Whatever I Am, I'm Yours.

chapter twenty-seven

A/N: there's smut. You've been warned. Now onward.

Dinah
"Mom," I called while walking out of my shared bedroom with my sisters to the the kitchen right down the hall, "I got the job at the bakery." I announced as I took a seat at the table while my mother had her head in her hands, "I talked to Louis's parents and they said I could start when the season is over since that'll be a better time."

"That's...that's great honey. I'm...I'm proud of you." Her words were soft and didn't even sound like she put much thought into it. There was no kind of physical consolation or eye contact. She did reach for her glass filled of her usual stuff.

I felt my face grimace at the strong odor, "I-I-well Coach Lovato said the scouts from Notre Dam were interested in me-which--which means I could get a full ride if I keep at it."

"Oh sweetie," she smiled weakly while lifting her glass to her lips, "That's wonderful..." That's when she tilted her head back and took in whatever was left in the cup.

I felt my fists clenching as my nails dug into the palms of my hands, this wasn't what I wanted.

But I couldn't be selfish.

"I-I'm going to take the kids to the park. So they can tire themselves out." I told her while standing up and going to my room to get my things. I looked over to the bed to see my siblings all sharing my phone as some video played, well everyone except Seth. He was dancing to what I can now hear was a music video. "Guys come on let's go to the park."

Immediately everyone flew up and made their way out of the room, except for Regina who walked over to hand me back my phone. I smiled at her while bringing her in for a hug, because god knows I need one. "Your friend sings really pretty." She said as I pulled back and she pointed to the phone screen.

Looking down I saw they were watching Lauren's music video with Ty Dolla $ign. I felt my jaw drop as I remembered how the choreography in this wasn't exactly...too kid friendly. I'd have to watch them a bit more closely this time. "Yeah. Lo's real talented. Come on let's go." I patted her shoulder and guided her out and towards the front door where Everyone else waited. Our mother nowhere insight.

Probably locked herself away in her room.

I thanked god that the park wasn't that far off from our house, usually it's where I took the kiddos when mom had had...just a bit too much during the day. It was during the night when I found it hard to hide them from it. I'd just tell the boys to go to their rooms and stay there while I told the girls the same. Myself, well I'd stay out in the living room and make sure our mother would be fine.

"Was she-"

I cut my sister, Kamila, off, "I just thought it'd be nice to take you guys to the park."

"Dinah..."

"Don't. Just...don't. I know you and Tony and Funaki aren't dumb, but the little ones don't see it. So let's just be like them, okay?"

I heard her sigh, "You can't treat us like little kids forever."

"I'm not-"

"But you can't forget you're also one yourself, you know."

Seth squealed in happiness as himself and Regina ran over to, well Funaki carried him over as she ran, to the swings once we made it to the fence leading into the park. Tony and Daniel had always brought a basketball to go off and play. Kamila and I left to sit on the bench and just talk the time away about petty stuff, except now I didn't feel like talking much.