Rhenna

FOURTEEN

                 I ackwardly watched as Sherra moved back and forth from the stove to the island counter.

I waited until she noticed me, before I said anything.

"You said you needed help?"

"Yes", she smiled kindly, "I need some vegetables chopped, hon".

I wouldve cringed at the nickname, but instead I just nodded.

She pulled out a chopping board for me, and some veggies. "They dont have to be perfectly cut".

"Okey".

I got too slicing some green peppers, and despite what Sherra told me, I made sure they were sliced equally.

"Have you met Zues yet?"

"Ugh huh".

I scooped the peppers into a bowl and moved on to the onions.

"He's almost thirteen".

How long do dogs live for again?

I knew almost nothing about dogs or cats, or any pet really.
I wasnt ever allowed to have one when I was living with Mom, or Jae.

For the same reason; animals shed. Their dirty. You have to clean up after them.

When I was younger I used to beg my mom for a dog; preferably a German shepherd.

It always ended with a no or a slap over the head.

I stole a glance at Sherra who was draining a pot of beans.

I wondered if she'd be the kind of mom who'd hit their child for asking a question,or scream at them for making noise, or....

No. I couldnt see that. Sherra was kind. Although, she was a bit snoopy, I couldnt help but like her. Just a little.

Sherra turned around. When her eyes landed on my face a soft gasp escaped, "What's wrong Elin?"

I frowned. Nothings wrong.

"Your crying".

Am I?

My eyesight was a little blurry.

"It's the onions". I explained, waving the knife towards the vegetable.

"Oh". She gave an ackward laugh, "I swear those things give me a scare. Everytime Dan cuts them I think he's bawling his eyes out".

I chuckled softly.

Sherra's eyes lit up at the sound, "No more dwindling. We've got two hungry men waiting".

Even though her tone was more serous, I could already see the smile creeping at the corners of her mouth.

She clapped her hands at me. "Chop chop".

And I did just that.

-------------

The Pros recited a little Grace before digging into the food. It was seasoned pork, with vegetables (the ones I sliced) and some mashed potatoes.

"Mmmhhhh". Dan hummed, grinning ear to ear. "This looks amazing Dear".

Sherra's cheeks burned a deep red before she quickly looked away. "Just eat it. Elin and I worked hard on this meal".

"Nice work Elin".

I shot Conn a dirty glare.

He was a bailer. Bailers didnt deserve any respect.

As we ate small conversations started here and there. They were about stuff I didnt understand. Like stocks and business numbers.

Whatever that means.