Our Dynasty || 𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘺

✰ twenty-three ✰

["hayley's new job"]

   "Hey Mom, do you know where the— oh my god what happened in here!?" I exclaim at the sight of the mess of the kitchen.

   "Well I was cooking dinner and—" My mom tries to explain while raking a hand through her hair.

   "Right and a raccoon just walked in and—" My dad steps in.

    "And I already a hold of the handle and—"

   "Okay Mom, Dad why don't you two work on your story then get back to me." I pat my dad's back and walk through the kitchen.

   Whatever their stupid fight was about this time, I don't want to be a part of it.

   "I won't be back till late, I have another shift at the restaurant tonight." Hayley strides in as I pour myself a cup of coffee.

   "Good job Hayley." I speak.

   "Let the river run honey." My dad replies.

   "Check it! $57 in tips from last night..." Hayley proudly shows off her earnings.

   "You know what 57 from you, 57 from us. We could be buying you a car for the summer." Hayley squeals at my Mom as I giggle quietly.

   My Grandpas strolls into the kitchen with a stressed look on his face.

   "Oh hey grandpa didn't know you were here?"

   "He just came over to try and fix the microwave..." My mom explains.

   "Yeah the one the raccoon—"

   "Save it Dad." I cut him off before he produces another story for me.

   "There's no way am gonna be able to fix this Claire." My grandpa states.

   "What Dad? I use it everyday. Phil how about we take a trip to the mall." My dad appears dazed by her question.

   Quickly, I shake my head in the background towards my dad. Going to the mall with my mom is something I try to avoid on a daily basis. Let's just say she has this habit you know what I can't even talk about.
  
   That night we stop by Hayley's restaurant for a family dinner, I'm just hoping my mom and dad can keep their fight wrapped up until we get home.

   The car ride was filled with awkward tension and little stabs, mostly coming from my mom.

   "Well this is nice isn't it— just me my gals and my beautiful, beautiful wife." My Dad pipes up as I peer up towards him over my menu.

   "Dad. Too much." I sigh.

   "Isn't it weird Hayley is the only one here not wearing a name tag?" Alex chimes in.

   "If your mother was wearing a name tag it would say, good... driver."

   "Phil—"

   "Here you go..." Hayley ends the suspense of an argument and hands out our drinks.

   "Thank you Hayley." I sigh taking a sip of my Diet Coke.

   "Wait, I wanna hear the specials..."

   "Come on Alex, just choose something from the menu." I tap the table.

   "We are out of specials." Hayley straightens her bright white shirt.

   "What were they then?" Alex challenges her as I narrow my eyes between the pair of them. Alex knows something we don't.

   "Popular. Which you wouldn't understand." Hayley claps back before walking away.

   "Alright what looks goooddd..." My dad speaks peering down at the menu. "Oh here's something that jumps off the page, I tried this yesterday thanks to my good friend Skip Woosem. Claire, do yourself a favour and join me in a wedge salad." My mom appears wide eyed at his comment.

   "You have got to be kidding me!" My mom drops her menu.

   "Mom what's wrong?"

   "Just try it you will thank me..." My dad smiles.

   "Did you learn nothing of last night... I have been recommending wedge salads to you amongst other things for years..." My mom explodes as I feel people eyes on our family. "And then some idiot suggests it and you try it, it makes me feel like I don't matter." My mom rises and storms out of the restaurant while Hayley strides over.

   "Thanks Dad, Moms little outburst just got me fired..." Haley storms off after Mom.

   "Great." I remark under my breath.

   "I gotta talk to your mom, you talk to your sister." Dad speak to Alex before running outside.

   "She never worked here!" Alex shouts as I nearly choke on my Diet Coke.

   "What!" I exclaim. This just keeps getting better and better.