Boys and Their Toys

The thunderous rumble of a modified car engine. The appearance of blinding lights slowly filling the window as the car came close. The smell of burnt rubber wafting in through the open door. All sure signs that her brother had come for a visit.
"Yay! Mum! Uncle Danny's here!" Her youngest told her excitedly on his way to the front door, so he could be the first to greet him. Her breath caught in her throat as her only daughter rushed past her in a blur to join her little brother. It was only when Ben, her eldest, showed up beside her in a rare venture from his room that the smile she'd been holding in finally emerged.
"Did I hear Uncle Danny pulling up outside?" He asked.
"Yep," she answered, unable to keep the smile from her face.

By the time she reached the front door, her youngest two, Elise and Morgan, had already run off down the drive, waiting to greet their uncle the very minute he got out of the car. Ben was only a little way behind them, wanting to seem cool, but not able to suppress his excitement.

Morgan and Elise gave a cheer as her brother finally emerged from the car at last, a smile quickly forming on his lips at the sight of them.
"Uncle Danny!" Came the excited chorus.
"Hello!" He said, "how're my favourite kids in the world?"
"Good!"
"Good to see you Uncle Danny!" Ben called as he approached, leaning in for her a bear hug.
"How's it going Mate?"
"Not bad."

Next, Danny squatted down, expertly completing the secret handshake he'd formulated with Morgan. Sideways high five, fist bump, a strange firework motion, a high five down low before finally ending with a high five as high as Morgan's small little arms could reach. Danny rose only part way before easily scooping a giggling Elise into his arms. "How's my princess?" He asked as he led the way back toward the house, spare arm round Ben's shoulders. Morgan reluctantly held Ben's hand as they made their way back toward her, a consolation prize compared to the chance to hold Danny's hand.

"I was hoping you'd come by again soon," Ben was telling his uncle as they walked through the door. Conversation ceased as Danny released Ben and leaned over to peck his sister in greeting, bending lower to place Elise back on the ground after he'd done so. "Hey Scarlet," he said. "How's my little Sis doing? These crazy kids not driving you too wild are they?" He asked teasingly.
"No, no. We're fine here," she said, waiting until she knew the kids were out of earshot before continuing. "I'm glad you came for a visit though. They've missed you, and I've  barely seen Benny for weeks." Danny raised an eyebrow. "He only ever really comes out when you're here. They love you, you know Danny. You're a bit like their idol."
Danny laughed nervously as they entered the kitchen. He leaned against the counter while Scarlet bustled round. Finally, she found a few cans of coke, which she set down in front of Ben and Danny.
"Uncle Danny, do you think we could work on my car a bit while you're here?" Ben asked, his eyes lit up hopefully.
"Sure thing Buddy! Is that alright with you Scar?" He asked, peering over at his sister.
She nodded. "Fine by me." The two of them picked up their cans and headed outside.
She turned on the carport's lights and stood by the window, watching them a moment. It took the two of them to
remove the cover from the car before they set their cans on the bench, lifted the hood and set to work.

She hadn't even noticed Morgan had gone until she spotted him approaching them. He reached up and tapped his uncle's calf, the highest part he could reach. Danny turned around, his face lighting up.
"Hey Little Man!" He said cheerily, hoisting him into his arms.
"Uncle Danny, can I help too?"
"Sure!" Danny set him down on the bench beside their drink cans, pushing them aside so Morgan wouldn't knock them. "Do you think you could pass us the tools?"

At the feeling of a tug on her shirt, Scarlet finally looked down to see Elise. "Mummy," she said,  "why do they always want to be outside with the car?"
"I'm not entirely sure sweetie," Scarlet said, "it's a guy thing I guess."
"What?" Asked Elise, still confused.
"Boys honey," said Scarlet. "Boys and their toys."