That Family- Episode 2

The Living Room

"I really think you should get another haircut," Mom announced thoughtfully, from her spot, sunken into the cushions of the sofa.

Josh glanced up at her. "I really think you should get another facelift,"

Out of the darkness, Billy choked on his drink. Mom gave him a stink eye.

"You find it insulting, I find it funny," Josh shrugged. "That's why I'm happier than you,"

The living room was dimly lit by the half finished movie, frozen on the television screen. Billy and Sierra sat on the floor. Sierra against the armchair that Sylas was perched in, and Billy against the wall, with the soles of their feet pressed against each other's. Sierra watched the conversation over her phone, and Billy over his cookbook.

"I really think you'd be more handsome with short hair," Mom said "Just look at Billy!"

"Please don't," Billy covered his face, but he'd already caught Josh's attention.

"I've seen better," Josh shrugged. "In the shower drain,"

Sierra burst out laughing, while Billy and Sylas gave Josh light applause.

"No seriously!" Mom leaned forward a bit, to show how serious she was. "I think Emma would like it,"

"Emma?" Billy echoed, curiously.

"Josh's girlfriend back in Florida," Sierra replied.

"They're long distance now," Sylas informed him.

"Wait there's more of you?"

Dad walked into the living room, carrying a bowl of popcorn. "Extra butter, a dash of smoked paprika, and a hit of cayenne pepper," he announced, bestowing the bowl upon his wife.

"Did you add the-"

He threw a pinch if salt on top. Mom smiled, "Thanks honey,"

"Always," he replied, sitting down against her and picking up the remote.

"Honey," Mrs. Chamber interrupted, covering the remote. "Tell Josh he should get his hair cut,"

Dad swivelled his head, and studied his son's hair, as if seeing it for the first time. "Why don't we get a weed whacker and trim that up a bit?" He offered.

Josh snorted in respect, and the whole room burst out laughing.

"Now I know where he gets it from," Billy chuckled. Then he saw the popcorn, and his smile faded. "I could've helped you with that," he said apologetically.

But Dad waved him off. "I've got to feel somewhat useful. Plus, you had a... rough dinner,"

"In other words," Sierra laughed at him "he didn't want it burnt,"

"Or cooked in the box," Sylas smirked, making Mom choke through her popcorn.

"Who told you about that?" Billy demanded.

"Who do you think?" Pig asked, cleaning his paw on the back of the couch.

The room was laughing at the look on Billy's face, when Jakob sauntered in the front door, grinning stupidly from ear to ear. "Hello dear family!"

Josh glanced up at him with a raised eyebrow. "What are you high on?"

"Love, dear brother. True love," He replied cheesily. Jakob dug out his phone, clicked a few buttons, and turned the screen towards Josh.

"That's ugly even in the dark," Josh said, squinting at the screen, while Dennis passed by, unnoticed in the background, holding a box of matches.

"Excuse me," Jakob snapped, insulted. "That's my girlfriend,"