His sister didn't come to dinner, again, and only he knew where she went, again. Dinner was quiet, again. A couple months ago, suddenly his mom barely spoke to his dad, and dinner became awkward. Now, if there was any talking, it was directed to him or his sister, the other parent completely ignored. He kind of didn't blame his sister for not being present at dinner, but it had to be THAT boy, didn't it

He had taken to excusing himself early from dinner and coming back later to get dessert. More often than not, the table still had all the dishes, neither parent willing to clear it to be kind to the other, or to initiate cooperation. This time was one too many. The parents were supposed to be role models for their children. Instead, his parents were stubbornly acting like children. It was no WONDER Naomi, his sister, kept having reckless relationships, when their parents weren't showing what should be done.

So instead of scooping himself some ice cream, he went into the living room where he knew his dad would be watching the news.

"Hey, dad," he said, conveniently stepping in front of the T.V., "Come into the dining room for a minute, please?"

"Sure, Jacob."

Once in the dining room, Jacob pointed at a chair and said, "One second." He went upstairs, to his room, and got his Bible, before going to his parents' room, knowing his mom would be there.

Jacob knocked then stepped into the bedroom. His mom looked up from the book she was reading. "Yes, Jacob?"

"Can you spare me a few minutes, down in the dining room?"

"Of course. I'll be there in just a second."

She quickly put on slippers, then she followed Jacob downstairs, and saw his dad sitting at the table. Being too polite (and somewhat curious) to comment, she simply sat down, at the opposite end of the table.

Jacob took a deep breath. "Mom, dad. First, we'll start with the table. What do you see?" He knew it was a stupid question, but it was as good a place to start as any. It was like what you do when you're talking to kindergarteners – you ask a question with an obvious answer to see what they know.

His mom said, "Well, the dishes are still on the table, which is odd."

His dad said, "Your mom is here."

Jacob sighed and rolled his eyes. –They're more stubborn than I thought!- "Both very obvious. Mom, why is it odd that there are dishes on the table?"

"Because usually when I come down for coffee at ten, nothing is there. And it's nine."

"Uh huh."

His dad said to Jacob, "She means to say, SHE doesn't DO them?"

-How ridiculous!- "Look. I'm trying to have a civil conversation with you two, but it's really difficult when neither of you will talk to the other. Do you know WHY the table is always clean when you come down, mom? I clean it. Before I have my dessert. Because you two are letting your anger get out of hand and in front of YOUR responsibilities. You are acting like CHILDREN!"

Both parents blinked at Jacob, but he wasn't finished yet. "And I expect you don't realize that Naomi has not been at dinner all week?! Know why? She has a stupid new boyfriend who's going to get her hurt, but she doesn't really know what's right or how dangerous he is, because no one bothers to talk to her, and she wouldn't listen to me. I'm just the shy older brother. If I had been like Joey, maybe I wouldn't have to be worried. But I'm not..."

His mom cut him off, "Jacob, I know you aren't Joey, and that's perfectly fine. And you needn't think that this is your fault; it's not. I am simply angry at your father right now."

"Mom! For goodness' sake! You have been for a few MONTHS now. And you're too stubborn to..." He paused the changed the subject. "You know, Naomi doesn't go to Youth Group anymore? She's out with her demon-obsessed boy friend every night. And you both have come up with reasons not to go to church the same week as the other person."

The phone rang. Jacob, in order to let his parents think about what he had said, answered. Luckily, the person didn't want to talk to either of his parents. The person was Joey, and he wanted to speak with Jacob.

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A/N sorry this took so long to update; I had to finish writing this part; the next part should maybe be...at the end of may. Or sooner. Oh, sorry it was vague, a person, that's how i tend to write. thanks for telling me. It'll make it less tedious and long to write :)