A New Friend

Ella met a new friend today as we were leaving the commissary (for those that do not know it is the grocery store on base). She tagged along with us to the truck, and Ella asked if she could come to our house to play. I said that she could. She sat next to me in the front on the arm rest, because there was no other place to sit. The girls take up the back seat, and I had the groceries in the passenger seat. I asked Ella what her friends name was, and her name is Darlene.
Darlene is the same age and same height as Ella. She has brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a polka dot shirt and stripped pants. She does push the envelop when it comes to fashion. But what can I say she is 5, and they will wear anything, almost.
When we arrived at the house, the 2 friends made their way inside. As I unloaded the groceries, I could hear Ella talking and giggling with her friend. Ella asked me if she could spend the night. I said that she could, but we would have to ask her mom first. So, we did, and she said yes. Darlene left for a few moments to go get her stuff. She later returned ringing the doorbell. I let her in. Ella took her upstairs so they could get the sleeping bag ready. Keep in mind, it was still mid-morning.
Lunch soon followed and I gave the girls some lunch. Ella and Darlene shared a plate and a drink. I wasn't sure how much Darlene would eat or drink so I didn't give her her own plate. I didn't want any food to go to waste. And as I was cleaning up after lunch, Ella asked if Darlene could spend the night every night. I said no because she has her own family and it wouldn't be right, but that she could come play with us everyday if she would like. Ella started pouting just like every time she doesn't get her way. I told Ella that Darlene would have to go home right away if she didn't straighten up. She did.
As I was getting ready to put Sutton Grace down for a nap, Ella came down the stairs holding her friend's hand telling me that they were sisters. I, of course, was shocked at this revelation. I didn't remember giving birth to her. When I told Ella that she stated the girls were actually twins. Now, I know I don't recall that one. I knew this was a ploy for them to get me to agree to this new friend spending the night every night. But I wasn't budging. The girls played for a little while longer.
I didn't hear much from Darlene for the rest of the day. I had secretly hoped she had gone away. She didn't come out and join us as the girls played with sidewalk chalk. She didn't even eat dinner with us. She didn't help clean the toys. I thought, maybe she went home and Ella just didn't tell me.
Well, as were getting ready to take baths, Ella told me that her friend wanted to take one too. I thought, "Darn it! She is back." I said that was fine, but I wasn't going to bathe her. After bath, Ella and her friend settled into bed. Ella slept on the floor in her sleeping bag, letting Darlene sleep in her bed. How polite is that? I taught her well. And yes, mom, I got that from you.
I kissed the girls goodnight, and I hoped that at some point Darlene goes back to her own house, so I don't have to deal with her if she stick around longer than what would be normal for an imaginary friend.