The Unforgettable Rejection (Book One)

Chapter Twenty Six

"What are you going to make?"

"You'll see when I'm done."

            We finish our shopping and head back to the house. After returning, we unload the truck and make our way through the interior to the kitchen. Upon unpacking the groceries, Jarred walks up and begins to unpack them with us.

"You didn't have to help."

"It's not a problem."

"Thanks."

"I'm helping too."

"Thank you." I say, thanking him in a tone that's not quite as appreciative as when I said thanks to Jarred.

"Whatcha going to make?"

"As I told Jake, you'll have to wait and see when I'm done."

"It better be good."

"Hey!" I nudge Jarred, then continue, "It will be."

            We continue to unpack, and as soon as the bags are empty I start to prepare dinner. First I start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees, then I spray the baking dish with non-stick spray. Second, I sear the meat and onions together in a pan. Once the meat is thoroughly cooked I drain the leftover fat and return it to the Skillet.

            Thirdly, I add the seasoning Packet, green chiles, black beans, frozen corn and the enchilada sauce to the meat and onion, stirring until combined. Next, I simmer it for an additional 8 to 10 minutes over medium heat.

            Fourthly, I add two cups of shredded cheese to the meat mixture, stirring until well combined. Next, I pour that into the baking dish and spread it evenly over the top, baking it for 35 to 40 minutes. Finally I remove the casserole dish from the oven, then I spread the remaining cup of cheese over the top, baking that for a further five minutes, or until the cheese melts.

"Dinner is ready!"

            As I'm saying this, dad enters the kitchen along with everyone, storms into the dining room and settles down at the table.

"Just in time dad. Have a seat."

"Yeah, it smells great." dad says, sitting down.

"I agree."

"Here, try it." Shaking my head, I sliced him a piece and set it on a platter. After placing it on the plate, he takes a forkful and puts it in his mouth. I eagerly await his response regarding the flavor, as I know his pack will enjoy it if he does.

"Soooo..." I pause.

"It's delicious." He says, then after the rest of them consumed it.

"Nicole, when did Marry have time to teach you how to cook?"

"She would teach me anytime you were traveling for meetings and other things. So did she teach me well?"

"Yes she did. It's savory, sweetie."

"Did everyone enjoy the meal?" I asked.

"Yeah."

"Thanks everyone." I say, smiling slightly.

"Will you cook for us all the time?"

"Not all the time, but occasionally. I could even get some of you guys to help me prepare food for everyone. Is that something you'd be willing to learn?"

"Yes, I'd like that very much."

"Alright then."

"Nicole?"

"Yes, Jake. What is it?"

"Have you thought about what we discussed?"

"Yes I have."

"And?"

"And, I'm going to live here."

"But you said-" I cut him off.

"I said I'd think about it and I decided on staying here. They need someone here teaching them because obviously no one from the territory will do it."

"Then I'm staying here too."

"No you're not."

"You don't have a say."

"Neither do you."

"Nicole."

"Yeah."

"You do not have a say either."

"Dad"

"Don't you 'dad' me. None of you have a say in anything. I'll decide what to do."

"Don't say it."

"Since I can't change your mind about you staying here. Jake will stay here with you, I don't trust him as far as I can throw him, no offense."

"Some offense, but I completely understand."

            I turn to face Jarred with a shocked expression on my face. When he's around my dad, it's like he's a completely different person.

"What?"

"Nothing." I say, looking away quickly.

"That face didn't look like nothing."

"Well it was definitely nothing."

"Alright, if you say so."

"I do."

            As the remaining people finish up eating their food. Dad, Jake, Jarred, and I collect all the dishes. Bringing them over to the sink so that they could be cleaned.

"Sweetie, I'm heading back to the house. See you tomorrow."

"Bye dad, see ya tomorrow." I wave to him, turning back around to start washing the dishes, along with the two guys.