Those Seven

Chapter 5: Surprise

Nick and I had been still for awhile, Nathan had done a short outline with a pencil on his canvas before he had gone for the watercolors. Neither three of us could remember how much time had passed, though I know I fell asleep for a bit before Nick nudged me awake as I was about to ruin the pose in my slumber.

A knock sounds around the room and Nathan sets his brush down, wary of accidentally ruining his painting.

"Enter!"

Colton peaks his head in and his eyes widen at the scene before him as he opens the door more for his body to fit through.

"So this is why I couldn't find Nick," Colton smiles and continues. "Dinner's ready."

I blink lazily and look at Nate for permission.

He notices the look and waves his hand, "I already took a couple pictures so I can continue the painting later."

Apparently, he was more prepared than I was.

I nod slowly, still groggy as I pull myself into a sitting position. I try to rub the sleepiness from my eyes though it doesn't do much. I stand up with a sigh and stretch as I yawn, my arms above my head.

When I'm done stretching, I smooth out my now ruffled shirts and run a hand through my hair to make it a little more presentable.

I walk to the door and throw the words over my shoulder, "You coming?"

I hear Nick and Nate's footsteps behind me, though it's mostly Nick's combat boots. Colton leads the way, thankfully aware that I will probably never learn my way around the mansion.

We somehow get behind Easton, James, Parker, and John. They are already at the bottom before we're midway and as the sweetheart he is, Parker suggests to wait for us and then we can all walk to the dining hall together. None of the elders dare to say anything against Parker's ruling, and I'm thankful they didn't.

As I had migrated to walking next to Colton in the front and just as we were almost at the bottom, I fucking misstep.

I feel my body falling and I outstretch my arms to hopefully soothe my fall once I land as a short yelp of shock escapes me.

Again, thankfully, Parker's ruling saves me, though I'm surprised at who acts quick enough to catch my gravity-pulled body.

James catches me by wrapping his arms around my back and under my armpits. My hands land on his biceps and my wide, shocked eyes meet his.

"Thanks." I say breathlessly as I pull my arms off him and he lets me go, not saying a word except rolling his eyes.

"You good?" John asks and I nod dumbly but he leaves it at that, walking to his twin and nudging him with his elbow, whispering quietly to James.

"You sure?" Colton steps up to my side again and we continue our journey to the dining room.

"Yeah, I'm good. Just a scare." I wave it off, trying to forget about the embarrassment though the aftermath remains on my flushed cheeks.

The boys all greet my mom politely, some more reluctant than others. I sit next to her and she whispers in my ear.

"Sie ist nett, warum machst du nicht öfter Freunde?"

She laughs as I punch her shoulder and gathers the attention of the Walker's unknowingly.

I smile and roll my eyes at her antics and move my attention to Nate, who had sat next me.

"What did she say?" He whisper-asks and I nudge him with my elbow.

"She said your mother was nice."

Nate raises an eyebrow in incredulity and I sigh in mock defeat.