Trapped: Ending the Games

Chapter Seven: A Dinner to Last a Lifetime

James stares at his childhood home as he and Katie exit his vehicle and walk towards the small home, knocking on the door to a cheerful woman.

Liza: My baby is finally home, and he brought someone with him. Who are you?

James: Mom this is Katie. She's a friend of mine and is helping with the work I'm doing.

Liza: Oh I see. A "close friend" ay? Well any friend of my son is welcome here.

Katie: Thanks Mrs...

Liza: Roberts sweetie. Mrs Roberts. But you can me Liza.

Katie: Well thank you Liza.

The two are welcomed into the home and guided to the dinner table.

Liza: Food will be done soon. Your father is stopping at the store to buy some drinks and then he'll be here for dinner.

James: Got it. Thanks mom

Liza: Of course. Now I have to make a phone call to your aunt. She wanted to come for dinner, but couldn't make it this time.

James: No problem mom. Take your time.

Liza walks away as Katie looks around the room

Katie: So this small place is where you grew up?

James: Yep. All of my childhood and the first few years out of high school until the game. I got my own place after that and have been there ever since.

Katie: Well it's nice and quaint. Perfect place to raise such a handsome man.

James: We've been over this Katie.

Katie: Right. Sorry.

James: It's fine. I get it can be hard with all you went through.

Katie: I appreciate that.

Liza runs into the room

Liza: Good news honey. Your brother just called me after I got off the phone with your aunt. He and your big sister just make it in time for dinner.

James: Oh....that's great ma.

Liza: This is the first time you'll all be here in years. I have to tell your father right away.

James: Sounds good....

Katie: You have a brother and a sister?

James: Yeah my sister just turned 29 a few months ago. She is ma's not so little princess. My brother and I are the same age.

Katie: What's so special about your sister? Also you're a twin?

James: Fraternal twin yeah. My sister was a law student and works in a firm making six figures. She kept at least a 4.0 her whole life and was the perfect kid for my mom. My brother's a mechanic in the town over so he visits somewhat frequently...then there's me.

Katie: Hey you're doing work that will save a lot of people, even if you're parents can't know about it yet.

James thinks about it as his mother and father walk in.

James's dad: Hey son.

James: Hi dad.

Liza: Oh James this is Katie. She's James's "close friend."

Katie: Good to meet you sir. Wait your names also James?

James (Dad): Yep. Gave my boy here the same exact name as me. He's a junior.

James: Yeah thanks dad. I'll be sure to not do the same to my kid.

James (Dad): Oh come on boy.

James: Let's just finish getting dinner ready.