Breakfast

Lillian laid back down and whined, "It's Saturday and the sun isn't even up yet. It has to be pretty bad for her to be up so early. Also, you being here brings me to believe the two are connected yet again. So can I just go back to sleep and delay this day a bit longer?" 

Lilly knew it was impossible but had hoped.

"You know your mother will be in here any second now so just get up." Brayden was only 8 months older than her and being raised as siblings they were just as close. "Also..." Brayden slowly made his way to the door before grabbing the knob and quickly saying. "I gotta take a dump. So I call dibs on the bathroom."

He was gone and in the bathroom before Lilly could even throw a freeze spell at him. She may not believe there was as much magic in the world as Claire claimed but that didn’t change the fact that she used what she had. Lilly blamed it on Brayden, just like an annoying big brother he did everything in his power to make her life a living hell. From preventing boys to talk to her, or even look in her direction. To the point she often believed he was intentionally ruining her love life, or lack there of.

"Lilliana Jane!" Claire could feel the power coming from down the hall. "You know better than to use your power without a hidden spell barrier in place. Now get your butt up and come eat. You both know I have news now get in here!"

Lilly did as she was told hurriedly getting dressed not to upset her mother. She ran to the bathroom standing against the wall so Brayden couldn't see her as he peeked through the door. He cracked it open, just enough to see if she was outside. But due to her hiding, and smaller frame he was only greeted by the warm glow of the flickering hall light. Brayden sighed while opening the door and snickered to himself as he walked into the hall. Lilly reached out and smacked the back of his head quickly running into the bathroom and slamming the door. Only to find her cousin had in fact left a horrid stench causing her to gag instantly.

"I hope you enjoyed your little smack." Brayden said from outside the door with his overly cocky tone. Quickly added "Also, the fan and window are still broken so I hope you can hold your breath!" Lilly could hear him laughing as he made his way down the hall to prepare for his day.

The smell was so horrible Lilly thought she was about to die, her eyes watering and unable to breathe. She quickly did her business and rushed out. Smacking right into Brayden, which brought on an immediate fight. Within seconds they were in a full brawl on the floor throwing punches and rolling with each other down the hall. A sudden tapping brought both their attention up to the dining room table. They froze to see Claire staring down at them with a wooden spoon in hand. Claire leaned down and said, "You two ruin another table from this indoor wrestling you're getting jobs to pay for it. Or learning how to build me a new one, I bet I could quit my job and make you two work for me as furniture builders.”

Claire was a pretty small woman, with a petite figure. At 5 foot 2 inches, she couldn't exactly bring fear from her height but she had the mom stare down perfectly. Plus they knew not to mess with the woman when she had the wooden spoon in hand. Brayden and Lilly stopped wrestling while standing instantaneously bowing their heads and folding their arms. They mumbled their apologies and quickly shuffled forward to sit at the table.

Lilly kicked Brayden under the table when Claire turned to grab the plate of pancakes. Claire placed them down looking at the two who smiled politely saying thank-yous before reaching for their servings. The second Claire turned for the syrup Brayden returned Lilly's kick under the table but harder making Lilly whimper and jump. Claire placed the syrup gently on the table while standing between the two and in a split second gracefully slapped the back of the teenager's heads. Lilly had been expecting it so she hardly nudged from the slap. Brayden had been looking down and was about knocked out of his chair.

"Just because my back is turned and you kick under the table doesn't mean I do not know what you two are doing. Now knock it off and eat your food. Brayden did you wish to tell us of your dream first or do you wish for me to start?" Claire's words were always swift and to the point.

"Mom, could we eat then discuss everything?" Lilly just once wanted to enjoy a meal without having a heavy conversation. She felt older than her actual age from all the stress. Seriously she should be worrying about college or dating, if some idiot would let guys look at her without about killing them.

"Claire, I will go first. But I agree with Lilly. When was the last time we actually enjoyed your wonderful blueberry pancakes without something weighing us down?" Brayden and Lilly could always feel what the other was thinking. Lilly blushed before she gave him a look as if to say thank you to which he nodded.

Claire saw the look of understanding the two shared. She wished the news she was about to give could wait and the pancakes weren't a peace offering. Finally, she gave in sighing she agreed."Yes, this is heavy news that I assume plays in with your dream Brayden. But if your mother is correct with what she has informed me we have enough time to enjoy this meal together." She smiled at the two and began to eat. "But let's not waste time okay? Hurry and eat but not too quickly I don't know when we will eat next and don't want you both sick."

The mention of Brayden's mother made him want to take back what he had said but he felt Lilly's stare. He looked at her and felt her words like knives almost boring into his soul. 'One meal please?'

Sighing again he nodded and thanked his aunt for allowing them one meal in peace. They all stayed in silence while they ate. Lilly knew the silence was killing Brayden and she noticed the boxes around the room. She started eating quicker and glanced at Brayden as if telling him to do the same. He had already finished and was also glancing around noticing the half-packed boxes. As Lilly finished she slowly drank her juice waiting for her mother to begin.

Finally, Brayden couldn't handle the silence anymore and said, "I'm sorry Lilly I can't wait anymore. I need to know what my mother said." He looked at her with pleading eyes.

Lilly rolled her eyes trying to make it seem like she wasn't interested but asked, "Mother what did Auntie say?"

Claire looked from Lillian to Brayden before saying, "Brayden I think it best you go first."

Brayden took a deep breath saying, "It may be best to just show you." He held out his hand for Claire but not Lilly. This action had Lilly furrow her eyebrows as if asking what the hell? He smirked an apology then closed his eyes to replay the previous night’s nightmare.