Parallels

Chapter Three: Next To Normal

I didn't ask to get plowed into by Alaina right as I stepped out of my room this morning, but hey, I don't mind, I needed the hug.

"Mornin' Alaina," I mumble, my lungs barely able to get any air. "Can't- breathe!"

"Scat, sorry, Theo... Mama's making us wait til all you pains in the tail wake up and I'm hungry..."

"Yeah, sorry about that sis, I know you can eat anything..."

"Oh, you...," she laughs, sticking her tongue right straight out at me... "You're awful."

"And you love it, nyeh," I say, laughing. "Come on, let's go eat something. I think Isaac's already awake, 'cause he wasn't in my room when I woke up this morning. Was Jenna still asleep?"

"Yeah, she was," Alaina says. "Honestly, though, that doesn't surprise me... she passed right out by the fire, Theo...Oh gods I'm blushing.... Why am I blushing that sounds- cute?

"I don't really think that she's quite as able to fight her eyes open as she thinks she is...."

"No way, and yeah, Isaac neither... Now, come on, I'm getting hungry," I say, trying to not let the heat go anywhere but where it already is in my cheeks.

"Here I am," a voice says from behind us, and Alaina and I turn around to see her walking towards us, wiping the sleep from her eyes. "I just fell asleep there last night," she says, ears drooping ever so slightly. "I'm sorry about that, I didn't mean to. I mean, I just closed my eyes for a second there, and then I woke up in bed hugging my tail..."

"Yeah," Alaina says, "you were pretty out of it last night..."

"I'm sorry!" she yelps, jumping up and wincing as she stubs a toe... "ow..."

"It's fine, Jenna, relax, please," Alaina says, trying to calm the flustered fox.

"I'm trying, I promise," she says, "but I'm- ooh, is that bacon?"

"Yes it is, and pancakes too," Papa says. "How many?"

"Lots please!" Jenna says, shaking away her frown and yawning and it's so cute and dangit now I'm yawning too and everyone's laughing it's not personal Theo. "I'm staaarving!"

"You're never not," Mrs Neve says. "But sit down and wait, Jenna. Just how many times have I told you this?"

"Too many," she says, and we all laugh, evenWrWel Jenna, whose tongue is stuck to her nose.

"Hey! It's nod fubby!"

"It's only not funny to you Jenna!" Isaac laughs.

"Oh hush!"

Well, if this is a sign of things to come, I'm looking forward to them!

Twenty minutes later, breakfast is all cleaned up, everyone's teeth are brushed, bags are packed, and we're ready to go.

"Have a great day, everyone, and Theo? Alaina?" she says, calling after us.

"Yes, Mama?" we ask. "Jinx!"

"Enjoy your detention after school, okay?" she asks, winking.

"Of course, Mama!" I say, smiling.

"You know we're going to," Alaina says. "I don't know if we've got a ride back, but-"

"Don't worry, Alaina," Mrs. Neve says, smiling, "I'll bring you back."

"Thanks, Bianca," Mama says. "Now get out there, the bus's gonna be here soon..."