Family Bond

CHAPTER 2

ANASTASIA

As she walked into the house, her nose was filled with the aroma of different foods. "Hmnnn" she said, taking in the aroma. "Hello Mother. That smells so good" she said. "Ana!!" Margaret said bubbly, giving her a side hug.

"How was your interview?" She asked. "Hmn" she sighed. "It was fine, I guess," she replied despondently. "Oh, I'm sure you did well." Margaret said with a smile trying to cheer her up. "I hope so too," she said.

The Smith's family dining room is a hub of activity during lunch, always filled with chatter and laughter. The rectangular wooden table, scratched in places from years of use, was adorned with a simple white plate, a jug of water, and a bowl of well tossed salad.

At the center of the table sat a steaming dish of baked lasagna, its golden crust bubbling with cheese. A basket of garlic bread rested beside it, wrapped in cloth to keep it warm. The aroma wafted through the room, drawing everyone in like a magnet.

Eight years old Lily was the first person to see Ana enter the dining room. With her curls bouncing as she wore a mismatched outfit- rainbow leggings and a sparkling unicorn shirt. Her face was smeared with glitters and her hands clutched a small bunny which she called Mr. Cuddles.

"Ana," Lily said. Her voice was a melody, infectious and sweet. "Hey Princess" Ana replied with a smile stooping down to give her a hug. "How was your day?" Ana asked. "Not fine!" Lily said with a frown. "April said I'm ugly and I look like a clown" She added.

"What!" Ana said with a light gasp. "You know very well that's not true. You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen and nothing can ever change that. April is just jealous, you are more beautiful than she is. Okay??" She said gently. "Yes," Lily said with a smile nodding her head. "Good! Now, let's settle down for lunch"

Just then she saw her father walk in. "Hello Father, she said, giving him a kiss on his cheeks."Hello Ana. How was your day" He asked, returning the kiss. "It was fine," she said with a smile.

Lily was the first person to claim her seat, her legs swinging under the table. "Mom, can I have the first piece of lasagna? Pretty please?" She asked with her big eyes wide with anticipation.

Margaret smiled as she began slicing the lasagna. "Of course sweetheart. But only if you eat your salad too"

"Deal!" Lily chirped, through her scrunched nose suggesting the salad wasn't as appealing as the cheesy dish.

As they wll settled down to eat, Ana noticed someone was missing. "Where is Jordan??," she asked. "In his room sulking because I didn't allow him to attend the party his school friends are throwing" Margaret replied. "Ohhh"

She stood up and went upstairs to call him. "Jordan" she called, knocking on his door. "Come down, it's time to eat" she said and returned to the dining room.

Minutes later, a low rumble on the steps announced his arrival. A 19-years-old Jordan, with his hair untamed and slightly oversized hoodie. He looked like he had just gotten out of bed. He slumped on a chair opposite me and grabbed a piece of lasagna from Lily's plate earning an indignant squeal.

"Jordan! Get your own!" Lily scolded, clutching her plate protectively. "Relax, there is more," Jordan said through a mouthful of lasagna.

After a long silence, she heard her Father, James ask "Ana, how was your interview today?" She hesitated and answered "Well, it was fine. And they said they will get back to me soon enough. "That's wonderful, sweetheart," He said.

"You're really going to try for that company " Jordan interjected, raising an eyebrow. "But I heard they only hire top tier candidates". "Do you even have enough experience?" He asked with a smirk, obviously trying to provoke her. 'He is definitely trying to provoke me. And I won't give him that satisfaction.' she thought. But before she could answer, her mother chimed in. "That's enough Jordan. Your sister has every right to pursue her dreams, and I think she will do great"

"Lily, you are supposed to use your fork for that," Ana said. "But, it tastes better this way!" Lily insisted, her lips and fingers smudged with sauce. "Let her enjoy her food" James said with a chuckle. "She's got the right idea.

"Dad, can I have your old tool box? I'm thinking of building something for school" Jordan asked. "Sure, as long as you don't break anything in the process" James replied

The Smiths were an ordinary, happy family. They didn't live in a mansion nor did they drive fancy cars. Their modest house has a cozy living room, a kitchen that smelled of cookies and laughter, and a backyard where countless memories were made.

The family of five includes James, the dad who works as a school teacher; Margret, who manages a small bakery; and the children Anastasia, Jordan and Lily. Although they weren't wealthy, they were very content with the little they were blessed with.

MARGARET

As the meal wound down, Margaret looked around the table, her heart full. The family isn't perfect but it is moments like this- shared meals, lively debates and simple togetherness- reminded her of how special their bond is. "Anyone up for dessert" she asked, already knowing the answer before the words left her mouth.

"Cookies," Lily shouted, raising both hands. "Apple pie" Jordan countered leaning forward. "Let's just eat everything," James joked, prompting a round of laughter.

And just like that, lunch became more than just a meal- it was a cherished memory in the making.

The Smith's kitchen was alive with laughter and chatter as they washed the dishes together after lunch. The sunlight streamed through the window above the sink, casting a warm glow over the bustling scene.

James stood at the sink with his sleeves rolled up, scrubbing plates in an exaggerated manner. "I think this lasagna pan might need dynamite to get clean," he joked, arousing giggles from Lily. "I told you not to bake it for so long, Dad!"Lily teased, standing on a stool next to him to rinse the dishes. She held the sprayer like a toy, occasionally pretending to "accidentally" splash water. "Careful, young lady," James warned playfully, "or this turns into a water fight!"

Anastasia leaned against the counter with a dishrag in hand. "I think I'm supervising," she declared with mock authority, wiping a glass before holding it up for inspection. "Spotless!"

Margaret stood nearby, sipping her tea and shaking her head fondly. "You kids are turning dishwashing into a circus," she said, but the smile on her face betrayed her amusement. "Well, teamwork makes the dream work," Jordan said, walking in with more plates from the dining table. "Or in this case, makes Mom happy."

As the last dish was placed in the drying rack, James grabbed Lily and hoisted her onto his shoulders. "And the award for Best Dishwasher goes to…" "Me!" Lily shrieked, laughing uncontrollably.

The kitchen buzzed with joy, evidence of their closeness—proof that even the simplest chores could become cherished memories.

They all gathered in the living room for a much-needed family time with full bellies after doing the dishes. Lily bounced on the couch, her curls bobbing as she held a deck of Uno cards in her hand. "Dad, you're going down this time!" she declared with mock seriousness, squinting her eyes at her father, James.

James grinned, leaning back in his chair with an exaggerated air of confidence. "Big talk for someone who hasn't won a single game before" Jordan teased. "Oh, she's got this one," Margaret chimed, sitting cross-legged on the couch.

Ana shuffled another deck of cards for their next game while Margaret watched Lily with a knowing smile. "I think she's been secretly practicing."

"Mom's on my side!" Lily cheered, throwing her arms up in victory before the game even began.

Their laughter echoed through the house as the game started. James pretend outrage when Lily gleefully hit him with a "Draw Four" card.

Margaret joined in, laughing so hard she had to wipe tears from her eyes.

After the game, Lily jumped up and ran to grab her favorite board game, dragging it back to the coffee table. "One more round! Please!" she begged, her eyes shining with excitement. James groaned dramatically. "You're wearing me out, kiddo!" But he was already setting up the pieces.

As the sun dipped lower outside, the Smith family stayed huddled together, playing, teasing, and laughing.