Someone Hit the Mute Button

Chapter Eleven- The Big Bang

Chapter Eleven- The Big Bang

     We returned to Lee Valley later that same morning. We went our separate ways and just after we had done so, mom called a family dinner.

     Now, to most people, this would not have been a bad thing. A bit annoying maybe, but nothing too horrible. This was not the case.

     In the DeMarco family, dinners like these were only called when someone had very special news that they felt needed to be shared with everyone else. For example, the last time this happened, mom told us that Carson had left and did not plan on returning.

     Can you see why I was a bit nervous?

     In a situation like this, I would have asked Dustin to join us, but when I asked my mother for permission, she said there was no need.

     "Why?" I signed, sitting on the island behind her as she put a pot on the stove.

     "Because," She replied, and I glared at her.

     "That's such a mom answer."

     "I am aware, Annalise. Get off the counter," She chimed dismissively as she continued on with her work.

     I rolled my eyes and jumped off of the counter, stomping up to my bedroom and slamming the door behind me.

     "Annalise!" Mom shouted from downstairs, her voice just barely carrying through my door. "Get down here this instant!"

     I debated following her directions for a very long moment, but I eventually used my better judgment and sulked out of my room and back down the stairs.

     Mom was pissed.

     "Don't you dare make this dinner miserable," She threatened, her pointer finger right near my nose. "For once, pretend like you are somewhat interested in this family."

     If I could have mustered up the courage, I would have punched her. Hard. I could not bring myself to even make a fist. I simply glared at her and headed back up the stairs.

     "If you are not sitting at the table and properly dressed by six o'clock, you are grounded for a month, Annalise Elizabeth DeMarco," She called after me, and I flipped her off as soon as I had turned the corner and she could no longer see me.

     I flopped down onto my bed as I reached it, sighing heavily. What could possibly be so important that she couldn't just tell us? Why make such a big deal out of it?

     Nothing my mother did ever made much sense, in my opinion.

     Suddenly, there was a knock on my door. A timid one, a nervous one. I rolled off my bed and unlocked it slowly, wondering just who would be calling on me in the middle of the day.

     It was April.

     She walked in and shut the door behind her, taking a seat on my bed. "Do you have any idea what this is about?" She asked, and I suddenly felt like I was eleven again.

     When I was eleven, my family was still in one piece. When I was eleven, Alec and I were closer than ever. When I was eleven, April and I were as close as sisters came. When I was eleven, Aria actually put up with me.

     When I was eleven, I was happy.

     I shook my head, claiming a seat right next to her.

     "It could have something to do with Aria and Tristan," She commented, and I gave her a bit of a confused look. "Tristan's coming too."

     Now that was just unfair. Aria could bring Tristan to this stupid "family dinner", but I couldn't bring Dustin? Talk about a double standard.