"Are you nervous?" Chloe asked, placing plates of toast and scrambled eggs in front of Josh, Marie, and Andy. She sat down herself next, and sipped at the coffee she was drinking. Taylor served himself, then came and sat with the rest of them at the table.
"Not really," Marie said, tearing at the toast and shoving a bite into her mouth. "There's only 32 of us trying out."
"And how many spots are there?" Taylor asked, eyes shining mischievously.
Marie grinned at him. "12. 20 of us won't make it."
"And aren't you worried you might be one of those 20?" Chloe asked.
"Nah," Marie replied. "It's not that big a deal if I don't make it. There's always next year..."
"Good. I'm glad you think that way," Taylor said. He reached over and took Andy's hand before he delved it again into his scrambled eggs. "Use your fork, not your hands, Andy."
The little boy sighed, and picked up his fork again. Taylor gave him a reassuring pat on the back. Andy had always been a slow learner. At 6, he still struggled to use silverware without getting food all down the front of him.
"Well, I'm off to work," Chloe said, going to the sink and pouring out the rest of her coffee. Taylor watched as she kissed each of the kids before walking to the door. She said, "Have a good day, guys. Don't torment your teachers. Taylor, don't forget the laundry. Bye!"
She waved, then turned and left. The kids looked to their father. Breakfast chatter resumed between the children. Meanwhile, Taylor wondered what had happened to his good-bye kiss. It had practically disappeared in the past few years...
