The Phone Call

There are many tasks during the day that a mommy must accomplish. Some are fun and enjoyable and some are just the opposite. But regardless, they need to be done.

One of the tasks that I dread is making phone calls to service companies.

Why?

Because any time I pick up a phone and place it to my ear, my children become crying, screaming banshees.

But this time, I had a plan. Foolproof or so I thought.

I set Hayden up with the DS, a cup of juice and a snack. I put a movie on, not just any movie but a new movie one that Jake, Quinn and Claire had not seen in a while. I got cups for them and put out a snack on the table.

Perfect.

All needs have been met.

I grab my phone, walk into the bedroom and dial. As the phone rings and I listen to the welcome message, I walk through the house to check one more time and make sure peace and quiet remain.

I fear mischief at any moment but so far so good.

I listen to the welcome message when I hear it......

A blood curdling screaming coming from Hayden. What in the world? Did someone come into the house and try and rip his leg off?

As I run up the stairs, a voice on the phone begins to say something. I am so surprised by the talking in my ear that I trip and stumble down three stairs. I steady myself with the banister as the voice repeats and again I hear Hayden screaming.

The words that the voice is saying are not registering because the screams are so horrific. I pray that it is just the message telling me to 'please hold'.

I reach Hayden's door, throw it open and expect to find him bleeding on the floor with his arm detached and laying next to him.

But what I find is Hayden sitting in the middle of his bed playing his game and rubbing his leg.

I take a breath and actually listen to the voice on the phone, "Thank you for calling. All of our representative are busy and will be with you shortly." Thank goodness, I didn't miss them.

"Hayden, what in the world was that screaming?" I question trying to stay semi clam just in case an actual person picks up the line.

"My leg was stuck but I got it out," he says without even looking up at me.

"Please stop. I am on the phone......" And just as I spoke, I notice that the background music stopped and person picks up the call.

Hayden's tongue lashing is going to have to wait because finally, there is a person to talk to.

I explain my case to the representative and as I walk by, I look in the living room to check. All is well there; one, two, three kids, still glued to the TV.

Good.

I finished the call and get ready to make the next one, I scowled up at the ceiling. "Please let this next call go smoothly," I breathed as I dialed once again.

My call is quickly answered and we get right down to business. As I pace and talk, I notice Quinn begin to follow me around giving me his 'I want your attention look'. I ignore him and continued talking.

Much to my dismay, Quinn has pushed a stool over to the cupboard and is climbing up. He rocks back and forth trying to reach the box of crackers.

I see him fall in my head before he actually fall. I want to run over and catch him but I am frozen in my spot.

Screaming fill the room and echoes through the house.

"Is everything alright there ma'am?" I hear questioned through the phone.

Still sort of stunned that this is happening yet again while I am on the phone I say, "Huh? Oh um, Can you hang on just a minute?"

I put the phone to my chest and try to quickly comfort Quinn. He is not having any of it and continues to cry.

Then I make my choice, its not easy but it has to be done. I give him one last hug and put the phone back to my ear and run to my room, closing the door.

I can hear Quinn running after me, not pleased at all with what has just happened.

"Alright, I am back. Now when was the payment received?" I continue trying to slow my breathing.

I get my questions answered and wrap up the call. I listen to the house through the door.

Quiet.

I slowly open the bedroom door, expecting to see Quinn laying there dead. But he is not there.

I tip toe across the kitchen and peak around the corner, all the kids are watching the TV.

I have one more call to make. Should I chance it?

I look at the phone, look at the kids, take a breath and dial fearing that as soon as I put the phone to my ear one of the kids will combust or the house will explode.

The wait is quick. I get to speak with a person. I get my issue taken care of all in record time and I hang up the phone.

There done.

I listen.

Nothing.

All is well.

Everyone is alive.

Task complete.

Plan worked.

Sorta.