Closure

Awkward, for the lack of better words. That would be the only appropriate word to describe the current situation. The table was set. Mr. Rubels eyes never left Olivia who was on the direct opposite of the table. Marci's eyes were in her lap where cell phone was. Marti watched his dad, anticipating for any thing.

"Vegan Casserole for Marci, Olivia and myself." Mrs. Rubels announced placing the dish on the table. "Meat for the men" she placed another dish on the table before sitting next to her husband.

"Let us pray" Mr. Rubels grunted already bowing his head "Lord, thank for the food we about to partake. Bless it and the hands that helped prepare it. Thank you for seeing Marti home safely from tour, Marci from her friend’s house and Marsha to and fro the markets. Amen"

"Amen" they chanted back in unison. After that is was a floodgate of questions for Olivia. First up was Marci.

"Are you vegetarian too?" She asked

"I've never thought of it that way. I suppose yes, I am but not by choice"

"What was that condition you said you had again?" Mrs. Rubels asked. Olivia told her nothing about herself, not even her name. Marti had done all that for her. She glanced over at Marti, whom at the time was devouring a chicken leg.

"Well I had to tell her for dinner" Marti said shrugging.

"Sorry if it’s personal" Mrs. Rubels apologized. Olivia nodded but she didn’t answer.

"I would have told that doctor up his if he told me I couldn’t eat meat" Mr. Rubels stated before taking a savage bite from his meat. "The lord put animals on earth for man and I'd be damned to go chew on vegetables for the rest of my life.

why aren’t you the eternal optimist? Olivia noted in her head. Then followed more questions. Olivia guessed the standard: "how old are you?" "Where are you from" "where did you meet Marti, how long have you been friends" questions would be all right. It’s was bearable but when they started asking about her past is when it got uncomfortable.

"How’s your folks?" Mr. Rubels, whom had gotten a tad bit more comfortable around Olivia, asked. She had gotten this question to many times to count. Each time not any easier than the first.

"They're both dead" there was no point in sugar coating it. There was an uncomfortable shift the room "About three years ago, Fire." She added to cut a few questions. Olivia felt Leviticus between her legs, again "Um, Mr. Rubels can you tell your dog to die again?"



"Dinner was fantastic as usual. Better get going" Marti started to excuse himself

"You can stay here for the night" Mrs. Rubels offered

"No, thanks. Can I borrow one of cars?"

"You take the Audi I suppose" Mr. Rubels agreed, but Marci intervened.

"I want to drive the Audi!"

"Not with that learners permit" Mr. Rubels shook his head

"Its like mine" Marci whined

"The only transportation that’s your is Mystery”

"That’s not fair!"

"Marcela Evangeline Rubels don’t you rise that tone of with me"

"Keys are hanging up in the garage?" Marti asked, his sister glared at him. His father nodded.

"Alright Oli Sykes lets head out"

"Thought you said your last name was Sanchez?"

"Its joke" he kissed his mom on the cheek then waved goodbye

"Wait!" Marci called out. With a guilty expression she reached down her shirt fishing out a set of keys then tossing them over to her brother.

"Ew, I’ll have to sanitize these. You tainted them with your teenage boobie cooties. Yuck" Marti looked like he would seriously vomit.

"Marti you stop that right now!" His mother demanded. In seconds Marti went from looking sick, to laughter. "That’s not funny. Ugh, you’re so immature!" Marci growled.

"Catch you guys on the flip side" was the last thing Marti said to his family before him and Olivia finally left.