I Could Say So

Demyan 

"Demy, how was New York?" Pa beamed as we sat around the dinner table enjoying rump steaks, sweet potato wedges and a salad. The meal had been prepared by chefs today since no one was too eager to cook, which was good for me. It allowed me to regroup before we went down for dinner. 

My siblings and I seemed to tense simultaneously as I tightly held onto the fork then forced a smile on my face. When my eyes connected with Pa's, his smile faltered and he looked to Dad, who had been silent ever since the food had been served. His face was blank but I did not miss the way his eyes stared at me. 

"It was fun," my voice betrayed me completely as it came out hoarse. I cleared it and smiled again, "Sorry, I think I came back with something. I might have caught a bug."

"Was Ethan happy to see you?" he was completely oblivious.