Generations: The Long Game

Four Nights with the Knights - Third Night

TW: Mention of ED
Reece was already busy at work in the kitchen when she woke up alone on the sofa. With no sign of either child in the lounge, she assumed they were either with him or he had put them down for a nap as well. She sat there staring blankly at the television. What had they been watching? She couldn't remember. Maybe she had fallen asleep before he had chosen.

She was stirred from her thoughts when she heard Mia's usual knock at the door. Only when she opened it Mia hadn't quite gotten to the door yet. It was Lynn who was about to rap a second time when she pulled the door open. "Mum's teaching you to knock with authority I see."

Mia sniggered on her way through the door toting all three boys rather precariously. Charlotte followed her perfectly balancing two custard pies and a bottle of rosé. Marjorie had a feeling they would bring wine, so she had expressed throughout the day so she could have a couple of glasses as well. Lightweight that she was, it probably wouldn't take more than a glass or two anyway. Add that to the fact that she hadn't had a glass of wine in almost a year, and she was likely to end up drunk very quickly.

Char moved straight through to the kitchen while Mia took the children to the lounge. It was not really uncommon for them to make themselves at home in each other's houses. Even when Mia was up to her antics, she was still Reece's closest friend and Char and Marjorie were the same. The only upset to the system is that even after all these years Marjorie and Mia seldom saw eye to eye on anything. Their banter was well known throughout the friend group. Neither really saw an end to it nor were they specifically looking for it.

Char laid the pies on the counter and asked Reece about the intended compote topping. "Believe it or not, Char, it will be more flavorful if we add it right before serving, so we should wait."

She left them on the counter and asked if there was anything she could do. "No, wanna just keep me company?" They chatted about the restaurant, and he asked about the nursery.

"You know, Reece, I have worked with her a few years now and I will tell you Deliah never ceases to amaze me. She has come a long way . She doesn't talk much about her personal life, but I think she is getting very close to asking Sara to marry her."

"Dangerous Deliah married. Who would have imagined. Char, before I left I really thought she would eventually give up or have to be fired. I am actually happy for her. Maybe Sara has been good for her."

Charlotte nodded in agreement. "How about you, Reecy?" He smiled at the borrowed nickname. He had always kind of hated it, but if it was the price for keeping them in their life, he would gladly pay it.

"We're okay, Char. We have had some bumps in the road, but I know we will figure it out." He chuckled a little realizing that even after all these years they still fell into therapy session mode from time to time.

"Okay, time to feed the masses." She helped him bring everything to the table and then she called the others in while he poured the wine. "You or Mia?" He asked wondering which would be drinking. She pointed at herself indicating that Mia was driving tonight.

As they ate Reece didn't take his eyes from Marjorie. She still wasn't eating much. He didn't want to embarrass her, but he also didn't know why she wasn't eating... again. "Gorgeous, is there something else I can get you?"

She looked at him surprised as she took a sip of her wine. "No, my love, this is fine."

"Marjorie, you've barely touched it let alone had the chance to taste it." It had come out with more annoyance than he had intended, and now all three women looked at him.

Charlotte shooed the older children out of the room to eat in the lounge, but Mia was the first to speak.

"Reece, you wanna go in the kitchen and help me with those pies?" He stood up looking somewhat like a scolded schoolboy, but he gathered plates and followed the redhead.

"Reece Knight what are you thinking?"

"Oh, Mia don't use that tone with me. She has barely eaten in three weeks. If we don't intervene, she won't be able to continue breastfeeding which will kill her. You swooped in like a hero last time, but you didn't see the defeat she experienced. I need to know what we are dealing with. Mia, my wife is not eating, and I don't know why."

"Reece, since when has it ever been a good idea to call out an issue in front of other people?"

"Mia, I am all out of good ideas."

Frustrated she through her hand in the air and walked away. As she reentered the dining room., she motioned to Char to take over, mumbling about not having the patience to hold his hand. Which was made more ironic by what she did next.

Mia sat in front of Marjorie and drew her hand into her own. "Marjorie, I am sorry. I know that must have been embarrassing. He is worried about you, but he knows better."

She suddenly realized what Mia thought. "Mia, I don't have an eating disorder. At least I don't think. Wouldn't I know?"

Mia pulled her hand away and rolled her eyes. "For Christ's sake Marjorie." She didn't move away though. "Why aren't you eating then?"

"I don't know. I am just never hungry and I always feel full. If I eat too much, I feel sick." Marjorie didn't really know what was going on either, and she was just as scared as he was. Maybe more.