Dinner time

Lauren emerged from the attic just in time to hear her mother call.

"Dinnertime!"

The last thing Lauren wanted was more family time. However, after all the labor of moving, she was starving. So, a bit reluctantly she headed over towards the kitchen. When she entered she saw her mother, step father, Dennis and Vanessa all at the table

"Hey Lauren, love you're new look!" Vanessa commented, causing Dennis to snicker.

She was referring to Lauren's frizzled hair, lack of makeup and pajamas, rather then the extremely formal look she normally presented.

"Shut up!" Lauren grumbled.

Her cheeks burned immediately. Why was she so easily embarrassed? Her own embarrassment embarrassed her, since it was a sign of weakness. This caused her to spiral easily, getting flustered and losing her poise.

"Girls, not at the table." Their mother sighed. "Now take a seat Lauren, before the food gets cold...