Keelhaul

I smoothed my dress: a royal blue A-line that stopped slightly above my knees. I didn't have to put that on because I could have worn sweatpants and T-shirt but the dress wasn't one you could tag formal anyway.

I had put my hair in a ponytail, just like when I had been a child. I was tensed, and I knew it. Margaret was within the house, helping with the meal for today. Dad might have racked up an appetite. Marjorie laughed, dropping the blueberry pie on the counter, moving to remove the mittens.

"You'll be fine Felicia love," Marjorie said, giving me a kiss on the forehead. I smiled because that is what my mum would do when I got apprehensive but she wasn't home at the moment. She was bringing dad home and Jake was with them.

Gabriel and Mr White lounged in the living room, watching television as I and Marjorie worked in the kitchen.