose before turning  to Audrey. 

“I’m not doing it,” Audrey replied, crossing her arms and shaking her curls.  “Audrey, it is super important for you to get some ordering practice in so that when you have to order food by yourself, you will know how to.” It wasn’t that I was scared to order; it was more that I wanted to give her the opportunity to come out of her shell. I’m just that good of a sister. She lifted the phone as if it was a fifty-pound dumbbell.

“What do you guys want?”   

Bella pointed at the menu. “Okay,” I said. “A burger and spaghetti.” 

“Hi, my name is Audrey and I would like to order room service for room 710… Yes, may I please have chicken fingers, a caesar salad, and pasta with marinara sauce?” Audrey lowered her voice to a faux-adult tenor, causing a few voice cracks. 

“Wait, I also want french fries.” Bella interrupted. I could see Audrey begin to laugh, stifled a laugh, knowing if I start laughing, Bella will too, and then Audrey will  laugh harder, and then the hotel will think we are prank-calling.

“Sorry, may I please add an order of french fries… Yes, my parents are home… They’re in the bathroom.” Audrey started giggling again, so I put on a serious face. 

“That's all. Bye!” She grabbed a Spot It card and started fiddling with it, admiring the cartoons and colors on the card. 

Audrey crawled over to the other side of the bed and fit the phone back into its hold to hang up. 

“Aw, I am so proud, Auds!

“Guys, I didn’t actually order any food,” she giggled. 

“What do you mean?” Bella laughed, her dimples flashing. 

“I never put in the number. I was just talking.” All three of us broke into laughter until our stomachs ached. 

“Sofia, you are actually a sort of good babysitter.” Audrey looked over at Bella, who then nodded in agreement. And then they burst into laughter again. 

“Your turn to order Sof!”