"leah! dinner time!" anna calls to me, and i hear footsteps shuffling outside my bedroom in the hallway. once the noise ceases, i slip out the door, pulling my hood over my head.
downstairs, all eight of my 'siblings' are seated at the table with anna slaving away at the stove. keesha gets up to help her once she gets a disapproving glance from me. i sit in my assigned chair, slumping in it, sighing.
"ow! watch it!" i scold the little boy next to me, conner, after he's punched me in the arm. under my glare, he sticks out his lip, pointing to his brother next to him.
"ash made me!"
"i don't care who did, don't do it again!" i roar without realizing how loud i am. when my rage goes away, i look around the table, seeing that all eyes are on me. including anna's, the sternest. she scurries over, setting a porcelain bowl in the middle of everyone, and everyone but me begins to eat as if they haven't had a meal in months. i suppose some of them haven't.
"upstairs. now." the older woman flares, gesturing for me to go upstairs for a stern talking to. when we reach the top of the steps, i turn on my heel to face her.
"look, i haven't been through anything that kid hasn't."
"that kid is your brother and you will treat him as such."
i snort. her hand comes so close to my face, i'm surprised she didn't make contact.
"i didn't mean it, okay? i've had a rough day." i apologize, shifting my weight as i look down to my ratty sneakers.
"apology accepted. since you're the oldest here, i expect you'll be giving our new recruit a nice welcome tonight." anna raises an eyebrow at me, and suddenly, i realize how young she looks at forty six years old. she could definitely pass for twenty six.
"new recruit?" i question.
"he should be here around nine."
he.
he's a he.
"and you want me," i point a finger at myself, still keeping her gaze.
"to welcome him?" annabelle nods, smiling in pleasure. before she descends the stairs, she puts her palm on my cheek, looking deep into my eyes.
"it will be good for you, darling."
