Nikki 2

The alarm blared at Nikki and she turned it off. She got up and redressed. Nikki went to the bathroom and cleaned herself up before going upstairs. She went into the kitchen and saw Drake sitting at the island with a bowl of cereal. Nikki’s heart raced. She was supposed to rise to wake everyone else at seven and have breakfast ready by then. “I have a meeting with the school counselor to discuss my classes for next year.” Drake said. “No I didn’t tell you so calm down. You better get started on breakfast. Mom went to bed with a headache so be sure to make some fresh tea.” Nikki nodded and got to work. “Just tell them you made me oatmeal after waking me at five because of this meeting.”
“Did you get something for lunch?” Nikki asked.
Drake shook his head and put his bowl in the sink. “Juliette and I have a half day today.” he said. “So try to finish our snack by one.” Nikki nodded.
Nikki finished the breakfast and roused the others. She served them their breakfast. “Where is Drake?” Joan asked.
“He had a school meeting for his classes next year.” Nikki said. “I woke him at five, like he asked.”
“Did you feed him?”
“Oatmeal, ma’am.”
“Good, today I want you to tidy up the studies. Oh, and around 10 ‘o’ clock I have a man coming to install a new television in the family room, so you’ll be downstairs.”
“Shit, that was today?” Richard asked. “I can’t do that. I’ve got a big meeting and if I don’t take it, we may as well cancel that television.”
“Well I’ve got a hair appointment and Juliette can’t miss school. I suppose the girl will have to, but if she looks like that, they may ask questions. Juliette, go get an old dress and make sure it’s clean.” Nikki continued her chores. After Nikki put the dishes away Joan pulled Nikki into the bathroom as Richard left for work and Juliette went to school.