The Kings II

40

Fred

Mom looked less than interested in the thought of Jo and I going to Chicago.

"Mom, I can tell you've got something to say, so spill," Jo said, cocking an eyebrow up at her as he braced his elbows on the table.

"You're leaving a lot behind," she adamantly stated.

"We can't stay close to home forever," I said, taking a sip of my water.

"Chicago's dangerous."

"Seattle isn't the safest."

"Gang related violence in Chicago-"

"Mom," I deadpanned, "gang related violence here-"

Mateo cleared his throat and cocked an eyebrow up at me.

"It's not any safer here, let me put it that way," Jo said.

Alexis rubbed my arm. "I'm all for him going."

"Seriously?" Mom asked, standing up, "that surprises me."

"It's a great opportunity," she said.

"Same here," Lena said, wiping the corner of her mouth.

"You two have a lot of faith in the boys."

"Mom," Jo and I said at the same time, making her giggle.

"Not saying you shouldn't, I just didn't have that much faith in your father."

I cocked an eyebrow up at her. "That's funny."

She rolled her eyes and Jo bit back a smile.

"So when are you guys going to leave?" Rose asked, her head in her hand.

"When you g-"

"I know, they're annoying, huh?" Alexis asked. She leaned over. "You should have to live with this one."

Rose giggled and leaned back in her chair. "You're stronger than I am."

I just looked over at Alexis. "Since when are you two friends?"

Alexis looked at me and pulled down her shirt sleeve. "We have friendship bracelets."

"Duh, idiot," Rose deadpanned, rolling her eyes.

"Duh, idiot," Alexis teased, grinning at me.

I just raised my eyebrows and shrugged. "Whatever."

Rose just looked at Jo. "So you're leaving?"

"Maybe," he answered.

"It's about time," she said, making Alexis purse her lips together to hold back a laugh.

"What the hell did I ever do to you, kid?" Jo asked, making Lena laugh and place a hand on his arm.

"Language, Josiah," Mom said, cocking her head over.

"No, I'm really curious," he said, "what did I do to you?"

Rose just looked at him.

"That's right, you have nothing," he said, "Fred's still Mom's favorite, so I don't know why you're acting all ent-"

"I don't have favorites," Mom said, making me look over at her.

"Yes, you do," I said, nodding.

"I do not, I love you all for different reasons."

"Fred's just got about twenty more reasons under his belt than everyone else," Jo laughed out, making Mom shake her head.

"Nope," she said, "I have no favorites."