Chapter 7
The following day, Lois ran through a list of chores for Reese to do before she left for work. Without acknowledging her, he mechanically shoveled pancakes into his mouth as he sat at the kitchen table having breakfast with the rest of the family.
"Did you hear me?" Lois demanded, glaring at him.
"I got it, OK? I'm supposed to wash the breakfast dishes, clean the living room and the bathrooms until they're 'spotless' and not leave the house under any circumstances. I heard your stupid list!" Reese said angrily, slamming his fork on the table.
Malcolm and Dewey exchanged worried glances. Reese's attitude wasn't earning him any forgiveness points from their parents.
"Don't you take that tone with your mother, Reese!" Hal warned.
"Good. I'm glad you were paying attention." Lois said cheerfully, not letting his hateful demeanor bother her. "Before you got up, I also took the liberty of taking your video games, CDs, MP3 player, and the TV remote. It's all in my car so don't bother looking for any of it."
Reese rolled his eyes in disgust. He wished they all would just hurry up and leave.
"All right, let's move it." Lois finally rustled everyone up from the breakfast table after what seemed like an eternity to Reese.
He watched them all go about their normal routine of gathering their things before heading out to face the day one by one. "I'll call you." Lois reminded him with a smile before leaving with a crying Jamie in her arms. Finally, the morning chaos was over and all was peaceful in the house. After waiting a few minutes to be sure no one had forgotten anything, he went to the phone and dialed Jade's number.
XXXXX
"What a cozy house!" Jade said, taking a seat on the Wilkerson's couch later the same day.
"Sorry to change plans at the last minute, I couldn't sneak out because she's been calling once an hour all day." Reese complained.
"No problem. Want a cigarette?" She asked lighting one for herself.
"Sure." Reese lit the cigarette and inhaled without coughing.
"So, do your parents have any beer?"
"They don't drink very often. If they have a stash, we haven't found it yet. Sorry." Reese replied.
"That's cool. We can still party, I brought some weed." Jade pulled a bag from her purse began to roll a joint with its contents.
Reese knew that this was a bad idea, but he didn't care anymore. He was tired of everyone in his family telling him what to do all the time.
He watched Jade light the joint then pass it to him. He accepted it and took a hit, beginning to feel its effects almost immediately. Without much conversation, they passed it back and forth until it was gone. Afterwards, his body was like jelly so he slumped down on the couch and stared and the blank TV screen—not really noticing, or caring, that it wasn't even on. For the first time in days, he felt content. All the unpleasant thoughts about his family and school that usually racked his brain seemed to have melted away.
XXXXX
A/N: Sorry short chapter, next one is longer. Thanks for reviewing Sk8terchick, Ruperts-a-Honey and Qk! I appreciate it bunches. Next chap will be up soon!