Finding Joy

Chapter 3

Lauren's POV

Making it outside my mom and dad's house I already know what time it is. My brothers are here, with their wives and children. Usually I'm excited to see them, but today isn't the day. I should have known though, every Friday it's family night and we play games and watch movies. It's corny but my parents love to have us all together.

I walked into the 3 story colonial style home. Bracing myself for all of my families foolishness.

I walked in, and went straight upstairs to my bedroom. To one, get out of my work clothes and two, put away these bags.

I changed into my schools sweatshirt and some yoga pants. No need to be cute. It's now 6:30 and I have till 12:00 to get ready. Why we going so late? Because according to Erin and Kelsey the party don't get hot until at least 1:00.

I walked downstairs, and heard loud voices and noise coming from the dining room.

"Hey y'all!" I said when I entered.

"Auntie Lauren!" My nephew hugged me.

"Hey Jj." I hugged my eldest nephew James Jr.

"Hey auntie. Can I come stay with you tonight?" He asked.

"Not tonight buddy but I promise another day." I said.

"Okay." He sighed and sat down.

"Where you going to?" Chris, my brother asked.

"Im going to the club." I stated.

"Oh really?" Jackson asked.

"Yes really." I said.

"Did you ask daddy?" Christian asked.

"Nope." I stated getting a mug of hot chocolate.

"You ain't going no where." They said in unison.

"Yes I am." I sipped my mug.

My mom and dad came inside the room.

"Hey baby girl! How was work?" My mom asked.

"Hey mommy. It was okay." I said pecking her cheek.

"Hey baby girl. Just okay?" My dad asked

I smiled and kissed his cheek too. "Yeah daddy. Just okay."

I observed my dad, usually you'd expect a mayor to wear a suit and tie right? Nope not my daddy, he wears a button up and slacks, no tie and no jacket. When he does rally's or community events he dresses accordingly, jeans and a t shirt or button up. The people love that because although it is a big city, he's down to earth and social.

We all sat down and began our dinner. I noticed that my sisters in law aren't here.

"Where the wives at?" I asked.

"They went for a girls day." Christian answered."

My brothers are all married, and James and Chris, have children. Both Jackson and Christians wives are pregnant.

"Oh. That's cool." I said continuing my dinner.

"Wait, they didn't ask you if you wanted to come?" Jackson asked.

"Nope." I answered.

"But I was told they were gonna ask you." Christian said.

"Well Christian they didn't" I shrugged.

"I'm so sorry sissy." James said.

"No, it's cool. They have more in common with each other anyways and I wouldn't be comfortable." I stated. Shrugging my shoulders.