The Withering Flower

Chapter 7: Introduction

“May we say grace?” Liam's mother, Aunt Curry asked. every person bowed their heads.

“Melody dear, since you're new here, will you kindly say grace?”  Aunt Curry asked.

Melody had never said grace, well only when she was little, that was when her parents were still alive. but since they died and she was ill she didn't know what to say grace for.whether it was to thank God for her life, or thank him for taking her life pretty soon. John, he didn't mind saying grace; he was always thankful each and everyday for his sister's life. He would go to bed praying that his little sister would still be alive the next day, and the next, and the next. and for the past eighteen years those prayers have been answered.

Melody was hesitant.

“Melody?” Aunt Curry called. “Foods getting cold honey.”

Melody began, “umm, God. we want to thank you for our lives, for the lives of this wonderful family (clears throat) , for the lives given, and to be taken…” Liam looked at her and so did the others. 

“Lord, we wanna thank you for this wonderful meal set before us, for the hands that prepared it. amen.” she finished.

“amen!” the family chorused. Aunt Curry glanced at her and smiled a reassuring smile. 

“Are you okay?” Liam asked.

“mmhmm…” she hummed.

The dining  room grew quiet as everybody ate. The only noise that could be heard was from the cutlery and crockery. 

“This is exquisite mother.” Liam complimented. 

“Very good.”

“Thank you, my son. I had a little help from the twins.” Aunt Curry smiled and the twins giggled.

“Did my boys help?”  Cole, Liam's brother in law asked.

“Yes Cole, and they did exceptionally well. we’ve got little chefs in this house i tell you.. true cooks.'' Aunt Curry replied. a frown developed on coles face, it was almost invisible. 

“boys?” Cole called.

“yes papa?” they answered in unison with a light tremble in their voices. 

“Did you complete your school assignments before you played around in the kitchen?” Cole said with a serious tone. 

“we weren't playing around papa.” Jerome politely said.

“Did you or did you not complete your school assignments?” Cole asked angrily.

“Cole calm down, I'm sure they would do it after dinner honey.” Abigail said, rubbing his arm gently. 

“we didn't papa.” the boys lowered their heads.

“fuck!! this one little thing you boys had to do you couldnt even do it. and when are you submitting it - tomorrow!!”

“cole!” Abigail shouted. by now everyone just stared at him confused and in shock. 

“watch your tongue cole. don't get angry either! The twins just wanted to help and they did very well too. I mean you are eating food they prepared. they didn't play. They took it seriously. and as far as their assignments go, they'll do it after dinner. (looks at the boys and they nod) won't you boys? I'll make sure they complete it. so please, you should not yell and use that kind of language on my boys!”

“they're also my boys! And I'll use whatever kind of language I want to use on them.”

“how dare you say that!”