Chapter Text
Having to wrangle five children onto a bus was a nightmare. It didn’t help that aside from Chad and Teagan, their siblings often acted up when their parents weren’t around (which yes, Morgan may have encouraged, but they were children for God’s sake, and their parents were always so, so strict). Morgan got them all into their seats, leaning on Chad to be their extra pair on hands with Diego gone. Chad didn’t deserve that, but Morgan needed the help and Chad was the next oldest.
“Hey, hey, Mckenna, sit down,” Morgan said.
“But I want to see what’s happening back there,” Mckenna said, still standing on her seat.
Morgan looked back briefly to see a couple having a heated argument in the back. They were trying to keep their voices low and not draw attention, but Mckenna had a habit of seeking out drama, the six year old lived for it.
“No you don’t,” Morgan said. “Butt in seat, not in mouth.”
“But-”
“Mckenna, what did I just say?”
“Listen to Morgan,” Chad said.
“Hmph.” Mckenna sat back down.
Morgan mouthed a silent thank you to Chad
It was hard not to notice the quiet argument of the couple after Mckenna pointed it out. It reminded Morgan of their own parents. Hushed, heated arguments when they thought the kids were asleep or not paying attention. Name calling, empty threats, the sound of other disdain for one another. That seemed to be all relationships were. Morgan wanted no part in that.
Finally their stop came and all the Sterling kids stood up.
“Buddy system,” Morgan called out and all the little kids took an older kid’s hand.
Mckenna grabbed Morgan’s hand as quickly and tightly as possible, like they were a prize to be won.
“I call Morgan!”
Morgan led the kids to the grocery which was a block and a half from the bus stop.
“Remember,” Morgan said as they walked into the store, grabbing a cart. “Everyone gets one veto and for the love of God, don’t purposefully pick something you know someone else hates to use up their veto. I’m looking at you Jared.”
“Fine,” Jared said, rolling his eyes.
“Alright, with that out of the way, does anyone want to suggest something?”
“Chicken nuggies!” Louise exclaimed.
“Ew, no,” Teagan said. “Do you realize how processed those are?”
“I agree with Teagan,” Chad said. “We need to eat healthy, something nutrient dense. How about organ stew?”
Mckenna made a face.
“I hate when mom and dad make that,” Jared said.
“We don’t have time to make stew,” Morgan said. “Another time.”
“What about tacos?” Jared suggested.
“I like tacos,” Mckenna said.
“Me too,” said Louis.
“That’s a lot of yays,” Morgan said, looking over at Teagan and Chad. “Any nays?”
Chad and Teagan shared a look.
“Beef and beans,” Teagan said. “For iron and protein.”
“With Mexican coleslaw on the side,” Chad said.
“Sounds good to me,” Morgan said. “Any objections.”
The others shook their heads.
“Tacos it is.”