An uneasy silence draped itself over the dinner table like a heavy blanket as everyone picked at their food. The usual chatter was absent, and even Ben's mom, the embodiment of peace and family bonding, seemed to hold her tongue. Tension crackled in the air, palpable and charged, as everyone focused intently on their plates, the only sounds of cutlery clinking softly against ceramic, filling the room with a delicate yet uncomfortable sophistication.

Just when the weight of the unspoken words became too much to bear, Mr. Alexander broke the silence, his voice cutting through the atmosphere.

"Mmm, this is delicious," he said, lifting his eyes to Shelley, who was serving. "What do you call this dish? At first glance, it might not catch the eye, but the moment you taste it, you're hit with a medley of rich spices that leaves you craving more."

Shelley beamed at him, clearly pleased. "That's Kenkey. It's served with roasted tilapia and a vibrant blend of green and black sauce. On the side, there are sliced avocados, Keta School Boys, shrimp, and boiled eggs. I'm thrilled you're enjoying it!" She smiled warmly, her pride evident.

Mr. Alexander nodded in appreciation. "Indeed, I am enjoying it. You're quite the cook! Now it makes sense why my son is looking so well."

Blushing, Shelley replied, "Thank you, Mr. Alexander. But I must share the credit-my husband had a great hand in preparing this feast."

A look of surprise flickered across Mr. Alexander's face as he turned to Ben. "I must say, I'm impressed. I didn't know you had a knack for kitchen duties."

Ben scoffed, refusing to look up from his plate. "You would have known if you'd stuck around during my childhood."

The smile vanished from Mr. Alexander's face, heavy silence taking its place. Shelley nudged her husband gently, whispering with a firm tone, "Knock it off. I won't have that attitude at my table."

With a resigned sigh, Ben apologised to his father. Seizing the opportunity, Mr. Alexander addressed his son, his voice low and sincere. "Son, I'm sorry for showing up uninvited like this. I know you didn't expect me, and I know this isn't what you wanted. But I'm here to make amends-to tell you how truly sorry I am for not being the father you deserved and to ask for a chance to do better."

Ben shot back, frowning, "Isn't it a bit late for that?"

Ben's mother interjected, her voice a touch desperate, "Can't we just make it through dinner as a family? Please!"

Ben turned to her, incredulous. "Really, Mom? You think that's possible? Look around! Does this feel like a family to you? It's far too late for that." With that, he pushed back his chair and stormed out of the room, the weight of frustration trailing behind him.

Dinner ended on a bitter note, the air thick with unspoken tension. Shelley began clearing the table, Scott helping her while the parents retreated to the living room, their voices hushed and uncertain.

In the kitchen, Shelley dropped the dirty plates into the sink, preparing to tackle the cleanup.

"Hey, let me help," Scott offered, stepping forward. "You've done so much cooking for us already. At least allow me to wash the dishes while you take a break."

Shelley shook her head, a determined glint in her eye. "No! What I need you to do right now is check on your brother. He's going to need you."

"Are... you sure?" he asked hesitantly.

"Absolutely."

Scott shrugged, uncertainty etched on his face. "I don't see how I can help, but I'll try." With a reluctant sigh, he headed out of the kitchen, seeking his brother and hoping to calm him down.

***

After a lengthy search throughout the house, Scott finally found Ben seated on the balcony, gazing out over the sprawling city below.

He approached the glass door that separated them, gently tapping on it before venturing in.

"Hey, mind if I join you?" he asked, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

Ben simply gestured to the empty seat beside him. Scott sank into it, eyes fixed on the horizon, allowing a comfortable silence to settle between them.

Ben broke the stillness with a heavy sigh. "I messed up dinner, didn't I?" He glanced sideways at Scott, eyes filled with regret. "She sent you to find me, didn't she?"

Scott nodded, the weight of the situation hanging in the air. "Yeah, she was disappointed," he replied.

Ben buried his face in his hands, shame flooding through him. "I didn't mean to ruin it. It's just... when Dad shows up, I lose control. I really want to forgive him, but every time I see his face, the past comes rushing back, and it's like I'm trapped."

"I get it," Scott said quietly. "I wish I'd known they were coming. I would have done something to stop it."

Ben chuckled softly, lifting his head. "We both know you wouldn't have been able to, but it's nice to think you would've tried."

Scott felt a rush of warmth at his brother's words, returning the grin that blossomed on Ben's face.

Then Ben sighed dramatically, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. "She's not going to forgive me for ruining dinner."

Scott shot him a teasing sidelong smile. "Just apologise and then follow it up with some mind-blowing sex. She'll definitely forgive you after that."

"Seriously, man? Go away," Ben said, bursting into laughter, while playfully shoving him, the tension easing from his shoulders.

When Ben and Scott finally made their way back into the living room, the sky had deepened into night. Shelley caught their attention, suggesting they all spend the night there.

Scott's parents hesitated, but against Shelley's convincing arguments, they found themselves outmatched. Reluctantly, they agreed to stay.

As they readied a room for Scott's parents and the others, Ben and Shelley finally slipped away to their own sanctuary for the night.

Once in their room, Ben immediately focused on making the bed as cosy as possible for his pregnant wife. With the pregnancy pillow expertly arranged, he turned to her with a sincere expression. "I'm really sorry about dinner. I know how much it meant to you. Can you forgive me for losing it?"

Shelley wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling as her belly gently bumped against him. "It's alright. Honestly, I expected a lot worse from you tonight, but you kept it together. I know this is tough for you, and I don't hold it against you. Just promise me you'll try to make peace with him." She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on his lips. "If I could make peace with my dad, I know you can with yours. I believe in you."

Ben smiled back at her, gratitude shining in his eyes as they rested their foreheads against each other, the bond between them a reassuring promise of support.