Chapter 50

The atmosphere at the lunch table felt charged and electric. 

It was the first time in a very long time that the entire Stone family was sitting together, sharing a meal. The silence was deafening, not even overshadowed by the sounds of cutlery on china plates.

Malia looked up and slowly scanned her family. Her father was fully focused on his plate as if it was the most interesting thing ever. Raine was eating slowly and in small bites, her eyes observing Malia every once in a while. Amanda was on her second plate, oblivious to the tension in the air. Malia hadn't taken a bite of her food yet, her appetite out of the window.

"This is awesome!" Amanda suddenly said, breaking the silence. "Our first meal together in a very long time!"

"Is that a cause for celebration?" Malia asked. 

"Of course!" Amanda replied, completely missing the sarcastic tone in her voice. "I can't believe my eyes! We're together and complete! And everyone is so happy!"