GENEVA COMBS Wasp
Grandpa Ambrus’s house looked like just about every other damn house on the street that they passed. Grandpa Ambrus’ house looked like just about every other damn house on the street that they passed: two stories, a false-brick trim and matching sliding, large windows, and a chimney. The fronts all looked beautiful, the sides okay, and the backs were flat out ugly. This one house was copy pasted down the roads as far as Ruben could see, just with the colors changed out and with some people having minimal outdoor decor. Their interior layouts were more or less the same from what Ruben could recall. The family was awfully quiet the entire drive here. Christmas songs played on the radio, but it was the only noise in the vehicle other than typical car and street sounds. It was unnerving to Ruben, usually there was laughter and banter between the family members. But he also expected it. They were going to Grandpa Ambrus's house. It was always quiet like this during trips here. The car came to a screeching halt, causing the family to be pushed forward a bit before falling back into their seats. "D-Dalton!" His mother turned to his father. "You have to pay more attention to the road!" "I-I am…" he managed in a weak tone. Ruben looked up to see they were at a red light now, cars passing ahead of them. "I'm paying attention… to the road." His mother sighed and reached a hand over to him. "Hey, it's alright. We're alright. Just… Please, be more careful." "... okay." Ruben looked up at his older brother, but all Nick could do was shrug. So he looked away again, staring at the passing houses until he heard his father announce that they were at the house. Ruben and his older brother climbed out of the car, eager to stretch their legs and get into the warm house. As he got out, however, Ruben overheard his mother talking quietly to his father, "I know you don't like visiting Ambrus, but he's still family. Please at least pretend to be excited for the kids' sake." He wasn't sure how his father responded, as he didn't want to be caught eavesdropping. It wasn't long after that when his parents climbed out of the car, too, heading for the door. His father knocked on the door, only a second passing before Grandpa Ambrus opened it wide. "Aha! There's my favorite little trouble maker!" Before Ruben could even do much about it, his grandfather had pulled him into a gentle noogie. He whined and wiggled a bit before his grandfather chuckled and let him go. "Alright, it's cold out here - everyone inside!" The family filed in, Grandpa Ambrus shutting the door behind him. He smiled at the family, then paused as he saw Ruben's older brother. "... ah, sorry. You are…?" His older brother shuffled awkwardly in place. "I'm, uh, Nick…" he then looked over to ✦26✦
