Starter 4

[Rachel E.]

The family was a typical American family. At least, to the casual observers eye. Four kids, and an average father and mother.

But the inside of the family was a whole different story. The oldest, Ryan, wanted to get married, and would do anything. The second, Ashley, was just ready to graduate from high school and had two different boyfriends that didn't know about each other. The third, Todd, was a regular wild boy. He was mischevious and a indifferent pupil. And the youngest, Angie, was a baby. She had long red hair and big blue eyes that she used to her advantage.

[Tommie Lyn]

"No!" Margie shouted.

Everyone fell silent. None of the children remembered ever hearing their mother's voice raised, except when she cheered Ryan on at track meets and ballgames. Even Maurice stopped and stared at her, fork hovering in mid-air.

"Wh--" he began. As usual, he had tuned out the babblings of his family at the supper table. His wife's outburst had broken through his protective shell and shocked him into attentiveness.

"You are NOT bringing that girl and her family here for supper," Margie said again. "I will not have it!"

"But, Mom," Ryan whined.

"I said 'no! Now I'll hear no more about it!" Margie stood, threw her napkin onto her plate, stomped into the hall and on up the stairs to her bedroom.

All eyes turned to Maurice. He looked around the table at them, feeling like a cornered animal.