Life Is Strange: The Outliers

Episode 1: Rebirth (Part 2)

"Your mother tells me you had an . . . eventful day," Dad said at the dinner table, slicing his poyha. "I'm sorry about Butler."

"I'm just glad he's okay," Aylen said. She took a bite out of her cranberry cornbread. "It could've been a lot worse. It's a miracle he's still with us."

"There are too many fools on the road," Dad said, voice tight. "I'm relieved that the both of you are fine. But I must echo your mother's words and ask that you remain vigilant—you can't be too careful nowadays, baby girl."

"I will, I promise." Aylen finished her cornbread, drank her cider, and stood from the dinner table. "Well, I'm gonna head out to Pat's."

"Hold on sweetie," Mama said. "Your father has something to show you." She turned to Dad. "Terry?"

"Oh, right. I'll be right back." He wiped his mouth with a napkin, stood and made his way upstairs.

"What's this about?" Aylen said.

"You'll see," Mama said, standing. "You'll like it," she said as she began clearing the dinner table.

"My birthday's not for another two months," Aylen said, helping Mama. "So it's not my new gaming laptop."

Mama laughed.

"Don't worry about your laptop, sweetie," she said, carrying dishes into the kitchen. "Your father and I will take out a loan to pay your tuition this semester so we can afford it."

Aylen smiled.

"Glad to see our priorities are in order," she said, carrying the cups and silverware into the kitchen. She stared at Mama's belly. "So . . . how'd you and Dad manage to get another December twenty-first due date?"

"Your dad takes all the credit for that one," Mama said, placing the dishes in the kitchen sink. "He planned our spring vacation to Chile this year around the same time as our honeymoon in Canada eighteen years ago."

"TMI," Aylen said, placing her dishes in the sink.

"You asked," Mama laughed.

Aylen rubbed Mama's belly.

"Well, at least now I won't be an only child forever. Still . . . did you guys, like, plan this?"

Mama leaned against the kitchen counter.

"Not necessarily. I don't think most women plan thirty-nine year-old pregnancies." She sighed. "But . . . it is a blessing, nonetheless."

Aylen smiled.

"It is. And if he does arrive on my birthday, I don't think I'll ever stop seeing him as my very late twin."

"Here we go," came Dad's voice from the staircase. He entered the kitchen, holding a large board game box.

A board game Aylen knew too well.

"Oh my God!" she exclaimed. "Oopsie! We haven't played this together in years!"

"Yeah, I found it online," Dad said, grinning. "It was actually a lot cheaper than I thought it'd be—apparently this board game is still selling well today."

"And rightfully so—it's fun as hell!" Aylen said.

Aylen's parents stared at her expectantly.

"If this is you guys' way of trying to get me to stay home on the weekends more—relax. I will." Aylen smiled. "I already made a promise to Butler."

"Wow. Well, we're really grateful for Butler," Dad said.

The three of them laughed.

"As much as I'd hate to break this oh-so-touching family moment . . . I really should be going before it gets too late."