Sticks

> "Say Lyra. Why dont you have a boyfriend." Lyra paused at Liby's question.
> "Because I'm not looking for a relationship."
> "Translation, No one one wants to tap my lanky ass" Lupa threw her 2 cents in the convo.
> "Of course you would think its all about sex, If I wanted boyfriend, I would have one. I just havent met someone with my standards."
> "Honey, no one can reach those standards." Leia noted "Besides I really doubt you have a line of men looking for you."
> "Are you saying not attractive?"
> "No. I'm saying your a bible thumping guilt tripper. And I might be 6, but even I know thats a turn off."
> "I dont need to have sex to prove anything. I'm happy the way I am and I dont plan on changing just to meet some standard."
> "Yeah, you seem pretty happy with that stick up your ass." Loan laughed to herself but noticed the distinct silence in the room. She paused her game to see everyone staring at her in some suprised and others pride.
> Lemy in particular was holding his breath trying not to laugh.
> "Did I say that out loud?" walked over to her and wrapped an arm around her old sister.
> "You did and I love you for it."
> Lyra was about to argue but Lizy tugged on her pant leg.
> "Lyra did you really put a stick up your butt?
> "No, Lizy. That just a express-"
> "You shouldn't put stick up your butt." Lizy then whispered. "You'll get a splinter."
> The whole room exploded in laughter. Lacy and Lemy were literally on the floor. Liby was burying herself into the couch. Even Lupa was cackling.
> Lizy was just confused, she was being serious.
> All the while, Lyra was standing in the middle of it all. Being the butt of the joke.
> "I hate this family."
> Lyra walked into the kitchen to get away from the laughter, if only for a minute.
> She noticed her father making some coffee. Maybe some joe would ease her up.
> "Hey dad. Can I get a glass?"
> Lincoln turned around not hearing her, he was laughing to himself.
> What was he laughing at?
> "Hahaha, Splinter. That's fantastic." That's when he looked up to see his daughter glaring at him.
> "Never mind." He tried to apologize but she was already walking out the back door.
>She sat in the backyard for about an hour. lying in a lounge chair alone with her thoughts.
> "Hey." She looked up to see her little brother looking down at her.
> "Hey." She softly returned the greeting.
> Lemy climbed into the lounge chair and found a comfortable spot under her arm.
> Lyra wrapped her arm around him and brought him in close. He returned the favor and rested his head on her chest.
> "You know we were just messing with you right?"
> "Yeah." there was no emotion behind her words.
> "Sis c'mon, you know we just give you shit-"
> "Language." There was that emotion.
> "Sorry."
> It was weirdly cold out today for the summer? She brought lemy in closer.
> "Do you miss it?"
> "What?"
> "Living on the road. Going from concert to concert with mom?"
> She watched Lemy for a moment, he had the bit of hurt look to him. He always had that look when he thought of mom.
> "I liked it when we were all together. I miss that." He let slip a small sigh. "But this is alright too. Kinda nice being in one place."
> Lyra rustled his hair a little. Smiling a bit.
> "I get it though." She stopped. "It's not easy dealing with a bigger family. A lot of stuff and responsibility just dropped on ya."
> "It can be a bit much."
> "Well yeah, but they appreciate it." She didn't really by that. "I know I do."
> "You wanna go back inside?"
> "Nah, I'm good right here."