Overlap

Chapter 48-D: Olive Garden Wonders

<05/13/2011 - 20:00 | Olive Garden, Marietta, GA, USA>

One special benefit that I have with telepathy at this age, is that I can drag Lumina along with me wherever I want without anybody knowing in advance. It's the reason I was twice as excited as usual to come to Olive Garden's restaurant in my area. Of course, I'm only here because my parents are the ones who agreed to take the four of us, I mean, five of us out to eat.

I've been to Olive Garden before, so I know already that their pastas are to die for, but Lumina has never really been inside of a fancy restaurant, until now.

"Wow! It looks like they even have their own butlers and everything!"

"They're not butlers. They're just servers and waiters who act like butlers." With that in mind, I sat down at the table with the other parts of my family, Ivan, my mom, and Peterson. Peterson's not really part of my family, not figuratively at least; he isn't deserving of the title. But, as long as he behaves, I have nothing to worry about. Since we're out in public, I know he won't become belligerent here. Mother would never tolerate it.

As soon as I was settled, the butler, er, I mean, the server prepared his order sheet and prepared to gauge our interests. "So, what will you have to order?"

I knew he was talking to me, but my eyes were glued to the open menu in my hands with a new light. "No way! They have a special shrimp Alfredo pasta!" I was about to drool on my own menu just looking at it. I've only ever had this dish once never to see it again. But here it is!

"You must really love pasta and cheese."

It's a recurring theme of food for me. What will I have for lunch? Mac and Cheese. Dinner? Mac and Cheese. Second dinner? Also Mac and Cheese. Afternoon snack? Something with cheese at least. "You should try it." "Shrimp Alfredo Pasta please." I was fully decided on this now.

"Oh! That reminds me!"

"What? What is it?"

Before I could find out what got her excited, the server asked me more questions. "And what would you like for your side?"

"Let me pick the side, okay?" Lumina was practically begging me to let her have a go at the menu, which forced me to take my time a bit.

"Uh, sure." I held up the menu again, letting everyone know I was going to need more time to decide. I forced myself to read through all the side options, since Lumina can't actually read them on her own if my eyes are not right there focused on the words.

"Let's see... I got it! Seasoned asparagus with fresh salad blend!"

I'm normally one to avoid vegetables, so this should be interesting. "I hope it's good." "Let's do the asparagus."

"Good choice sir. And, your drink?"

On instinct, Lumina and I both synchronized our answered together. "Water."

I waited on everybody else to order after ours was in, waiting patiently just to even think. It's kind of jarring to pay direct attention to Lumina when so many people are around, people I can't afford to mess up in front of. At school, I could care less. But these days, I'm wanting more and more to keep Lumina a secret from those in my family tree. The reasons are obvious.

Once the waiter finally left to put in the order, it allowed me to take in the fresh sights of the place. I never noticed how roomy the area was until now. The decorations and coloring of the floor, ceiling, and walls were setting a perfect atmosphere, a real air harmony. I wouldn't be surprised if one of these waiters stood at tables and started playing violins.