CONSENT: Book 1 in The Dangerous Games series

Chapter 7

5 Weeks ago

So I guess you could say the next morning was awkward? Well I didn't find it awkward. I was fine. I chalked up my moment with Marc to be a bad choice fueled by too much alcohol consumption and nothing more. I woke up with no feelings on the matter other than regret that it happened. I have every intention of talking to him about it today. I don't want him to have the wrong impression. There is no chance that I will develop romantic feelings and I hope he feels the same way. I go down for breakfast and everyone is there. They are all sitting around the dining room table which is completely decked out as though it were Thanksgiving day.

"Man, don't take the last piece of bacon." Xavi whines.

"Don't cry like a bitch, just make some more." Ethan says.

"Jesus, where are the new coffee k cups I bought?" David asks.

"Hey man, pass me that ketchup." Marc states.

"Whose idea was this anyway 'cause I vote we make it a regular event" said Thomas.

As soon as I walk in the conversation comes to a halt. Talk about awkward situations. I glanced from face to face as I became more and more uncomfortable under their stares. "What? Why are you staring?"I ask in confusion. "Good morning my beautiful baby sister, I made breakfast." Xavi smiles so wide as he indicates the table overflowing with dishes. "We have eggs, hash browns, country ham, bacon-" Ethan interrupts "No bacon." Xavi glances his way briefly before moving on. "Uumm, sausage links, toast-" Ethan's voice once again sweeps over Xavi's quickly and truthfully. "No toast." Xavi turns and playfully smacks Ethan in the back of the head. "Damn Ethan, what didn't you eat?" I try to suppress my laugh but a giggle still escapes me. I love my brother. "It's all good. I'm gonna grab coffee then I'll eat whatever. It smells great by the way." When I come to the table the only open chair is between Ethan and Marc. As I sit down, Marc instantly shifts away from me. At first I thought surely I imagined it. I mean, why would he do something that juvenile? Then a few minutes go by and I realize he really is tense. Just for shits and giggles I decide to move closer to him to see what happens. Immediately he becomes fidgety and I have to hide my growing smile. Purely by accident a few minutes later I crossed my legs and brushed against him in the process. He flew straight up instantly on his feet. "I'm going to take a shower. Thanks for breakfast, Xavi." He couldn't get away fast enough. I'm sure my giggles will follow him down the hall. Honestly though I'm glad he's so uncomfortable. Hopefully that means he just wants to pretend it never happened and we can just put the whole thing to rest. I just need to talk to him before he has an attack of consciousness and tells Xavi. I'd hate for him to blow this up in his own face for no damn reason.

"So Lil'bit, what's on your agenda tonight?" I swallow my juice before answering my brothers' question. "I think I may just stay in, chill, watch a little Netflix or Roku." Xavi looks at me in surprise but an underlying excitement. "For real? Sweet! How about we get some movies and pizza? We can make a night of it." We haven't really just hung out the past few days. "I'm down. Anyone else in?" I ask. "I could use a calm night at home so count me in," said David. "Always down for a little R&R" Ethan casually throws out as he clears dishes from the breakfast table. "I don't know, let me get back to you" Thomas looks lost in thought. " I sorta have tentative plans. If they fall through however I'm all about it."

"David, Thomas, are you guys good with action and horror flicks? I already know those two are." Xavi indicates Ethan and I. He is picking up the last dish from the table and I've stepped over to help him. Ethan and I share a smile before we fist bump across the table. Damn straight, I've never been that chick flick girly girl. I find that shit boring as hell. Give me a good slasher movie or blow up an entire city before The Notebook any day. "A'ight boys, I need to get cleaned up and run some errands. Is there anything we need that I can pick up while I'm out?" You would think I just spoke in a foreign language. They all look at one another somewhat puzzled. I decided to reword my question. " Do we need anything I can LEGALLY pick up while I'm out?" Of course they all responded immediately.