Chapter 5: Dinner

Gloria pulled me up to the island in the kitchen and plopped down on a bar stool. She grabbed an apple and took a bite of it and chewed thoughtfully.  Bren, Brandon, and Greg walked in and the boys also swiped an apple, taking huge bites.  

“So, if this isn’t Grandpa Adrian’s house then who’s house is it?” I asked quietly.  

Bren spoke up quickly shooting a glare at Gloria telling her to keep her mouth shut. It’s our Dad’s house, Zane.  He is your mom’s brother so, I guess that makes us cousins.” She offered a small smile.  Her eyes looked sad as she looked at me.  

“What about your mom, what’s her name?” I asked softly.  I was afraid their mom was a topic that was off limits, but to my relief, Bren smiled widely and said, “Oh, you’ll meet her and Dad soon.  They have been traveling for a bit so Grandpa and Grandma have been filling in and making sure things are running smoothly.” 

“Where’s Grandma?”  I haven’t met her yet.”  

At that moment, Grandpa Adrian walked in holding the hand of a beautiful woman with dark hair that had a small amount of gray streaked through.  Her eyes were dancing with happiness and she rushed over and scooped me up on a hug. 

Grandpa Adrian came forward and gently moved my Grandmother back from me and officially introduced us.  “Let her breath! Lilith, this is Divina, Divina this is your Grandmother, Lilith.” 

“Umm, does everyone age as well and look as gorgeous as you all do?” I blurted out.

My cheeks burned when I realized I spoke that out loud.  Oh, kill me now!  I am such an idiot! Bren and Gloria giggle, but Brandon and Greg rolled their eyes.  Yup. Kill me now!

Grandma smiled and ran her hand down my braid.  “It’s good genes, sweet girl.  Now, tell me about yourself.  What did you do for fun in Oklahoma?”  

I blew a strand of hair out of my face before answering.  “Well, I danced back home.” 

“Oh, oh!  What kind of dance?” Gloria all but shouted at me.  I swear that girl did not know how to do anything unless it was full out.  

I smiled, appreciating the interest in my life.  “Mostly hip hop, but I can do ballet as well as others. If it allows me to move my body, then I seem to be able to pick it up pretty easily.”  My face reddened as I realized that I might have come across as arrogant.  

“Don’t get my wrong,” I added.  “I have to practice a ton and put the work in.” 

Greg smiled deviously and said, “Hmm, well I guess we’ll find out soon if you’ve got moves.”  I looked between Greg and Bren and she just rolled her eyes.  

“Everyone joins training in the mornings. It’s combat, self-defense skills, and endurance but I bet you will pick it up quickly.  You are a Blackwood after all.” She grinned cheekily at me and turned to Grandma.  “Is dinner almost ready? We are starving!” 

Gina came in and announced dinner was ready before quickly disappearing.  We all stood up and walked into the formal dining room.  Brandon leaned over to me and whispered, “We rarely eat in here.  Usually everyone eats out in the mess hall, but Grandma and Grandpa didn’t want to overwhelm you.”  My lips formed into an O and I looked at him wide eyed.  “Oh,” was all I could say.  

Everyone took a seat and I waited to see where I should sit.  I was new here after all. Looks like I would be sitting between Greg and Gloria.  My mouth watered as I stared at the food in from of me.  We were having fajitas with all the fixings.  Yum, I could eat about five of these!  They are all going to think I am a pig. 

After Greg and Brandon downed their third fajita and Gloria and Bren were on their seconds, I stopped feeling self-conscious and ate freely.  It seemed that their appetites rivaled me own and I wouldn’t be out of place eating a ton here.  

Maybe I wouldn’t get any comments on the amount of food I could consume like I got back home.  I always seemed to be able to out eat the kids at my school. 

I looked up and realized mom had joined us without saying a word.  She fixed herself a plate and everyone continued eating in companionable silence.  

After Gloria’s third fajita she put her hands under her legs and was bouncing in her seat.  She looked like she was going to burst with anticipation, and I wondered what was up with her.  

After a few minutes of her sitting there looking like she either needed to poop or she was in pain she finally burst out, “I can’t take it anymore!  Will someone please tell Divina so we can talk freely again!  I have messed up at least twice already!” 

“Three times, but who’s counting?” Bren said with a shrug.  I could hear Gloria’s foot tapping on the ground impatiently waiting for one of the adults to speak up.

Mom slowly swallowed her food and looked at me with anxious eyes.  Uh, oh. Whatever they were going to tell me had to be bad.  

I stared at mom, waiting for her to speak, but she just stayed quiet.  Grandpa Adrian cleared his throat and I looked over at him.  I could feel my mom’s eyes still on me waiting for whatever reaction I was going to have.