Ryan Flame - The Library Window

Waterfalls

The sound of metal on glass rang through the dining hall. The quiet tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife, but still, no one made a move to break it. The family of five sat calmly at the vast dining table. The warm wooden hue set a lively mood for the candle-lit room. The red carpet and black accents showed who chose to decorate it as well.

Ryan was the only one not eating. He instead was looking up at the candle chandelier above them. Wondering what would happen if it fell on the table. He was certain Luke would jump, but looked confused. His mother would most definitely scream in fear before yelling at his father. Stating that this is the reason they needed her choice of lights.

A smile came to his face as he thought about the discussion they would have. It sure would be better than this. For his father would point out that no one got hurt, so his lights were far superior.

"Why are you smiling?" Ryan's mother snapped at him. Yanking the boy out of his thoughts.

"I was simply pondering what everyone's reaction would be to a certain turn of events." He spoke carefully. Making sure to keep his words vague so that his mother wouldn't start an argument. He didn't think his brothers would like that very much.

His mother glared at him, but before she could say anything Luke spoke up, "Oh! Do let me guess what thou were pondering! Tell me, what were our reactions to this great event that unfolded!"

Ryan chuckled at Luke's old English talk. He always seemed to do this when he got excited. "Well, if yo- thou," Ryan corrected himself, humoring his brother, "must know, you would have looked very confused and shocked."

Viper growled before trying to speak up again, Luke interrupted her once more, "Oh! May it have been you putting a straw up your nose! That would confuse me indeed." Luke asked, not realizing that their mother was trying to speak.

Ryan chuckled before holding up a hand and looking towards his mom, "Yes mother?" He asked as he took note of her irritated expression. She hated being ignored and always demanded their attention. It was quite tiring at times.

Running a hand through her black hair, Viper sighed, "What kind of thing were you pondering?" She growled through her sharp teeth.

Ryan went to answer before Luke interpreted him, "Oh please don't answer, I wish to guess it. Please, Mother, let me guess!"

Before the black-haired woman could slam her hands on the table and shout at them, Austin gently put a hand over one of hers. "Easy my love, they are being kids." He said calmly before going back to eating his food.

Something was different this time though. Usually, Viper would relax and move on. Letting the kids play their games and joining in, but this time the look returned. Ryan let a shiver run down his spine as he suddenly looked at his food. "Father, I am tired." Ryan suddenly spoke, causing his father to look up from his plate.

"With what?" He said quickly, but gently.

"With dinner. May I be dismissed?" He said quietly. Setting his fork down.

"You haven't even touched your food. A prince must eat a lot." Ryan looked sick at his mother's statement.

the bedrooms. Instead, this one connected both the kitchen and living room along with the foyer. On his left wasn't a wall, but rather a small banister that allowed guests to look out into the beautiful living room. While to his right was a bar counter built into the wall.

His father, Austin, was a bartender of sorts. Ryan had caught glimpses of his father making drinks for some of the guests at the adult parties. Of course, he was never allowed to attend these, but he enjoyed watching his father from the other side of the counter. Ryan let his hand run along the smooth surface. Letting his eyes wander into the liquor