Miette
Things had been rocky in the Braddock household since that fatal day when Sam's history had been revealed. Sam went on grouching, muttering and scrowlling, but Rowena kept him in place.
Recently, Miette showed Rowena her entry for the Creation Master contest.
"I can see why you won the Most Creative," Rowena had observed.
Though he said nothing, Miette spotted her father watching. Rowena noticed too. Neither said anything, and since that day her father's rather verbal disapproval dissolved into mere expressions of disapproval.
It was progress anyway.
Spencer and his family - wife, two sons and three daughters - came over for dinner one night.
Rowena opened the door.
"Welcome!" She greeted with a wide smile. "Come in, come in."
"Good evening Rowena," Spencer said as they all walked in. "Allow me to introduce my troop. This is my lovely wife, Sandy, and my kids, Cathy, Anna, Matt, Laine and Luke."
"Nice to meet you," Rowena replied. "This is my daughter Miette, and my sons Jason and Duke. I have another son, Oliver, but unfortunately he's not here."
A sad look flickered across her face.
"In fact I haven't heard from in in some time."
She turned away.
"My husband, Sam, has locked himself away in his study. Don't be surprised if you don't see him tonight. I'm afraid he's on a slient rebellion," she shook her head in disgust. "Sometimes I swear he acts more childish than Duke!"
"Don't they all?" Sandy smiled, with a wink at Spencer.
Spencer pretended not to notice.
"Well, you have good timing," Rowena went on. "We were just finishing dinner."
"Good, I'm starved," Matt said.
"Matt!" Sandy scolded.
"It's fine," Rowena said, waving a hand and walking into the dining room. "Have a seat. Mi? Can you give me a hand please?"
"Oh, don't worry Mi," Sandy cut in. "I'll give you a hand."
"You're our guest! You don't have to do any such thing."
"Nonsense, I'd be happy too."
So the two women headed into the kitchen, instant friends.
Laine
"Hi, I'm Laine," she introduced herself to the boys. "I'm 11, how old are you?"
Miette
"I'm 12," Duke replied. "Ha ha, I'm older than you!"
"Duke, knock it off," Jason said, rolling his eyes. "I'm twenty-two."
"And you live with your parents?" Cathy asked, unimpressed.
"No. Mum just asked me to come over today to meet you all," he smiled at Cathy. "And I'm sure glad I did."
Miette pulled a face. Great, her brother was flirting right in front of her.
And so the Braddocks and the Morris's had a great dinner together. The food was yummy. The company was great, y'know if you forget that Cathy rejected Jason's offer to taker her out on a date and Sam didn't care to even show his face all night.