Well, as smoothly as possible when you were packing 15 (at last count, anyhow) people into one house. Afterwards, they gathered up in the living room for a good, old-fashioned talk. Daniel, who had fallen asleep halfway through dinner anyhow, was upstairs in Zoe's old crib napping.
"So," Mrs. Hanson said from her recliner, "Jerry, how's motherhood?"
"Exhausting," Jerry groaned, still keeping a bright smile. Mrs. Hanson laughed.
"Daniel is so cute," Jessica commented, as she helped Zoe climb into the chair next to her mother. She flopped down on the floor beside them.
"Thanks," Jerry said, blushing.
Mr. Hanson waved his hand. "Skye, how's basketball season coming?"
Skye grinned, feeling a spark of pride. "Awesome. We've won every game so far...by at least 20 points."
"Still leading all the games?" Taylor asked, snuggling closer to her on the couch. She slapped his hand as it got a little too close to her breast.
"I try," she said, giving him a dirty look. He edged back a bit.
"TRY! Pffft!" Josh exclaimed. "She's absolutely awesome. Queen of the court. Nobody can stop her..."
"Hey! I play, too, you know," Racheal said, pouting. He smiled at her sheepishly.
"And Racheal does a magnificant job, as usual," he added. She beamed, and kissed him on his nose.
"COOTIES!!!!" Mac screeched. "Why do you let her kiss you, Josh? I'd be ashamed."
Josh raised his eyebrows. "You'll change your tune in a few years."
Mac gave him a look, and held his hand out to Josh's face. "Whatever, man."
"Wait a sec," Jocelyn said, moving out of her spot on the floor in front of the couch. She stood up and walked closer to Skye. "Are you, Tukano? Big number TEN?!"
Skye gave her a flushed look. "I...I...yeah."
Jocelyn's eyes widened. "Oh my God! You really are her! I never recognized you! Your face was always attached to his. You're like...so AWESOME."
Mr. Hanson glanced at his wife, and privately asked her, "What is it with kids these days and the word 'Awesome'?" She shrugged, and told him, "It couldn't be any worse than 'Groovy'."
Skye was looking at Jocelyn in confusion. "Thanks."
"No, really. I love basketball. I had no idea you were her. Do you think you could help me out so I can make the 8th grade team next year?" Jocelyn pleaded.
Skye shrugged, but offered her a smile. "I'd be glad to, I guess."
Jocelyn looked a little stunned, and a grin slowly spread across her face. As she stumbled back to her place, she mumbled, "Awesome." Zac nodded, and put his arm around her shoulder, smiling.
Mr. Hanson gave his wife yet another look. "See? Awesome."
Mrs. Hanson shook her head. "I'm more concerned about what I'm seeing Zac doing."
Jerry, not meaning to be rude, overheard the comment, and her eyes fell on Zac. Oh, she thought. He seemed to be completely unaware of what he was doing. She glanced at Mrs. Hanson, who looked kind of confused.
Suddenly, there was a scream. Everyone looked at Avery, the source. "HE PINCHED ME!!!" she screamed again.
"Taaaayloooor," his mother groaned.
"What?!" he said, feigning innocence. "I didn't do it!"
Jerry rolled her eyes, and quickly forgot about Zac as the squabble between Taylor and Avie continued. Her eyes met with Skye's, who looked annoyed. Skye's mouth slowly changed into a smile though, and she shrugged her shoulders. "What can I say?" she mouthed silently. "I love him."
Jerry's mouth quirked into a smile, and she nodded. She became drawn to her watch, however, and realized it was time for her to be going.
