The Rock apartment was already loud before the sun fully showed up.

Rochelle stood in the hallway with her arms crossed, watching Drew adjust his jacket in the mirror. “Look at you,” she said proudly. “Sharp. Just like you should be.”

Drew smiled. “I know, Mom.”

Tonya wandered in behind him, dragging her backpack. Rochelle’s face softened immediately. “Baby, why didn’t you say you were awake? Come here.” She brushed imaginary lint off Tonya’s shirt. “You hungry? I’ll make you something better than what they’re eating.”

Chris stepped out of his room, rubbing his eyes. “Wait, I thought we were all eating the same thing.”

Rochelle turned slowly. “Who said that?”

Julius came out of the bedroom, tying his tie. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Drew had eggs. Tonya had eggs,” Rochelle said. “Chris, you had dinner last night.”

Chris blinked. “So… no breakfast?”

“You breathing, ain’t you?” Rochelle replied. “That should hold you till lunch.”

Tonya smirked as she took the last seat at the table. “Can I have juice?”

“Of course, baby,” Rochelle said, pouring her a full glass.

Chris reached for it and Rochelle slapped his hand away without looking. “That’s her juice.”

Julius glanced at Chris, then back at the clock. “You ready for school?”

Chris sighed. “As ready as I’m allowed to be.”

Rochelle grabbed her purse. “Everybody out. Drew, don’t wrinkle your clothes. Tonya, stay by me. Chris—don’t embarrass us.”

Chris followed behind them, mumbling, “I didn’t even do anything yet.”

Rochelle stopped at the door. “Exactly. And try to keep it that way. I'm only driving you all today cause I have a parent meeting this morning."