Carol went downstairs to dinner knowing Mike was in trouble for something he didn't do. She wanted to bring it up, but wasn't sure how. When she went down the back stairs, she slid into her seat at the table.
"Mom," Carol started when there was a break in the conversation.
"What Carol?" She asked.
"MIKE." Jason hollered from the table. Maggie gently laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Jason."
"It's time for dinner Maggie and he better get down here. MIKE!" He yelled again. Carol could hear his footsteps as he came down the stairs. Mike crossed his arms and wouldn't look at the table.
"I'm not hungry. Can I go back upstairs?"
"Can I have his food?" Ben asked excitedly.
"Ben," Maggie warned, "Mike, sit down."
"I'm going back upstairs."
"MIKE."
"He didn't do it!" Carol exclaimed as she jumped up.
"Carol," Maggie said gently.
"He didn't mom," she laughed, "I'm not sure why but I believe him. There's something that makes me feel like he's telling the truth."
"Just shut up Carol." He sneered.
"Mike." Maggie warned.
"Get upstairs."
"Who?" Mike and Carol asked almost in unison.
"Both of you. We're trying to eat in peace. Get out of here."
"What'd I do?" Carol asked sitting down.
"I'm trying to talk to your brother and you keep getting involved. Go upstairs, you're both grounded."
"What?" They both asked.
"The good kid grounded?" Mike questioned.
"Mike, go." Maggie said. They walked up the stairs together.
"I hope your date was worth getting us both grounded Mike."
"I hope so too."