My dad is a Musician

Chapter 4

And I am grounded for the next two days. Considering dad's and the Scroll's conversation yesterday, I did think it would happen, so I wasn't much surprised. This is my first time being grounded and it sucks. I hateeee it! And on top of that…

"Leon. You are using a knife. Stop sulking and concentrate on cutting the vegetables."

Bla bla bla. How annoying. He asked me to cook lunch. He said he will stay with me and guide me at steps if it's necessary. I have been cooking for years at my past home. I don't need his advice.

"Don't mock me by making a face like that, young man."

I put the knife down. I am not gonna do this. What will you do?

Dad was silent for a while.

"So you won't cook?"

'No.'

"Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Broccoli and some lentil soup sounds good for lunch."

That food is bland food. I hate it! I can't do this. He is so mean at times. The food he makes sometimes can be enough for nutrients as it was recommended to me by the hospital when I was just discharged and it's supposed to be light and easy to digest but it's tasteless and the worst fact is dad still has those recipes. He does make a desert but the quantity is limited so just the desert can't make me full. It's better that I cook.

'Sorry to act out. I will cook.'

"Much better. Concentrate on what you are doing. You might think I am harsh, you might think I am awful and that I am your enemy but eventually, this is going to benefit you more than staying in your room for hours and getting bored eventually with just reflection of your actions and nothing more to it."

He then put his hand on my head and said, "This will at least allow you to make your skills better. Don't you think so?"

I nod.

He continued, "And you said you knew cooking and preferred it more than cleaning the house right? This should be simpler for you. I will stay here and check on what you are doing so that you don't hurt yourself."

I nod again. I can't really fight him.

"And I also know this is a part of your harsh past but, running away from it is not going to help always, you need to be able to cook for yourself and that's a basic skill which you will put to use one day."

I met his gaze, his words sinking in. He offered a warm smile and added, "So let's replace that pout with a smile, keep your mouth relaxed, and your eyes bright. No more furrowed eyebrows or inward scowls, alright?"

Why is the description so funny though? Do I really look like that at the moment? I chuckled a bit at the description.

"Let's cook with this happy face. Also, think of you cooking lunch and dinner today and tomorrow as a form of guidance, rather than punishment, ok?"

I nod. Still, this sucks. I was going to meet Pamela today but now am not allowed to get out of the house for today at any cost and for tomorrow, I will have to cook lunch for the both of us. Plus, no electronics like my video games for these two days too. I can't even read books. I have to help dad rather. Why does it feel like I have been too relaxed here?

Though dad didn't yell at me at all last night. He rather sat me down today and explained some things but I was not paying attention to it. I have no clue what he said and eventually, after the sermon, dad said I will help him for the next two days with housework.

He asked me to choose either cooking, cleaning or washing the clothes and dishes. I chose cooking because I hate to clean and that's how I was stuck here.

But, I am done. Finally! I can relax.

'I am done.'

"So soon? What did you make"

'One pot lemon shrimp pasta.'

"This smells good. How did you cook it?"

'In a large pot, boil water and add pasta and cook, stirring frequently until al dente. Drain and set pasta aside. In a pan, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add garlic and crushed red pepper, cook until fragrant. Toss in shrimp, salt and pepper to taste, and stir until shrimp start to turn pink, but are not fully cooked. Add oregano and spinach, cook until wilted. Return cooked pasta to the pot, add remaining butter, parmesan, and parsley. Stir until well mixed and the butter is melted. When the shrimp are cooked, add lemon juice, mix once more, then add to pasta and serve while hot.'

Oof! Signing all that was hard.

"Wow. You went all out on that one. And good job. But isn't the quantity a lot for two people?"

'We eat this for dinner too.'

"Excuse me? Don't you think that repeating dishes is not a good idea?"

'No. If you want something else, cook for yourself.'

"Did you just pull out my dialogue on me?"

'Did I? I don't think so.'

"Aye kiddo. You are bolder everyday."

'Do you not live for that?'

He put his hands on my cheeks and shook my face gently and then said, "I definitely do."

'Now I will cook for tomorrow.'

"That is definitely going to go bad Leon. No. Don't try to get away from your punishment like this."

'I am not. It's a slow cook recipe. It takes 10 hours to cook.'

"Then make it in the afternoon. Not now. You will exhaust yourself"

'What will I do till then?'

"Clean or enjoy sulking in the room without electronics or books."

'You asked me to cook for the both of us for two meals and I am doing that and almost done for the two days you asked. Let me off the hook please.'

"You promise to be on time today and not late like the day before and tell me who you are with and where you will be going and not like yesterday?"

'Yes, sir.'

"Hmm. You can go out tomorrow."

'Not today?'

"No."

'Can I cook the slow pot recipe?'

"I just told you to do it in the afternoon, didn't I? You also just cooked a meal. You need rest. Go sleep for sometime."

'No.'

"Come. Sleep for sometime. It will help you reset." He extended his left hand for me to hold. I can't refuse now.

And that's how I was tucked in bed to sleep. Dad gently put his hand on my head. "You are really fussy right now and I can understand why. Just try to relax your body and your mind. Try to concentrate on your breathing for a while. If your mind wanders, just gently bring it back to concentrating on your breathing."

I nod.

"You can sleep for as long as you want. Once you wake up, come to my room and we will talk about what you felt back then."

I nod. I already feel sleepy. Is it because of the sleep inducer device? It feels relaxing.

I can barely concentrate on my breathing. I feel sleepy. I was really tired after working huh? I will wake up in 20 minutes. Nah… who cares? I will just sleep as much as I want. I don't have anyone to disturb me afterall.