Raising Teens

Chapter 13

                  

When I hear the doorbell ringing, ripping me out of sleep, I almost start crying.

It's been three fucking hours.

Ruby and Noah are still asleep next to me.

I moan loudly, rolling to the side, I fall out of bed. I drag myself to my feet, dragging myelf, still fully dressed, downstairs.

I open the front door.

Everyone just kinda looks at me.

"Did you sleep?" Charlotte asks.

I shrug.

"Yeah."

"You didn't change." Mom says.

I shrug again.

"I'm gonna um-" I rub my eyes. "Go get the kids up." I mumble. "I'll be down in a bit. If I'm not back in like, ten minutes, come upstairs. I probably fell back to sleep."

They nod.

I go upstairs, opening Caden's door.

"Get up." I say loudly. "Get dressed, go downstairs."

I do the same to the other three, and then I go into my room.

Ruby is still asleep, and so is Noah. I shake Ruby.

She opens her eyes, looking around.

"It's morning. Everyone's downstairs."

She yawns.

"What should I wear?" she asks.

"Wear whatever you want to wear."

She rubs her eyes.

"Okay."

She walks out.

I climb in the bed with the intent to wake Noah, but I lay down, and in under a second, I'm asleep.

Ruby

I'm really scared to wear my clothes, but I know Mom and Dad aren't going to let anybody pick on me. I pick out my dress and I brush my hair, and I put my dress on. It's long sleeves. It's navy blue with lace sleeves.

I brush my teeth and my hair, and I wash my face, and I go downstairs.

My whole family is here, and my siblings are downstairs and dressed.

I'm nervous as I walk into the kitchen.

Did Mom tell them?

"Morning Ruby." Grandma smiles.

"Morning." I say quietly. "Happy Thanksgiving. Where's Mom and Dad?"

"I don't know. Brecklyn went upstairs twenty minutes ago or so."

Caroline looks at me.

"Where'd you get that dress?"

Oh no.

"Um...I'll go find them." I squeak.

"Ruby." Caroline says. "Where'd you get the dress?"

I gulp.

"Where'd you get the fucking dress?" she demands.

I turn around and run.

Charlotte

Alright, something is seriously up here.

"Caroline." I say quietly. "Don't swear at your cousin."