Waiting For Autumn

Chapter: 9 - October

October 17th, 2015
Autumn is 16

"Thank you."
Nathan says, as I bring dinner to the table. 
William was here tonight, and Anna was running late.  I cooked a potato soup, something quick to pull together.  After a couple more arguments, Nathan had finally accepted me.
... cooking and cleaning.  Surprisingly Nathan was finally happy with a meal I cooked, something that had never happened before.  Apparently he likes potato soup, I need to keep that in mind.  It was the first time I had seen Will since my second night here.  He had football to attend to.  Although it wasn't storming today, it was very windy; almost 40 mph, or so the weather said. 

"Can we eat now?"
William whines.

"Hold your horses."
I whine back, bringing the tea to the table.
I had become accustomed to wait before I started eating, for prayer,  after many mishaps in the past week and a half.  I pour soup in the bowls, and sit down to wait for them to pray. 

"Hey, Autumn, why don't you pray tonight?"
William asks with a sly smile.

"No thanks, buddy."
I roll my eyes.

"Yeah, Autumn, you've heard us enough times."
Nathan chimes in.

"No, really, I rather not."

They then start to pound their fists against the table and chant:
'Do it!  Do it! Do it!'

"Fine."
I screech.
"But only because it'll make you shut up."

They cheer, whistle and emit applause, as I fold my hands and begin.

"Dear, father.  Bless this food you have brought.  To- to the table.  Thanks for this soup!-"
I laugh awkwardly.
"-and thanks for the weather? Yeah.  Amen."

I keep my head down, as I hear clicking of fingers coming from Nathan and Will, like some people do with dark poetry. 
I feel my cheeks flush a hot red with embarrassment, promising I'd never put myself through that again. 

They begin to eat their food, and I start to eat mine only after they've eaten some.

"Good job, Red."
William holds the spoon above his bowl with a nod, before he puts it in his mouth.

"Thanks."
I smile shyly.

"It could be better."
Nathan shrugs.

I roll my eyes at him, and then continue to get lost deep in thought while the two of them goof off, talking of 'guy-ish' things.
As they were talking, Anna walks in the door, and soon after I hear William yelling at me.

I glance up.
"Well?"
He asks.

"Well, what?"
I ask, confused.

"I asked how everyone was."
Anna smiles.

"Oh, I'm alright, how are you?"
I smile faintly.

"Yes, I'm ok. What's for dinner tonight?"
Anna asks as she puts her purse on the table.

"Potato soup."
Nathan says, rather stifled, with the soup in his mouth.

Anna laughs,
"Well good. Your favorite. How is it?"
She asks.

"Great!"
"It's gross."
William and Nathan both chime in.