Fraternity Alpha Series, Chapter 6: Games II

After a month-long hiatus due to late summer vacations and the start of school, Sunday dinners resumed at Amy’s parents’ house.

The twins had started kindergarten, where their lack of impulse control was not considered cute, especially when it involved glue and a girl’s hair. Allie lost her temper with their mom over attempts to circumvent restrictions put on the twins over the glue incident and ended up taking her family home before food was served.

On the plus side, Chase and Jenny instantly relaxed after the twins left.

On the minus side, Amy’s mom started taking her unhappiness out on Amy. It was a familiar pattern.

“Your hair is a mess,” said Mom once they’d sat down to eat.

Dad grimly chewed his pot roast.

“I’m making it not-short as you requested, Mom,” Amy said.

“You could at least get a trim,” said Mom.

Amy knew well that her mother was happy to have something to criticize.

“I’m thinking of shaving it off.”

Mom definitely did not know what to say to that. Amy decided not to wait for her to recover. She had her phone in her pocket. With her phone sneakily unlocked in her pocket, she sent a pre-typed text. Her phone rang a moment later.

“Not at the table,” said Mom.

“Sorry, Mom, this is work.”

“On a Sunday?”

“Sorry.”

She went into the hall to answer the call, returning a minute later.

“It’s an emergency. I’ve got to go.”

“Amy!”

“Gotta pay the bills, Mom.”...