Noah's POV __________________
“Hey bud. Time to get up for school.” I sigh, dragging myself out of bed.
“How are you feeling?” Dad asks, leaning against the doorframe.
“Fine, I guess. Sorry you’re stuck with me.” It comes out more blunt than I intend, but I mean it. I really do.
“Noah. I’m not stuck with you. I *chose* to be here for you, with you. You know I support you. Finding out… the way I did wasn’t ideal, but I wish I could have been there sooner.” He says it like he’s trying to convince himself as much as me. Dad never backs down from a kid, ever.
“Try to cheer up, huh?” He tries to lighten the mood, and I appreciate it. He's actually trying after all these years of not being together. "It's a new start."
“Hey Dad.” I turn around, forcing a smile. I give him the best one I can manage.
“Thanks.”
“Of course, Noah. I’ll always be here for you. And so will Rebecca.” I nod, and he closes the door behind him. He means it. I know he does. My dad and the whole stepfamily have been there when they could, even if it was just a phone call.
I sigh and throw on a black shirt, ripped jeans, and sneakers.
After styling my hair and brushing my teeth, I head downstairs with my backpack slung over my shoulder.
“Morning, sweetie.” Rebecca greets me as I walk into the kitchen.
“Morning.”
“Onyx, can you help me set the table? Noah, can you help me plate while your father gets the drinks.” I nod, and everyone falls into their tasks.
“What can I do, Mama?” Sapphire asks Rebecca.
“You can be on washing duty today.” Sapphire just groaned and slumped into a chair, pouting.
“You doing any sports this year?” Onyx asks me.
“Don’t know.” I shrug.
“I know you used to talk about trying out for track once you got to high school. Especially since you ran track in middle school.” Dad points out our discussion from years ago. The truth is, I ran track freshman year, but not last year.
“I mean, I guess I could, but I haven’t run in at least a year. I’m not in the shape I was.”
“It’s fine. I’ve seen you run. With a little time, I think you can get back to where you were.” I nod slowly, considering it.
“Alright, I guess.”
“I should grab my bag then.” I say, helping Rebecca finish plating breakfast.
“So that means you’ll all be home around five-ish.” Dad asks, and we nod.
Onyx is trying out for the boys’ swim team, Ruby is cheer. She didn’t even *need* to try out—she was captain last year, and this year. She did a summer cheer camp with the coach and the team.
“Track ends by four thirty. If you want, you can come by the pool. We won’t be done till five, and Ruby won’t be done till five either, anyways.” Onyx offers, and I nod.
I quickly ran back up to my room and grabbed my sports bag and packed some of my athletic wear and an extra water bottle.
Once I got back down stairs I saw Rebecca and Ruby doing the dishes.
“Breakfast was great, Rebecca, thank you.” I sling my backpack onto my shoulder.
“Course, hun. Have a good day, and please try to have fun.” She smiles.
I smile back, but don’t bother pointing out that it’s school, so how much fun can I really have?
“Come on, Noah. You ready?” I nod and walk out to the car with Onyx.
“Ruby, let’s go!” Onyx yells, annoyed with his twin while she runs from the front door to the car we all share.
“Sorry, almost forgot my pom-poms.” She says, jumping into the back seat.
“Hey Noah.” She asks.
“Yeah.”
“We got your back. If anything happens, we’ll be there. So don’t be afraid to talk to us for any reason. If you want, you could come sit with us at lunch.” Ruby offers, and a small smile graces my face.
“I might just take you up on that. Thank you, Ruby.” She nods, ruffles my hair from her seat while she giggled and went on her phone while I scowled and put it back into place.
Today was going to be interesting, that’s for sure.