Playing the Game

Chapter 4: One of *Those*

Chapter 4

"Welcome home! Wash up, dinner's on the table in five!" My mom called as soon as I walked through the back door.

"I've gotta shower!" I called back, kicking my shoes off in the mudroom.

"Nope, come eat first." My dad said as he walked out of his office. "Family dinner tonight."

I let out a groan but headed towards the guest bathroom anyways to wash my hands.

I ran my wet hands through my hair, pushing it off of my face.

I was in desperate need of a haircut.

"Charlie!" My mom called down the hall.

"Coming!" I called back, quickly drying my hands and flipping off the light.

Chloe was hella pissed as we sat down at the table and I was intrigued to see the drama that would unfold.

Everyone was dead silent as we started eating, silently looking down at their plates.

I looked around the subdued table, wondering who was going to be first to break the silence.

"So there's a new girl at school." I spoke up, mostly looking at my mom. "She seems cool."

"Elizabeth Von Batton." My dad said.

I looked at him in shock.

"How the hell do you know that?" I asked with a laugh.

"Language, Charles." My mother snapped.

"Sorry." I muttered.

Chloe gave me a smug grin, pleased that I was the one currently under the knife.

I gave her a look back before turning to my dad.

"How do you know her name?" I frowned.

"Do you know who that girl is?"

"Some outspoken liberal from New Jersey, that's who she is." I laughed. "And she knows her way around an engine too, apparently."

"I read her file when she transferred, she seems like a well rounded student." My mom added with a smile.

As guidance counselor at the school, she knew every student inside and out.

"She's got a deep hatred for football players too, apparently." I laughed. "It's like where everyone else falls over at the mention of my state ring she just rolls her eyes as if she's used to the whole to do."

"Well of course she is." My dad laughed. "Ask her about her connection to football, you'll be surprised."

"What do you know?" I frowned, leaning back in my chair.

"Not my place to tell." My dad shook his head. "Chloe, how was school today?"

Chloe looked murderous again.

"Dad." She groaned. "Don't."

"Chloe got asked out on a date." My mom said with a grin.

"Mom!" Chloe exclaimed.

"Who the hell would do that?" I said harshly, leaning towards my sister. "You told him no, didn't you?"

"I said yes." Chloe hissed.

"What the hell!" I exclaimed. "She's fourteen!"

"You were dating when you were fourteen!" Chloe shot back.

"You're a girl!"

"Don't be sexist!"

My eyes widened at that exclamation. "What the hell is going on with all this liberal crap popping up!" I shook my head. "You're not going out on a date, end of story."