Dinner at the Bennett Household

[Carl Bennett]

Carl had not been to see his cousin Julie at her home for well over a year, and both had agreed that it was high time that he make it to her place. He figured that Eliza must have grown another few inches, and had to be at least four. Margaret and Tommy had willingly come along, and he had even talked Luke into it. Julie lived well over six hours away from his home in the country and the commute was long but well worth it. The family had packed up their things, leaving the dog with a family friend. The man gave a broad smile as he pulled into his cousin's driveway, killing the ignition and looking to his family. "Well, we're here," he stated, attempting to cheer all of them up. Everyone would be groggy, he knew, but it was nothing that a few breaths of crisp spring air wouldn't solve. He wouldn't be surprised at all if Eliza didn't have her nose pressed up to the window, awaiting the arrival of her cousins. She and Tommy had been good playmates on the few occasions that they had met.

 

[Luke Bennett]

Luke was not altogether excited to be carted off to his cousin Julie's, but he figured that he really had nothing to do sitting at home all alone. Anyways, maybe there would be some nice clubs in Wisconsin. He had just gotten out of Basic, and was finding himself quite bored back in Minnesota. He had been through a few quick relationships that had not really gone anywhere, and it was frustrating. Granted, Luke had grown up quite a lot since he had graduated from high school.

Smirking, he moved to the trunk, grabbing his mother's suitcase and waiting for her to direct him. He had grabbed his own. He looked down, to see Tommy attempting to grab his father's suitcase.

"See?" the little boy declared proudly, grinning up at his older brother. "I can carry two suitcases just like Lukey." The redhead five year old was quite stoked to see his cousins, although their visits were sparse and consisted of holidays normally.

Luke's laughter carried as the five year old pulled the suitcase out of the car, but was toppled over by its heavy weight. Setting the ones he had been holding down, he pried his father's suitcase away from the little boy, picking him up and handing him his own. "How about just your own for right now, kiddo." He tousled his brother's hair. "Someday, Tommy, someday."

 

[Maggie Bennett]

Maggie got out of the car, brushing off her skirt. She was quite excited to catch up with her husband's cousin. Moving to the trunk she noticed that Luke was already taking care of her suitcase. Using her free arm to grab a pillow she took her youngest son's hand. He absolutely adored his older brother, although the bad thing was it was a case of monkey see, monkey do.

"Exactly, Thomas. You'll be able to carry two suitcases one day. Hey, shouldn't you go get the door? I bet Eliza will be excited to see you." She ushered her son onto the sidewalk. Tommy raced up to the door and pressed the doorbell frantically, much more than what would be considered necessary. "Thomas William, you stop that right now!" Maggie hollered. "You're going to drive your cousins nuts!" And herself, although she failed to comment.