Chapter 3

"Do you want me to bring anything else to the table?" asked Alex, turning to a nervous Julie, as she brought the salad and butter to the dinner table later that evening. Ever since the clock hand turned to 6pm, her new foster mum had turned into an anxious mess.

"No darling that would be fine. Now do I look alright? Do you look alright? Are you on your best behaviour?" she asked in a hurry, as she went back to the kitchen to retrieve the silverware.

"Yes, yes and yes," replied Alex, "Now all that is left is YOU needing to calm down. His your husband, so I don't know why you are worrying so much!"

"Oh, you obviously don't know James," replied Julie, as she set down the silverware. A bell sounded.

"And that would be him, so come now and introduce yourself and don't forget your manners." Alex heaved a sigh,

"Of course I won't," She plastered a bright smile on her face and followed Julie to the door, as she opened it to reveal a middle-aged man with a balding patch and numerous wrinkles on his forehead. He looked quite angry, as he entered the room and dropping his suitcase on the floor, completely ignoring his wife and guest.

"Sit down," mouthed Julie to Alex, as she pointed to the table. Alex hurried to the table, and sat at one of the six seats.

"Is my dinner ready?" growled James, as Julie took his coat off for him.

"Yes, of course. Um, honey, remember how we talked about taking in an orphan from the FosterCare?" she asked timidly.

"Yeah, is that her?" he replied carelessly, as he sat in his chair, hastily grabbing some of everything and placing it on his plate.

"Yes," she replied quickly, "I would like you to introduce to Alexa Hall."

"Hello, nice to meet you," smiled Alexa. James merely grunted.

"Pass me the potatoes," he said to his wife, as she joined them at the table.

"Oh, of course," she replied anxiously, glancing at Alex.

"So how was work?' asked Alex, conversationally. James looked up at her.

"No talking at the table." He then took a sip from his drink. Alex looked deeply taken aback.

"Oh, I'm sor-"

James, looking severly disgruntled, looked up at her again.

"I SAID no talking at the table!" he said more loudly, banging his drink back onto the table. Alex stared at James. I cannot believe I am going to be sleeping in the same house as this man, she thought silently, and continued to eat her meal in silence.