Poppy/H.S

Chapter 5

"Here you go, ladies," the older waitress says, bringing the dishes we've ordered to our table, "This is your spinach gnocchi, served with our homemade ricotta sauce on the side, "she lays the plate in front of me first. "And here's the same with some extra spinach garnish for the young lady," the waitress smiles when she sees how exited Poppy is. Poppy is already holding her fork in her right hand, ready to dig in the spinach gnocchi the exact same second the waitress lays the plate in front of her.

"Excuse me, miss. I don't want to keep you from eating any longer, but may I just say you're great with kids. I've raised four kids of my own, and have taken care of quite a few grandchildren, but what you did right here a few minutes ago, I haven't seen anything like that in my life," she whispers when she sees that Poppy has started eating already, not even bothered by the fact that the waitress is still at our table.

"Oh, thank you. That's really kind of you to say, but what do you mean exactly?"

"I meant the way you've convinced your daughter to order a spinach dish. You're so wonderful to her. She might not realise it now, but once she's older she's gonna have an epiphany that you're the best mother she could ever wish for and so much more," the waitress rises her hand to her face, wiping a tear away.

"No, um, I'm afraid this is a misunderstanding," I gesture towards Poppy, my eyes apologetic. "I'm supervising her until her father comes pick her up, actually," I admit.

"I'm sorry, you two looked so close. She's really comfortable around you. I won't bother you again," the older lady apologises shyly, avoiding my eyes out of embarrassment.

"No, don't apologise please. I'll take it as a compliment, I hope to be a good mum one day when it's in my fate to have kids," I smile at her, hoping to make her feel embarrassed.

"I shouldn't have assumed anything. It's none of my business. Eat your meal while it's still hot, I'm sorry for wasting your time talking," she apologises once again, turning on her heel and grabbing the tray which she used for bringing the dishes to our corner table. Before can leave, I stop her.

"No worries. It made my day," I wait for her to look my side so that I could see the name written on her name tag, "It's alright, Rose," I offer her one of my smiles.

"Well, you're still wonderful to her. It was amazing to watch how you persuaded her to try the spinach gnocchi. If everyone in the world spoke to kids with so much grace and wit, the world would be a better place. Children need all the attention in the world, but what is important, is the way you choose to dedicate them the attention, "she looks me deep into the eyes, "The key to parenting is actually knowing your child, and knowing the right way to approach them. You've mastered the skill even though you don't have your own kids, yet. Enjoy your meal," she returns my smile, leaving our table.

"Thank you, Rose," I whisper even though she probably can't hear me anymore, feeling touched.

I watch Rose return to the kitchen, only to come back with a takeaway order for the older couple waiting at the counter. She gives them their takeaway containers in a bag with the name of the diner, waving at them goodbye. Once the older couple has left, it only leaves Poppy and I as the only customers at this evening hour. I guess this isn't the place where couples would go on dates, having dinner together, which leaves me with the thought of this lovely place being only packed either during breakfast, brunch or lunch hour.

"How's the gnocchi, Pops?" I turn my head to right, finally looking at Poppy. I'm surprised to see her plate half-empty. I grab a fork which was surrounded by different types cutlery and finally dig into the deliciously looking meal myself. I moan at the taste, my eyes rolling back.

"It's yummy," she says with her mouth full, looking at me. The corners of her mouth are slightly green, making me smile. She digs further into the plate, attacking her extra spinach on the side.