Later that evening, Lamaria finally got finished cooking dinner. That's when Chris finally came back after him telling her that he'd be back.
Chris walked into the dining area.
"Hey, just in time", said Lamaria. "I know that it's been a while since you've had a home cooked meal. It used to be one of the things Ryan looked forward to when he got home."
Chris looked at all the food she cooked.
She had baked chicken, steak, rice, broccoli, squash, sweet potatoes, and a bowl of gravy.
"I didn't know what you liked", said Lamaria. "So I gave you some options"
"You could've just cooked whatever and I'd eat it", said Chris as he sat at the table.
"I love broccoli. Yummy", said Kaloni as she rubbed her tummy.
Chris chuckled.
"You're a different bread", said Chris.
Lamaria smiled.
"Chicken or steak?", asked Lamaria.
"Steak and all of the sides", said Chris.
Lamaria fixed his plate and sat it in front of him.
Lamaria sat down as Chris began eating.
"You aren't eating?", asked Chris.
"I don't have much of an appetite right now. I'm good. I'll just eat when I'm hungry", said Lamaria.
"Mommy never eats with me", said Kaloni.
Lamaria looked down. She felt embarrassed.
Chris looked at Lamaria.
"Oh..okay", said Chris before he started eating and stopped looking at Lamaria.
Lamaria stood up from the seat and walked to the sink and began washing dishes.
After Chris and Kaloni was done eating, Kaloni went into the living to watch TV
Chris walked up to Lamaria.
"So I guess you make food for everybody but yourself", said Chris.
"I eat. K.K. doesn't know what she's talking about", said Lamaria.
"Come on now, I told Ryan I'd make sure y'all straight. I can't have you falling out", said Chris.
"I eat a little something throughout the day Okay. Do I eat like I normally do? Nah. But I make sure I eat", said Lamaria.
"...I'm guessing you didn't tell Kaloni about Ryan either", said Chris.
"You try telling a 4 year old girl, a daddy's girl, that her dad is dead.", said Lamaria.
Chris didn't say anything.
Lamaria sighs.
"I'll tell her", said Chris.
Lamaria looked at him.
"It's not your job. I'll tell her", said Lamaria.
"I'll tell her. It's okay. I know a way I can tell her and make it less depressing", said Chris. "I'll do it tomorrow. Everything will be fine."
"...I just didn't want her to be sad ya know...she was keeping me happy with her happy spirited self and well..yea..I know she has to know", said Lamaria.
Chris sat on the counter.
"Anything you need me to do around the house?", asked Chris.
"No", Lamaria replied. "You're doing enough right now...besides you're my guest"
YOU ARE READING
The Promise
General FictionBefore Ryan was killed in the war, Chris promised him that he'd look out for Ryan's wife and daughter. Chris is determined to honor that promise but the unthinkable happens and now him and Lamaria are stuck trying to figure things out.
