"Honey have you seen my bag?" William's voice carried from upstairs.
"I think it's in your study," Martha called back to her husband, careful not to shout too loudly. She stood in their modest kitchen, stirring a large pan of scrambled eggs. Nate stood beside her, cooking the bacon. In truth, Martha probably didn't need to shout so loudly. All of their family, except for Eric, had become weres by this point. Nate fulfilled his dream of becoming a werewolf, something he hadn't been shy about expressing before. It wasn't so unusual for a member of his family to wake up and see him strutting down a hallway, fur, fangs and all. He gave Eric quite the scare one night after he came home from a pack outing.
Martha and Williams, after much deliberation and encouragement from a certain student, joined the Skulk (werefoxes). The appeal of a "bonded pair", something that would bring them closer together, hooked them. The two loved each other, really and truly, and cementing the relationship in such a way was very special.
"Do you kids need a ride to school?" William asked as he descended the staircase, having found his bag.
"No, Ben's driving us in with Alex." Nate says, putting a plate of food on the counter for his father. Williams thanks him, and looks over at his younger son. Eric is bent over a book, his brow seriously furrowed in concentration.
"What're you reading Eric?" Williams asked, taking a piece of bacon with him as he strode over to the breakfast table.
"Just some last minute studying for a chemistry test." Eric says, clearly absorbed in his reading. Williams knew better than to try and get Eric to put the book down. Eric wouldn't put that book down even if his life depended on it. As far as he was concerned, the only important things in life were school and making sure he brushed his teeth at least three times a day.
"Put the textbook down and eat something Eric. You won't do well in school on an empty stomach," Martha sighed.
"Later," Eric waved a hand dismissively at his mother. If the behavior was out of the ordinary, Martha would have scolded her son. But Eric has always been on the impersonal side.
"Well, I'm off then. I'm have an early meeting with the other teachers in the English department," William says. He scarfs down the rest of his meal and quickly kisses his wife. Nate has the natural teenager reaction when his father kisses him. Eric acts as if nothing has happened, his entire being focused on his reading.
"Will you be coming back for lunch?" Martha asked.
"Probably, but it depends on how the meeting goes. We might have another one if we can't come to an agreement this morning." Williams said. Martha waves goodbye and then turns on Eric.
"Eric Ryan Anderson, I want you to put that book down, eat your breakfast, and have a real conversation with your family." she demands, going into complete "mom" mode. Nate takes his plate and retreats into the sitting room, not wanting to get become collateral damage in the battle that was about to take place.
"You're the one who always says we should broaden our knowledge, and not limit ourselves to our interests. Chemistry certainly isn't an interest of mine. And look, I've read fifteen pages in the last half hour." Eric says, looking up for the first since he's come downstairs.
"Well for future reference, I would prefer that breakfast be reserved for eating, and conversation. NOT school work." Martha said sternly. After an intense staring match, Eric submits to his mother, and puts the textbook in his backpack. Nate rejoins his brother and mother, glad the fight didn't escalate to serious blows like last time. He like a good fight, just not the kind where it leaves an awkward silence in the house for the next three days.