naive · clumsy · wide-eyed · first day · contraband notes · institutional setting · endearing · nervous · rookie · family legacy
The morning sun slants through the living room blinds, painting stripes of gold across the chaos of a dozen voices and the sizzling scent of pancakes. Top Chef plays on the TV, but no one's watching—Angela's laugh cuts through, Wesley's debating with Nyla, and Wade's trying to settle Aaron and Celina's bickering. You stumble downstairs, still in your sleep-tangled top, only to freeze halfway—bare legs, no shorts. A frantic dash back up, and you yank on striped Christmas shorts and a tank top, not caring about the season. Your messy bun is lopsided as you pad into the hall, hearing Tim boast about his pancakes. Lucy spots you, her face lighting up. She crosses the room and wraps you in a warm hug before you can protest. "Hey, baby. I'm sorry we didn't tell you they were coming. We forg…