~Cariño: A Quackbur Story~

~Two Spoons of Sugar~

This chapter contains discussion of race. Some slightly racist comment are made.

. . .

This is embarrassing. Terribly embarrassing.

My mum decided it would be a grand idea for me to take her to my place of work. Quackity's café.
I had never taken her to any place I've worked at. Ever.
So this scenario was quite out of the blue...

"I just want to taste your coffee, honey. That's all."

We were walking down the street, nearing the adorable coffee shop.

"Are you sure that's all you want to do mum?"

She paused. "I do also want to meet this 'Alex Quackity' fellow, he sounds like an interesting person."

I sighed. Well, there's nothing I can do about it. She'll just have to meet Quackity.

I smiled at my mom as I pushed open the front door of the coffee shop.
"Well mum, this is it."

Smooth jazz music played in the background as the scent of warm sugary sweets whiffed out from the kitchen. My shoulders immediately relaxed. This place gave me comfort.

I glanced at my mother. She was clearly examining the place, but from what I could see from her face, she approved.

"Cariño? Is that you? You'd be the only person coming in so early in the morning-"
Quackity peaked his head from out of the kitchen, his voice automatically faltering at the sight of my mum.

He walked out of the kitchen, standing behind the counter, leaning on it slightly. He looked at me in confusion.

I smiled shyly at him, mouthing 'sorry.' Then I glanced at my mother.
"Quackity, this is my mum. Mum, this is Quackity..."

"Oh."

Oh? I raised my eyebrows, looking at Quackity who had turned completely red.

"What do you mean by 'oh' mum?"

Then she flashed me a smile. It was tight and most definitely fake.
"Don't worry about it, Wilbur." She turned to Quackity. "Quackity, is it? That's an odd name. Is it Mexican?"

I gave my mum a look.

Quackity seemed to turn a darker red. "Oh no, my name is Alex.  Quackity's just a nickname..."

My mother nodded. "Ah, I see. But what is that thing you called my son? Cariño?"

Quackity and I gave each other a look.
"Oh, it's just an inside joke mum."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah..."

She walked up to the cashier's counter, looking directly in Quackity's face.

"What do you recommend Alex?" She talked slow as if she was explaining something to a child or as if he was stupid.