Gabrielle Carrington

Thirty

Dad had summoned everyone downstairs to tell us something.

"What's he waiting for? Doesn't dad know we all have things to do?" Fallon asked.

"Yeah I have a massage in thirty." Sam said.

"The first of the Christmas decorations will be here any minute." Anders said.

"A little early isn't it?" Culhane asked.

"Thanksgiving is over." Anders said.

"Don't question Anders that's a battle you'll lose." I said to Culhane.

"What's this even about?" Sam asked.

"Maybe a welcome wagon for your new neighbour." Kirby said. "Me." The door opened.

"Oh finally." Fallon said.

"Never mind." I said.

"What's going on in here?" Mom asked.

"Those bags under your eyes are impressive Alexis. Not getting enough rest in that tin can of yours." Kirby asked. Sam and I smiled to ourselves.

"Kirby that's enough." Anders said.

"At least those ones aren't knock-offs." I said. Kirby and Sam laughed.

"Gabbie." Fallon said.

"Come on you found that funny." I said. Fallon rolled her eyes.

"I really can't stay I have things to do." Mom said.

"Good you're all here. I hope you all got champagne. We have news to celebrate. Last night, I asked Cristal to marry me. And she said yes." Dad said.

"What?" Fallon and I asked.

"You're engaged?" Fallon asked.

"Is she pregnant?" Kirby asked.

"Oh my god. What if that's the baby the psychic meant and I just wanted to believe it was for me." Sam said.

"I'm not pregnant." Cristal said.

"Thank god for that." Mom said.

"Dad are you dying? Should we be concerned or should I find you a shrink?" I asked.

"Listen up. This is not some shotgun wedding. Although I wouldn't mind a few little feet running around here." Dad said.

"Gabbie has little feet." Culhane said. I slapped his shoulder.

"Anyway I got told off for running down the stairs yesterday." I said.

"What's the rush? I mean the last ones barely cold." Fallon said.

"Seriously Fallon?" Culhane asked.

"There is no rush. I promise your wedding will be first." Dad said.