In the few days that I’ve been here…I’ve gotten used to a certain routine. But, I guess that routine doesn’t apply on holidays. I wake up to an empty room and walk into an equally empty kitchen. Ms. Fuller isn’t there filling our morning with song as she usually is. I walk into the living room and see a small stack of gifts. It’s not a lot, but enough to excite me.
I sit at the counter alone, waiting on Ms. Fuller to enter the kitchen and begin cooking one of her incredible breakfasts. A door eventually opens, but it’s Michael that steps through…not Ms. Fuller as I was hoping.
Michael: Happy Winterfest Alida!
Alida: Thanks…cool hat!
Michael: Thanks
Michael sits down at the counter next to me.
Alida: So where’s Ms. Fuller? Is she going to start cooking anytime soon?
Michael: Oh…she’s in there *nods towards his bedroom* with Darwin. She has to teach him how to use the potty so he won’t pee all over the place.
Alida: Oh. How long will that take?
Michael shrugs his shoulders.
Before too long, Ms. Fuller enters the front room holding Darwin. She places him in the highchair and sets a bowl of yogurt in front of him. He doesn’t look too happy about it. I wouldn’t either. I hope we get a lot more than yogurt for breakfast.
Raul is the next to enter the room. He walks right over to Michael and me but behaves as if he only sees me.
Raul: You want to hang out today? …Since we don’t have school.
I’m just about to answer when I notice a small sag to Michael’s face. It’s obvious to both of us that Raul isn’t inviting him.
I decide to change that…
Alida: Yeah, but only if Michael can come too.
Raul slowly turns to Michael with a slight look of displeasure.
Raul: But why?
Alida: Because he’s my friend…and I don’t want to leave him out.
Michael’s whole face lights up.
Michael: Thanks!
Raul doesn’t look very happy, but I don’t really care. Ms. Fuller interrupts the whole conversation without ever missing a beat as she stirs…
Ms. Fuller: Breakfast will be ready soon Alida. You should go get dressed.
I do as Ms. Fuller says and returns just as she’s finishing up the eggs. I re-join the others at the counter…my mouth watering in anticipation of whatever she’s preparing.
Ms. Fuller’s breakfast does not disappoint. I salivate like a wild dog when she sets down the serving platter. My eyes are as big as saucers as I look at the pancakes, small omelets, bacon and potatoes. It looks like a lot, but I’m more than ready to eat it all. As soon as my plate is in front of me…I get started. If this meal is all we get this Winterfest…it’ll already be the best one I’ve ever had.
Ms. Fuller has to once again remind me to slow down…but it’s not just me this time. We all clear our plates in record time.
After we’ve all finished up, Raul leans towards me…
Raul: Just so you know…I blame you for any repercussions as a result of inviting – him.
Although Raul says “him” as if he’s talking about some sort of foreign creature – I know he means Michael. I’m not afraid of his weak attempt at a threat.
Ms. Fuller: It’s your turn to clear the dishes Alida.
I get up and grab the empty plates, and reply back to Raul with full confidence…
Alida: It’ll be fine…won’t it Michael? He won’t tell a soul.
I’m sure of it…because I have something on him. Something that he’d never want anyone else to find out.
As soon as my back is turned, Raul goes in on Michael…
Raul: And if you want to come with us…you’re not wearing that stupid baby hat.
Michael: Hey! What’s wrong with my hat?
Raul: What? You can’t hear? I just said that it’s stupid and for babies. Take it off…or you’re not coming.
After I finish helping out with cleanup…Michael and Raul stop arguing enough to join me for a round of multiplayer video gaming. Ms. Fuller seems pleased to see us getting along. As she’s cleaning up…Raul takes advantage of her good mood.
Raul: Mama Nadine, can we go outside…after our game?
Ms. Fuller: Yes, but stay close to the house. We’ll be opening gifts a bit earlier this year.
I’m sure Raul’s initial plans involved everything but staying close to the house, but the mention of gifts definitely softens the blow.
(Generation 1 Chapter Summaries)
