Recollection

forty-two | oops

song: Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Accalia Morelli

The clatter of cutlery and the low hum of chatter filled the dining room. I sat wedged between Atticus, whose shoulder practically dwarfed mine, and Levias, who was busy poking at his scrambled eggs with disinterest. Across the table, Mateo, Ezra, and Romeo were animatedly discussing Roman's new car with Leo and Mars, their hands gesturing wildly as they debated speed, color, and performance. Rosalyn, seated to Romeo's left, chimed in occasionally speaking with Channele, Volna, and Aunt Haley, though she mostly seemed content to listen.

"I don't even understand why you're so excited," Rosalyn said, rolling her eyes. "You know Roman doesn't let anyone touch his car."

"That's because Roman's paranoid," Levias quipped.

"Not paranoid, just with past experiences to prove your incompetence at driving," Roman retorted from the other end of the table, sounding mildly defensive.

I sipped my coffee and threw in, "Honestly, I'd love to drive it, but I probably shouldn't. You know, considering."

The conversation came to a screeching halt. Everyone turned to me, their expressions varying degrees of confusion and disbelief. Even the sound of utensils against plates stopped. I froze, mid-sip, suddenly aware that I'd said something I shouldn't have.

Too soon?

I shrugged, trying to play it off. "Forget I ever spoke." It was almost comical to see their faces but I stabbed a piece of sausage and ate it while chuckling to myself.

If only they ever learned I don't even have my license.

"You don't have a license?" Asa's voice cut through the room like a blade. He was calm, but there was no mistaking the edge in his tone. Little Zee stirred in his arms as he fed her a bottle.

I sheepishly sipped my coffee again, avoiding his gaze. "I have a license."

"Lia." His voice dropped, and it was enough to make me wince. I didn't even dare look up at him or Duke or Seb or the most stubborn Morelli at the head of the table.

"What? It doesn't even matter. I have it. I may have never taken the test, but who cares at this point?" I muttered, attempting to sound nonchalant.

Haley leaned forward, her brows furrowed. "So you mean to tell me you don't have a car license?"

"How?" Roman's voice was incredulous.

I opened my mouth to explain, but the questions started flying.

"But your driving skills are amazing," Atticus said, clearly baffled.

"We've all seen you race!" Ezra exclaimed, his fork frozen in midair.

"How is that even possible?" Mateo added, leaning forward in his chair.

"But I've seen your license!" Levias threw in, squinting at me. "Your photo is hideous, by the way."