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Tina sat in the direct middle of her family.
Louise on her left cuddled up next to their father.
While Gene was on her right, next to their mother.
Tina loved nights like this when the whole world seemed to quiet around them.
She spared a look over at her sister, who was curled up in a little ball, head resting against her dad's shoulder, his arm wrapped around her in return, both of their gazes fixated on the movie, the smallest smile visible on Bob's face.
Then she looked at her brother, eagerly watching the movie, practically sitting on the edge of his seat.
Her mom was leaning against the armrest, wine in hand as she smiled at her kids.
Tina moved her head forward, eyes locking on the restaurant across the street.
She could barely see the silhouettes of Jimmy and Jimmy Junior as they screamed at each other. Two more miniature figures lurking in the corners, which Tina knew were Andy and Ollie.
It made Tina sad, seeing father and son scream at each other, leaving Jimmy Junior in a crappy mood for the next few days.
She spared a look at her brother, then to her father. She couldn't ever picture them arguing like that. Hell, her dad rarely even raised his voice at the three of them.
The angriest he'd ever seen him was when the kids set the restaurant on fire, even if in the end, they weren't the primary source.
Her dad was the kindest, most caring man Tina knew. He was patient and taught Tina that, no matter what life throws at you, you have to keep doing what you love. She couldn't love him more, she knew Gene and even Louise would agree. Even if Louise refused to admit it, seeing her cuddled up against her father, it was clear enough how much she loved him.
Tina looked over at her mom, she really was the best mom in the world. Always making sure her babies were safe and happy. Sure, there were times when she would embarrass the hell out of the three of them, Tina especially, but she meant well. That's all that mattered. Tina knows how scared her mom is for the day all three of them grow up and move out. So, Tina always spends as much time with her parents as possible.
Which, isn't hard since they all spend most of the day in a restaurant together.
Kids at school complained about their parents, they always said they hated their parents.
Tina could never even begin to understand hating her parents. Her parents were the best. She'd get annoyed with them occasionally, but they were her parents.
She loved them.
And they loved each other.
Tina always loved romance in general, and her parents are the main source of that.
It was corny, but whenever she saw them hugging, or holding hands, saying they love each other, cuddling, those were all the things Tina hoped for in her future relationships.
She knew kids who had parents who fought, who hit each other, and screamed at one another until they couldn't anymore.
She knew her parents were best friends, she hadn't thought of it much as a kid, but her parents were the definition of soulmates.
Tina knew how lucky she was to have a family as close as hers. Hell, she was thankful to be where she was now, on the couch between all her favorite people.
She was never away from her family, sometimes that was annoying if she wanted alone time.
But, being constantly surrounded by the people she loved at all times, was great.
Her sister, with her schemes.
Her brother, with his inappropriate quips.
Her mother, always there when they need her.
Her father, always ready to encourage them even if they all sucked at their jobs.
God, she loved her family, so much it hurt sometimes.
"I love you guys." She mumbled, her voice barely audible above the TV.
Linda looked over at her oldest, "Aww, I love you too, my Teeny Tina."
Gene beamed at her, "I love you too, my dear sister."
Her dad smiled softly, "Love you too, Tina."
Louise just shrugged, hesitant like always to be sentimental, "What they all said."
Tina grinned to herself, sighing softly.
Life was hard, and being a teenager was harder, but, she had a great family, who loved her unconditionally.
It was the bare minimum, but some people didn't even have that.
She was forever grateful to be born into such a loving family.
She makes sure she hugs her parents tight at night, telling them she loves them before heading off to sleep.
She makes sure she appreciates every moment with her brother and sister.
She makes sure her mother knows how much she values her.
She makes sure her father knows she admires him.
God...she really loved her family.