As I scanned the room yet again, I found myself unable to take my eyes off of the giant bunny. I mean, really, finding a giant Easter Bunny standing in the middle of an extravagant room almost made me laugh out loud.
“Mummy, what is that big furry guy?” Sophie asked, hiding behind me. “Is it real?”
“I think it’s just Easter Bilby, baby.” I tried to pull her to the front of me. “Be polite like we talked about.”
Mia had walked further into the room, leaving me in full view of too many pairs of eyes, and one set of enormous glass eyes.
“Chloe, get over here and meet the Easter Bilby with us,” Mia called out to me. “Easter Bilby is here today just for you and Sophie.”
They hired a bunny to be here?
I walked further into the room to stand next to Mia with one little hand squeezing my leg and another pulling on the back of my shirt. I’m sure to them it just looked like I had extra limbs, as there was no Sophie head to be seen.
“Hello, Easter Bilby.” Mia put her arm through my bent arm. “We were wondering where you were today. You must be very tired from hiding eggs.”
The Easter Bunny hopped over to Mia and tackled her into a big hug. Sophie practically climbed into my shirt. She wasn’t usually this nervous. All I could figure was the long flight, and then the car ride, had taken it out of her.
“Sophie, honey, isn’t it great Easter Bilby is here?” I asked, trying to pull her out from under me.
“Mummy, why is Easter Bilby attacking Aunt Mia?” Sophie asked, peeking around my legs.
“Silly girl, he’s just giving her a big, big hug.” I rubbed her back to reassure her. “See, she’s smiling.”
“Sophie, honey, come over here next to me and meet Easter Bilby.” Mia put her arms out to Sophie, pushing Trey away with a light slap. “Bilby is very nice. Why don’t we get a picture with him?”
Sophie stepped out from behind me and took Mia’s hand. I could tell she wanted to get closer but was afraid.
“Good on ya’, Sophie,” Mia hugged her to her side. “See, Easter Bilby is ace.”
Mia always had a way with Sophie, and I seemed to be acting a little crazy like my daughter.Thank God Mia is here to take control.
I could see the others standing around the room watching. I wished desperately that Mia had introduced us first. I gave a light wave to the group, then turned to urge Sophie forward, all the while knowing the giant Easter Bunny was staring at me.
“Chloe, come on. Let’s get a picture, then we can have lunch or whatever is next,” Mia whispered, taking me by the arm and moving me forward. “Since when are you this shy? They’re just people, so relax.”
“This family is ridiculously pretty, and this house…are you kidding me?” I whispered back. “You should have told me. I’m not sure I look good enough.”
Did I even brush my hair before I got out of the limo? Yeah, of course I did. Right? Don’t fix your hair.
“Why would that matter, Chloe? They’re normal, just like you,” Mia scolded. “Go sit by Bilby, smile, and stop being a drongo.”
“Have you noticed that Easter Bilby has been staring at me?” I asked suspiciously. “Crickey, do I need to worry? Where did this person come from?”
“Good question. And whereas I didn’t notice before, I definitely am noticing now.” Mia let out a light laugh. “It is kinda creepy, isn’t it? The eyes on that costume are like the size of softballs.”
“Yeah, and they don’t move, so it’s creeping me out.” I laughed at the absurdity of a costume creeping me out. “I totally get why Sophie is afraid.”
Mia pulled me along until she forced me to take a spot on the sofa next to Easter Bilby. He was without a doubt the tallest Easter Bilby I’d ever come across. Sitting this close to him left me feeling weird., mostly because I couldn’t help but get whiffs of how good he smelled.
I wonder if he’s one of the brothers? How many did Mia say there were? Ugh, what does it matter? You’re going home in a few weeks. Oh, Crickey, he’s getting up. Now what?
The Easter Bunny bounced off the couch, then turned and reached for Mia’s hand. Of course, Sophie didn’t respond well to that and cried out for me. The Easter Bunny took it in stride and turned to me with his hand extended. I accepted the big furry paw and laughed when he spun me around then pointed me toward a giant basket of decorated eggs. Then, without warning, he took me into a dance pose and we glided across the room to the giant basket.
“I want to go with Mummy, Aunt Mia,” Sophie cried from behind me. “I don’t want him to hurt her.”
“Oh, sweetheart, Easter Bilby wouldn’t hurt your mummy. Come on, let’s go see what they’re looking at.” Mia stood and lifted Sophie on her hip, then went to the giant basket. “Wow! This is amazing, isn’t it, Sophie?”
“I never saw a basket that big. Those bum nuts are as big as my head,” Sophie exclaimed, still clutching to Mia.