Playing By the Rules

Chapter Ten

Hey! Thank you so much for reading this far! I know this book isn't very popular but it's something that I like a lot and this helping me in my personal life in many ways as well. If you have been a reader so far (all five of you) thank you so much for reading and I am so grateful.

I make my way around Ethan's house, leading my parents to his backyard. Ethan had told me not to knock because they would already be in the backyard. I'm walking carefully, trying not to trip and spill my cupcakes everywhere. It was Saturday and we were on our way to the lunch David had invited us to.

What was supposed to be just me, Ethan, and our families had turned into a lunch with the whole group. Steph, Brooke, and Noah were all going to be there with their parents. It was the first time we had done something like this with Ethan's dad involved. All the parents were friends, but David and Ellen were in on the festivities on the weekend, so this was a first.

I open Ethan's gate, and I'm greeted by Steph and Noah. Brooke and her parents were the only ones missing. I saw a spread of food and many tables set up. It seemed everyone had brought something and there would be leftovers for days.

"Katie! You're here!"Ella shouts, running up to me, wrapping her little arms around my waist. Ella is eight years old and she absolutely adores me. Over the years, I had become the sister she never had. Sometimes I felt like she would trade Ethan for me in a heartbeat.

"Hi Ella."I say and bend down to return her hug. That's when I notice Noah's parents aren't here.

"Noah, where is your mom?" I ask him, with Ella still attached to me. He smiles sheepishly and says, "Their getting the kids." I nod in understanding. Apparently, Noah's younger brothers would be joining us today as well. Noah was the oldest of eight kids. And his seven younger siblings were all brothers, with the oldest being a sophomore and the youngest in kindergarten. Noah's mom could not have a girl, even though she tried so hard. Steph, Brooke, and I were treated like the daughters she didn't have.

Ella detached herself from my waist, but didn't stray far. Steph and Brooke were chatting quietly, but Noah had his arm wrapped around her waist. All the parents that were here, were seated at a table and laughing about something. The only person that was alone was Ethan.

I then heard another car pull into the driveway, and seven kids spilled out. Noah was good looking and that gene ran in the family.

Jake, the second oldest was quiet and artistic, but he had a short temper. He was almost a carbon copy of Noah, and they were both good looking.

Then there were the triplets, Mason, Jason, and Caden. They were in seventh grade and all three were polar opposites. They were growing into their looks and would be just as attractive as their older brother when they grew.

Next was Tobias and he was in fourth grade. He played every sport known to man and was always carrying a ball of some kind. He got in the most trouble because he was so mischievous. He was always pulling pranks and never leaving anyone alone.

And finally there was the twins. Jack and Jay. They were in kindergarten and they were spitfire. They also has the worst potty mouths. Their mouths were worse than most kids our age. They knew every bad word and they made sure they used it, just to piss their mother off. It worked very well.

After the kids all came running in, Charlotte Wade, Noah's mom came out of the car. She looked very worn down and tired. She managed to smile and pull me into a hug when she saw me though.

Noah's dad had died three years ago and they had all taken it pretty hard. Charlotte managed to keep the boys in line by herself, though at times it was hard. He had pulled away from us and we had gotten very scared. He and his dad were the two closest people I had ever seen. And as soon as he was gone Noah had broken. He had broken and he wouldn't let us put him back together. Finally Ethan stepped up and wouldn't leave him alone. He healed with us by his side and he turned back into the Noah we knew and loved.