Remembering Sunday * Chapter 2 *

"Nicholas, Joseph, Kevin, Franklin, Shailene, time for dinner!" Denise yelled from downstairs. We were up in Kevin's room, playing Crazy Taxi.
"Oh yeah! I won! Okay, guys, cough it up. Come on, don't be shy," I said, holding out my hand, wiggling my fingers, waiting for money.
"Sorry, Shai. I only have a five," Nick said when it was his turn to pay up, putting the crumpled bill into my hand.
"Fine. Good enough for me," I said, making my way downstairs. They all followed me, with heavy footsteps echoing in my ear.
"Mmmmm, Denise, that smells good," I said, sniffing the air.
"Well, thank you, dearie. Now, come on, we're going to say grace," Denise said, passing my me. Her husband, Kevin Sr., was already seated, waiting for everyone to settle in.
"Okay, who wants to say grace?" Kevin Sr. asked. Four hands, including mine, shot straight up. "Alright, Shailene, lead us on," he said, nodding towards me.
I nodded back, bowed my head, folded my hands, and started. "Dear God, thank You for this day, this wonderful, delicious-looking meal that You have provided for us. And, Lord, I just wanna thank You for allowing Denise & Kevin to let us stay in her beautiful home & taking care of me, my mom, and Michelle. In your name we pray, Amen."
"Amen." a chorus of voices replied back, and we all dug in.
"Yummy yummy, mommy," Michelle said, banging on the table. My mom fed her a spoonful of mashed potatoes, & she mummured, "Mmmmm," which made everyone laugh.
"You know that Michelle is possibly one one of the cutest girls I've ever known?" Nick said, then added quickly, "Besides one person, though."
"Oh really? Who's the other person?" I asked, holding my fork in my hand, looking at him.
"Well, you're gonna find out," Nick said, with an added wink.
OMG, I thought, is this boy CUTE or what?????