Fearless

Chapter 17

"Dinner is served." Mom smiled enthusiastically, placing the final plate of food in the centre of the table.

We were all sat on the left side of the room, with our parents at the other end of the table.

Everyone immediately leaped towards the food, scooping it onto our plates and battling each other for what we wanted, as we usually did. There were 20 people sat around the large table, and in this house, if you want to eat then you have to be quick. Every dinnertime with the entire group is like a scene from 'Cheaper by the dozen'.

The only people who were unprepared were Nick and Savannah. The poor guy had his eyebrows raised in shock as if he was watching a group of predators fighting over their prey and Savannah's eyes were wide.

Obviously Will hadn't informed them both of how chaotic it is in this household.

Once we'd all finished fighting over the portions, we rested back down in our chairs, ready to begin the meal. The serving plates in the centre of the table were practically empty and I felt bad at the fact that Nick and Savannah weren't prepared for our dinner party regime.

"Oh my gosh, how rude of us." Ivy gasped.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot that you two aren't used to the craziness around here." My mom laughed as she stood up from her chair. "Don't worry, I always keep some spare food in the kitchen when we have new guests."

She immediately rushed back into the kitchen to get Nick and Savannah's portions of the meal as the rest of us looked around at each other in amusement at our own ravenous behaviour.

Mom, Ivy and Kayla always cook enough for at least 30 people, honestly they could all most likely work in the kitchen of a successful restaurant. However, since they're feeding 5 grown mafia men and 5 growing athletic boys, they all seem to consume a lot more than the average person. The women of the house also eat a considerable amount seeing as we have to compete with the boys to even get to the food, but we're nowhere near as bad.

"Here you go." Mom smiled, leaning over the table and handing them both plates piled high with food.

Sometimes she goes a little overboard, although there's rarely ever leftovers, especially with Ryan and Carter in the house.

"I apologise for how crazy we must look." Ivy said. "In each of our homes you have to practically fight all of these boys just to eat." she laughed.

"I understand." Savannah replied warmly. "There are only 3 of us in our house, so we aren't used to having so many people around for dinner."

"Yeah, our house." I heard Nick scoff under his breath from across the table as he took a large mouthful of food.

I could sense some animosity between Nick and Savannah in that moment, but I don't think anybody else seemed to hear him and I certainly wasn't going to pry.

The night went considerably quickly and dinner was fun, yet loud as per usual. Once everyone had finished the meal we relocated in the living room, although no one stayed for too long.

I think all of our parents were hyper aware that we started school again tomorrow. They didn't want us hanging out too late because they knew it'd be impossible to get us up on time which I thought was fair enough, especially regarding Ryan. I suppose that's why Ivy encouraged them to be the first to leave, followed by Tris, Kayla and Leanne.

"It's been so nice to see you Will." Mom said as she hugged him in the doorway.

"You too Jules, I'm glad to be home." he replied. "And thanks for the help with moving in today Reed."