Grinning, I run for the living room, and plopping down on the couch, I grab the remote and turn on the TV. I let out a burst of sneaky laughter as I go to the animation section. When I see Ice Age, I press play on the first movie in the series, then pause. Leaning to my left, I glance down the hallway, and when Forest comes out of his room, I let out another mischievous chuckle.
Forest must hear it because he says, “I told you not to touch the remote.”
When he sits down next to me, I grin at him. “Since when do I listen to you?”
“True.” He lets out a sigh, and then looking at the TV, he groans. “God, not Ice Age again.”
I bounce on the couch. “Pleeeeeease.”
He glares at me, and with another sigh, agrees, “Fine.”
“Yassss!” Lifting my legs to the couch, I curl onto my side and rest my head on Forest’s thigh.
I press play and set the remote down on the table. Snuggling, I push my hand under Forest’s leg.
The moment I see Scrat, a broad smile splits over my face. I can watch Ice Age over and over and never grow tired of it.
After a couple of seconds, Forest lets out a chuckle. “That’s you and cake.”
“Right!”
Carla comes into the living room and drops down on the other couch. “Ice Age? Again?” She glances at us, then mutters, “Stupid question.”
A couple of minutes into the movie, Noah comes to lay on the remaining open couch. “Fuck, I love this movie.”
“Hey, you rhinos, you have really tiny brains. Did you know that?” Carla impersonates Sid while slanting a glare in Noah’s direction. “No, it’s just a fact. No offense.” Noah gives her a bored look. “Well, you probably don’t even know what I’m talking about.” She lies down on the couch and continues, “Ah… yummo… a dandelion. Must be the last one of the season.”
Carla does it so freaking well it draws laughter from me.
“I’m not surprised you relate with Sid,” Noah mutters. “He’s dimwitted and talkative.”
My mouth drops open, and I push myself up into a sitting position.
Carla sucks in a deep breath and gives Noah a scalding glare before she flips him off. “Talk to the finger, the face is busy.”
“Hey, I’m just saying,” Noah shrugs. “Takes one to know one.”
Holy shit.
My eyes dart between Noah and Carla, and then I look at Forest. “What did we miss?”
Forest shrugs, then asks, “Is everything okay between the two of you?”
“Oh, sure,” Carla answers nonchalantly.
“In that case,” I mutter as I reach for the remote. “I’m rewinding because the two of you ruined my Scrat scene.”
Collective groans sound up around me, and grinning, I press play again.
Chapter 4
FOREST
We’re all attending the welcome ceremony at Trinity. I’m sitting up on stage next to Fallon, and as she climbs to her feet, I murmur, “Good luck.”
She goes to stand at the podium, and her gaze sweeps over all the students. “Six hundred and thirty-seven,” a self-assured smile forms on her face. “That’s the number of days until you graduate. Every day of this journey counts. It will be both an academic and social experience.”
A graceful smile makes my sister look like she owns Trinity, which she practically does. But still, it fills me with pride to see how far she’s come over the past year.
“Use the next four years to find out how you can make a difference in the world. Trinity Academy has groomed presidents, CEO’s, and visionaries. You are no different than those who have come before you, and you’re awarded the same opportunities. You will get to rub shoulders with students who in the future might become a partner or competition. Take advantage of this by collaborating with one another and forming lasting bonds. Welcome to Trinity Academy. We are lucky to have each and every one of you.” Fallon gestures to the wide doors at the back of the hall. “Tables have been set up outside. Please join my family for brunch.”
Fallon turns to me, and she lets out a visible breath. Rising to my feet, I reach for her hand and give it an encouraging squeeze. “You did great.”
“Let’s eat,” Aria mutters as she stands up from where she was sitting next to me.
As we file off the stage, Aunt Kingsley cries, “My baby!” She comes to wrap Aria up in a hug with Uncle Mason right behind her. “God, I still remember the day your father sat up there.” Pushing Aria away, Aunt Kingsley gives her a tearful smile. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Geez, Mom. I still have four years to go,” Aria mumbles, clearly embarrassed by the attention.
“Hush. I’ll fuss over you all I want,” Aunt Kingsley chastises her.
Mom comes to wrap her arm around my waist and gives me a hug. “At least, that’s done.”