Three Phone Calls

My morning so far has consisted of three phone calls:

1. Ayi

I hear the phone ringing as I step out of the shower.

Two missed calls from her flashing on my mobile.

Her: are you home?

Me: (in a towel... toothbrush in hand) Yes.

Her: I forgot my keys.

I open the door, much to her embarrassment (but not mine) still in my towel.

2. Bei Bei's Teacher

Her: Good morning. There is some confusion about Bea's snack. She thinks she has two drinkable yogurts today. Does she?

Me: Mind racing... I packed three lunches and five snacks this morning (two of which were for after school activities.), different beverages for each girl... But, miraculously it comes to me... No, just one yogurt today. Yogurt with snack. Juice with lunch.

Her: Okay. Thanks! Have a nice day!

3. Our International Service Employee (what Mr. Johnson's company calls expats) coordinator:

Her: Your landlord just called. Her husband is on his way to plant tree in your garden (yard).

Me: Does she know we are staying?

We've been coached not to tell her. Our contract ends in June. We've been scoping out alternative living arrangements, but in the event we stay in our present apartment home it's good for her to be a little squirmy about how she'll find new renters. This strategy (aka: game of hardball) could help us lower our rent and/or make some much needed improvements.

Her: No.

Me: Okay... (doorbell rings... it's land lord's husband and his team looking for the key to the garden gate.) I guess we'll just have to move them again when we tell her we're staying!

Her: Good idea!