Cut Off

Chapter 21

Ever since I heard that my twins were girls I haven't stopped smiling. I don't think Zach has either. But now we have to go back to my family, my father in particular, who is waiting for us. That may ruin the mood some, though hopefully not too much.

We pull up to the apartment and see my dad's car. Guess they stayed then. Dang. We're going to have to get past the obvious issues because they are planning on being here for another week.

We walk in the door, and I inspect the scene without making too much noise. My mom is in the kitchen cooking what I'm guessing will be our dinner, though it's kind of early. My dad is sitting at the table on his computer. Tyler is on the couch watching a movie. He is the first to notice me.

"Skylar!" he calls, which causes my dad's head to turn toward Zach and me.

Once his eyes reach Zach, they darken. He's being a little dramatic, but who am I to say anything.

I look at Zach and he looks completely casual. He knows that my dad can't actually do anything, so I guess he assumes there is nothing to worry about.

Then my dad stands up and turns to me.

"Can you get me something to write with? I need to talk to him" he asks calmly.

I nod and grab him a notebook from my desk. I hand it to him quietly.

"Go do something else for a minute."

I just nod again and sit next to Tyler on the couch. Then I take my leg off. I guess I can put it away for the next few months.

"Hi," I say to him.

He pauses the tv and turns toward me.

"Hi" he responds.

"I've missed you," I tell him. and it's true. I really have missed my annoying little brother.

"Me too. I've made new friends though. I really like Seattle."

"I'm glad."

"So, how was the doctor?" he asks me.

"You know, you don't have to be baby-obsessed too if you don't want."

"Really?" he asks excitedly. I laugh lightly.

"Yes, really. But since you asked, the doctor was good. Found out I'm having two girls."

"Cool. Can I name them?"

"Maybe," I say.

I actually hadn't really thought about names yet. I mean, I planned names when I was 8, but I don't think I'll be using those.

"Cool."

Then he goes back to the tv. Then my mom comes in saying it's time for dinner. Yippee.

Dinner is awkward, but it means that they are leaving soon. you can feel the tense air around us and I really want it to disappear. I get through it all by eating as fast as possible so they can leave as fast as possible. Zach also has his hand on my knee the whole time, which calms me enough to stop any words from leaving my mouth.

After dinner, they leave and as soon as the door shuts, I sigh with relief. I think Zach does the same.

I go into our bedroom and just lay down. I'm exhausted. Zach comes and lays with me after a few minutes.

"IGNORING THE TIME AFTER YOUR PARENTS GOT HERE, HOW WAS YOUR DAY?" Zach asks me after a minute. I laugh a little at his directness.

"FINE. JUST SCHOOL. I SAW MARGARET AT THE PARK EARLIER. WHAT ABOUT YOU?"