Light music came from seventeen year old Drake’s room so I didn’t bother checking on him. Instead, I peeked in on fourteen-year-old Xy and twelve-year-old Joss who had the second biggest room in the house since they still shared. They were both knocked out cold, their television playing and Joss laid on his back snoring like he had a full time job he’d just gotten off. I closed their door then made my way to the kitchen. It was already after six in the morning. It looked like Leann had packed lunches for Xy, Joss, and herself thankfully.
We all had our roles to play in the family and I appreciated when everyone did their part.
I put coffee on for her, and even though Drake had told me he’d gone over Xy and Joss’s homework, I still sat down with their bags, pulled their work out, and looked it over before I climbed up and stretched.
I looked over as the front door opened and Morocco walked in, home from his graveyard shift at the warehouse. He yawned and walked over. I dapped him up.
“How was work?”
“It was cool.” He shrugged, walked to the pantry, grabbed a box of cereal, and poured some right into his mouth.
I chuckled as he did his best to chew and I turned toward the stairs when I heard feet hitting them.
“Good morning.” I looked over at Xy and Joss.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning.”
I made sure they looked presentable and ready for school before climbing to my feet.
“Y’all good on breakfast?”
“Yeah.” Joss walked over to the freezer and grabbed frozen breakfast burritos and I nodded.
“Then, I’m going to sleep.” I yawned but paused when Morocco’s door opened.
Leann walked out in her scrubs, closed the space between her and my brother, kissed him deeply, then maneuvered around him. She gave him the update on how their daughter, two-year-old Junie, had done overnight.
“If I were you, I’d get sleep now, while you still can,” she offered.
He nodded. “You ain’t got to tell me twice.” He kissed her cheek then mouth again. “Goodnight, y’all.”
“Night,” me and the boys echoed.
Morocco headed into his bedroom and shut the door.
Leann poured her coffee.
“I’m down to take everyone to school but I can’t be late because Drake wants to sleep in,” she warned.
“Nah. I feel that. Give me a second.”
I pivoted toward the stairs and jogged up.
“If you want this ride you better fucking act like it.” I banged on his door.
“Come on, man,” Drake groaned.
I pushed the door open and he yanked his blanket over his bare chest like I gave a fuck.
“Ain’t nobody looking at yo’ bird chest, bitch,” I snipped.
“Fuck you.” He chuckled and I grinned.
“Leann is gon’ leave yo’ ass.”
“I’ve got a ride.” He gestured to the girl beside him in bed.