Frankie casually leaned against the living room table, holding up an orange. I had my head down, resting on the couch, trying to shut out the world for a moment.
"Oi, Kyle," Frankie called out, his tone light. "Orange."
I opened my eyes slightly, still lying down, and echoed back, "Orange." My voice was calm, almost indifferent, but I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips as I accepted the bite of the orange he offered from his hand.
Frankie's mom chided him gently, "Don't be so rude in front of Kyle's mom and everyone, Frankie."
Frankie's cheeks flushed a little as he protested, "Mom, you're embarrassing me!"
Across the table, my mom smiled awkwardly, trying to play along. "They're so sweet, Angela. I apologize—"
"Pricilla," Frankie's mom interrupted with a warm smile, "Kyle is already a part of our family. Please treat this as your home and relax."
