Ginny and Georgia: The Younger Shadow

Chapter 37- Dinner with New boyfriend and Used Boyfriend....
"Austin, pass the water over to Paul." Georgia ordered as we were sat at the table together. It was 6:35pm, and Ginny, Paul, Zion, Austin, Georgia and I were all sat at our vast dining room table. Mom had ordered five pizzas from Domions for us all to share, and since I hadn't eaten much (mostly because my stomach was twisted into so many knots of worry) I was starving now. But the only problem was the mounting tension on the table. Mom having dinner with her new boyfriend, and her used boyfriend. I guess it felt ok to be awkward. At least that way I was being realistic, instead of wearing a fake mask of joy. My gaze slid to Zion who was sitting next to Ginny. He was sipping a glass of water and when he noticed I was watching him, I gave an incoherent cough and focused on my pizza. Weirdly, Austin liked his to be cut into bite size pieces, so I took his knife and fork and cut it up for him, while there was still no conversation. Just a tense atmosphere that I wished I could disappear from. I was aching to run up to my room, shut out the world and arrange to meet with Jonathan, to see him and get some answers. But mom had stopped me with her iron like grip and told me we'd be having a family dinner. That meant Zion was here too. Eventually, mom snapped and called out,
"So, anything interesting happen to anyone lately? Austin?" My brother shrugged nonchalantly and continued to eat.
"Well, I'm gonna enter an essay competition, and winner gets a hundred dollars!" Ginny announced, and mom gave a wide grin. Paul hadn't said much either. He was just sitting next to mom, chewing slowly and fixing his stone grey eyes on Zion. He rubbed his hand on mom's arm lovingly, and I noticed how Zion stiffened, his back arching and the irritated look he gave.
"That's great, Ginny. So, Zion, where have you been travelling recently?" Paul asked, and though his voice seemed innocent and questioning rough, I sensed from how he gave a judging look. Zion didn't appear offended and cooly replied,
"I've been to India, in Mumbai, and I came back from Australia. I spent some time in Sydney, writing a book on travelling. I just got it published as well." Zion had written a book?
"Zion, I didn't know you wrote a book!" Austin yelled, and he smiled serenely and said,
"I didn't wanna make a big deal of it. I've only had a few buyers and not much interest, but hopefully in the future I'll write more about countries and travel. But enough about me; Paul, my guy, aren't you running for Mayor against Cynthia Fuller?" Paul looked like he wanted to knock the living daylights out of Zion after being called 'my guy'. I wondered what had set him off. But maybe mom had told him about her past, so he just felt protective? But still.
"Yeah, campaign is going good. In a few weeks they'll hopefully announce the winner. But I think having Georgia by my side has helped a lot."
"Yep. Like a lucky charm you are, Georgia Miller." Zion replied, taking a bite from his pizza. I chewed some salad thoughtfully, hoping this unnecessary meal would be over. It seemed when Zion came, trouble always stirred. Old feelings bounced back in a split second.
"Right! Who's up for desert? Austin, would you like to help me get the ice cream from the kitchen?" Mom asked, and Austin nodded. As they left the room I tried to give a weak smile, and I asked Zion,
"Can I read your book? That's so cool you've published one! I bet it's amazing too." But I only asked to divert the attention from Paul. Him and Zion seemed to lock their deadly gazes against each other, and Ginny leaned back in her chair as Zion jerked from his thoughts abruptly and told me he would give me a copy soon. A few minutes later Mom came into the dining room with tweed of ice cream in large silver, glistening bowls. Austin carried whipped cream, cherries and chocolate flakes, and I felt my spirits soar at something sweet to look forward too. Quite literally as well.
"Charlie, do you want chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?" Austin walked over to me, but the weight of all the things he was carrying took over him and he toppled unceremoniously. With a sharp CRASH, several plates smashed to the floor, and I was on my feet, my back against the cool plaster of the wall, heart racing, blood pumping...When I allows my eyelids to flutter open everyone had their eyes on me, their faces identical. All concerned looks, eyebrows raised, uncertain and confused.
"Charlie, hey, are you ok?" Ginny came over and wrapped her arms around me while I stood there, not knowing what to say or do.
"Y-yeah, it just gave me a spook. I'm alright." I whispered, but Ginny's warm body against mine seemed to knock some sense into me. Since when had I gotten so scared by some breaking glass?
"Ok, I think it's time to head upstairs. Austin, take the plates to the kitchen. Ginny, get on to your room. Don't you have some homework to do? Paul, I'll see you tomorrow. Zion, go help Austin." My mom was in action once again, and a fresh flood of guilt came over me when I realised I had ruined the dinner. As if it wasn't already bad enough.
Once everyone had cleared out obediently, mom sat me down on the table, looking into my eyes she asked,
"Hey. Talk to me, Peach. How are you lately? I feel like I haven't seen much of you, my beautiful girl. You're growing so much and I feel like I'm not there to notice it." Clearly she needed to get some things off her chest.
"I'm fine, mom. But- but how can you say I'm beautiful when you hate my dad so much? I look so much like him. We have the same face shape, same nose, even the same posture! How can you love me when you must be reminded of him every time you look at me?" My voice crumbled and I hardly dared look at mom.
"Charlotte Marie, don't you ever dare for a second dent how gorgeous you are! You are alluring in every way, shape and form. And your father- we had a complicated relationship, but it was never and never will be your fault. Things have been a bit rocky lately, I'll admit, what with Ginny's dad coming to stay and Paul's election. Cynthia is not making it easy for us, I'll say!" She stroked my blonde curls and gave another one of her award winning smiles.
"And you know what has to happen when you're sad, Charlie." Mom said, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
"Oh no...mom, please no!" And then she was tickling me so hard I rolled over in fits of giggles. They were infectious at that point. And the day's events faded from my mind. But just temporarily. Even if my mom was in a difficult situation she still had the time to make me smile. Yet she kept secrets from me and Ginny, so why did I feel so horrible for going behind her back?