Death Avenue: Answers

Supper pt.2

*DeMarcus POV*

After Sierra helps set the table, I sit down looking at my phone as Mom brings us our dinner.

Once all the food is at the table and Mom has settled, we fill our plates.

I turn off my phone as we pray and eat. The awkward silence is kind of annoying until mom speaks.

"So, how was school?"

"The day went by pretty fast. I didn't get much work either and for the most part my teachers seem to like me. I wish dad was here to see this."

I didn't mean to ruin the mood by talking about dad, but I've been really upset about that lately.  I just wish I knew what he was like.

I look down at my plate taking another bite of my chicken. "I think he'd be proud of how grown up you've become."

I look over at Sierra who is smiling at me and I smile back. She's always so supportive of me.

"And how about you Sierra?"

I didn't expect mom to change the subject so quickly.
"It was good. Not much happened that I didn't expect." Sierra replies.

"Did you finish all that homework you were talking about earlier?"

"Of course." I'm glad for the first time Mom and Sierra are talking and not yelling at each other.

I notice the looks they give each other. It is like they're having a mental conversation, but I ignore them and continue eating.

"Why is it that we don't get to talk about dad?"

I choke on my water. Yikes.

"Mom?"

I stay quiet knowing exactly where this is going. Mom drops her fork with a loud clank that makes me jump.

"We already talked about this. It's not a subject I'm comfortable with and we need happier things to think about anyways."

"But I think it would be nice for DeMarcus to talk about how proud dad would be. I think DeMarcus also deserves to hear about dad and how nice he was. Instead of hearing it from family friends at occasional social events. You should be the one telling him about dad regardless."

"Dont start this right now Sierra."

"Well, you could at least support him instead of crushing his confidence. He never even got to meet him. Never got to get that bond or feel his embrace."

Great, now they're arguing. Again.

"Sierr-"

She interrupts mom turning to look at me. "You know that dad would be incredibly proud of you. You love us as much as people say he loved us. You are so, so loving DeMarcus." I look at her surprised and so touched by her words I get teary-eyed.

"Sierra stop." I don't get why mom is being so strict. Sierra has been nothing but supportive of me and my feelings. She's such a great sister.

"No, I think it would be good for him to hear about dad at least a little bit."

This is going to get worse. Isn't it?

"Sierra I swear if you-"

"What? Don't stop? I bet you've never once tried to imagine what this could be like for him ever!"

"Do not raise you're voice at me!"

This is getting heated. I hate it when they argue.

"I'm just saying that-" Mom stands up, the sound of her chair scrapping on the grounds shuts Sierra up quickly.

"Enough! Just go to your room!"

Sierra sits silently staring at her. I look from mom to Sierra waiting to see who yells back.

"Did I stutter young lady?"

I watch as mom stares her down coldly, not moving an inch.

"Fine."

*sigh*