You: "We have played enough gigs this summer that we don't even have to ask for a spot anymore. People are asking for us and venues are reaching out to us."
Jaden: "I'm seriously so proud of you for singing more at our shows."
Dad: "You really have an awesome voice. You both do."
Josh: "I love hearing you talk about music. I wish I was that passionate about anything I do."
Mom: "Well school will be starting back up soon. Don't you feel that way about basketball?"
Jaden grew annoyed that his mom found a way to bring the subject back to the sport she was pushing on him: "Yes, Mom. We know."
Dad: *changing the subject* "Amelie, what do you plan to study at university?"
Amelie: "I already declared as a political science major."
You: "Amelie actually got early acceptance and has been taking classes all summer."
Mom: "Is your brother going there too?"
Amelie: "Yeah, he-"
Jaden stood up and cleared his plate from the table and even though he'd been done eating for a few minutes, it just felt so abrupt so Amelie trailed off. She just looked so sad that you finished for her, refusing to cave to your brother's tantrum: "He is actually planning to rush Josh's frat and even thinking about trying out for the team."
*JADEN'S POV*
After dropping his plate off in the kitchen, he'd headed straight upstairs. He knew better than the ridiculous display he'd just put on. He couldn't figure out why controlling himself felt so difficult lately. Amelie peeked her head in: "Hi..."
Jaden: *flopping back on his bed in frustration* "God, I'm so sorry for that. I'm really trying."
Amelie curled up next to him and rested her head on his chest listening to the nervous beating of his heart: "I know you are."
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. He didn't know what he did to deserve such a forgiving girlfriend who never gave up on him, but he was beyond thankful.
*END JADEN'S POV*
Downstairs, you decided to get your dishes out of the way while your parents settled into a movie in the living room. You knew you needed bonus points before asking to go to the 3rd party that week alone. You stood at the sink, rinsing dishes and humming along to the music playing over your phone speaker as Josh stood drying and putting away everything in the dishwasher for you. He turned and popped you with the towel and it made a much louder snap than he'd intended. He pulled you close, shushing you as he hid his laughter.
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You: "Oh you think you're so funny."
Josh: "Shhh shhh. I know I'm funny, dear."
You grabbed a handful of bubbles from the sudsy water and plopped a bubble beard against his face before declaring: "Funny looking."
He scoffed at you and grabbed the sink sprayer, hitting you with a quick but cold shot of water as you squealed.
Josh: "No, no. No return fire. I don't have spare clothes here and we have a party to get to."
You: "Fine. But watch your back, Richards."
Your brother walked in with Amelie, looking somber and guilty so you changed the subject: "Are you guys coming to the party?"
Jaden: "Yeah, we'll just meet you there."
After he left Josh pointed out how much moodier he seemed lately than usual. You just nodded, unsure how to respond because it was so much worse than anyone knew around your house lately.
