Away From Us

Chapter 02: A Dream?

"Nothing stays the same, ever."

_______

"What the actual f-" My dad started cursing loudly at the television screen as he stood up from his place on the couch, waving his hands all over the place in frustration, but before he would even continue, my mother glared at him from afar, and he squirmed under her gaze adjusting his posture immediately. "-fruit-loops! This score shouldn't be counted! The referee is a total fraud!"

I snorted under my breath, as my three brothers and my dad were watching some kind of a football game, while Aria and I were just sitting right there, watching the four anxious boys with amusement.

"He acts like a teenager sometimes," I heard my mom mumble to my aunt, Rose. But I could hear the faint beguilement and admire hidden within her voice. And they both entered the kitchen.

As soon as my mother disappeared, my youngest brother, Joshua took out from under the single couch he was sitting on, two huge bags of onion ruffles. He gestured for us to tune it down by shushing us with his index finger.

"Okay she's gone guys, eat up really quick before she comes back and murder us with her spatula like she almost did last time." Joshua whispered loudly, throwing one bag of ruffles at Aria, Andrew and I, while he sat between my father and Robin with the second bag.

"She's going to be there for approximately 7 minutes," My dad narrowed his eyes at us opening the Ruffles bag so slowly with his hands so my mother wouldn't hear, "Suck it all up, children!"

We all just nodded eagerly and began eating secretly.

"I sometimes feel you're not just only older than Joshua, but older than Andrew, Robin, and Mr. Rockwe-, I mean Tom." Aria shook her head amused, after whispering in my ear. I only chuckled lightly telling her that I can't help but to agree with her, she was absolutely right.

"You two! Chew on the chips before she comes. Come on!" My dad scolded with his hushed voice. And Aria immediately shoved a whole bunch of Ruffles inside her mouth.

My dad was the most anxious when, eating, watching the match, and keeping an eye on the kitchen's door if my mom decided to show up any minute. Well, he was right in taking the precaution, after all her most absolute rule in this house was; to never eat in the living room.

And trust me, you didn't want Marissa Rockwell's rules broken. She would turn to your absolute nightmare.

Shuffled footsteps sound was heard from behind, and everybody froze suddenly. All of our eyes widened and jaws dropped, even Robin started choking on his own mouthful of chips.

"She's coming!" Joshua jumped in front all of us. "Hide the chips!"

Andrew took the chip bag from Aria and shoved it under his butt. We stared dumbfounded at him when the sound of the poor ruffles came crushing under his fat butt.

My dad shoved a huge amount of ruffles within one hand in his mouth, leaving the chip bag empty and crumpled it throwing it at his youngest son who stood frozen right there staring at something behind us.

We all turned to look at what was he staring at. And there with all her glory, and signature glare and scowl, stood The only Marissa, her gazing landing on us all, making fright fill in our hearts in the process.