Generations: The Long Game

The Cook Off: Mia's Turn

The 26th of November 2026

The foursome returned to the kitchen fairly early because the meal would take some time to prepare and cook. Mia got straight to work while Reece and Viv chatted. Winter on the other hand was sat in the corner of the kitchen by himself reading a book.

Reece was aware that he had started his trauma therapy and was doing somewhat better these past few weeks, but it didn't stop him from trying to keep an eye on him.

Vivian caught his gaze. "How is he doing?" Reece filled her in on what he knew. Winter and Autumn had always been rather private, so he didn't really know much.

Vivian seemed to be deep in thought after that. "He'll be okay, Viv"

She shook her head, "it's not that, Reece." She paused for a moment trying to decide if she should just confide in her friend. Since coming into the friend group, he and Sorscha had become her people. She trusted them with everything, but this was big, and she really didn't know how to begin. The tension built in her head, and she ended up just blurting it out. "Bon and I are planning to have a baby!"

He looked shocked. He wasn't, but she had startled him with how loudly and quickly she had said it. "That is great, Viv! When? How? When? I mean..."

She chuckled. She couldn't help but love it when he got this flustered. Over the years it had become common for those closest to him to share stories of "flustered Reece." The moments when he was emotional, but didn't quite know what to say. It was endearing.

"Well in the next month or so, and obviously not in the usual way. Our plan is to use a donor, but so far, we haven't been able to agree on one."

He wondered what the issue was, but didn't want to pry. He knew she had her limits on how open she was likely to be, and he always tried to remain mindful of them. This time he didn't have to wait long.

"She finally told me last night that she is feeling awkward about an anonymous donor. They are all tested, and she knows that, but there is just something about it she can't get past."

His friend looked distraught, and he wished there was something he could do. He was out of his depth, and he knew it, but he also knew enough about them to know they'd work it out.

Meanwhile in the lounge Marjorie and Siobhan were huddled in a corner having the same conversation. "I know it is not sensible, but I just can't get past how violating it feels for me. I mean a faceless stranger."

Marjorie's face betrayed her as she thought about it, and commiserated with her friend. "What about someone you know? Winter? Reece? That nice bloke that works at your boutique?"

Siobhan rolled her eyes at her friend. "Ned is not an option, and we don't really know Winter that well. That would be an awkward ask. We will figure it out. It is just ..." she trailed off trying to think of the right words.

Marjorie got a look in her eye. "Reece. Reece would do it, and he is one of Viv's closest friends." Siobhan rolled her eyes at her friend again. "Marjorie, you don't know that he would do it. Remember he didn't like me much not that long ago."

Marjorie wasn't listening. She stood and quickly made her way to the kitchen. She entered and saw Reece and Viv deep in conversation. "Darling, can I borrow you for a minute?"

"Sure gorgeous. Is everything alright?" She nodded and grabbed his hand leading him away. "Marjorie, are you okay? Is something wrong?"

"No, there is nothing wrong love. They need a donor."

He nodded his head. "I know. She's just told me."

"I told Siobhan you would do it."

"Marjorie! You what! Why? I mean... what possessed you to tell her that!"

"I mean why wouldn't they want you? Look at Emery. You make adorable babies."

"No, Marjorie, we make adorable babies! We! I am not some prized bull you can lend out to your friends!"

"Reece, are you serious? Is that what you think this is? Other than Mia and Aut, Vivian is your closest friend. Why would I ever believe that you wouldn't do this for her?"

He thought about it, but he still wasn't sure. What had she gotten him into? "Okay, I will talk to them, and I will think about it. That is all I am promising."

She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a kiss. She knew he would do it.

Mia was feeling a bit overwhelmed. The traditional American meal was a bit daunting. It wasn't the main. That was just turkey. It was easy enough to prepare, but the sheer about of sides that were often offered. She muddled her way through them. The upside was that Reece had prepared a few things in advance and they would not be part of the vote for this meal.

Mia finally looked round the room. Viv and Reece were still talking, but Winter had fallen asleep in the corner with the book propped up on his chest. "It's ready!"

They served the food all together this time, and the meal only served to confuse more people. The ones that were convince Viv had made the brunch now wondered if she could have prepared this meal since she had spent loads of time in the states as a child.

The perfect roast of the turkey had some convinced it was Reece, and he jokingly took credit for it. Many of them were woefully unaware of how much cooking he and Mia had done together over the years. Most of their friends were of two minds. Either that he cooked all their meals, or that they ate at restaurants most of the time.

The truth of it was they cooked together most of their twenty years. Cooking together was a soothing time for them. They didn't have to think about it. They could just be two friends cooking a meal together like they did when they were kids.

After the meal everyone sat in the lounge together. Mia looked around for her wife. She hadn't seen her nearly all day. She looked across the room and once again found her huddled in the corner. This time with Carly and Eric. In another corner she found Reece huddled with Viv and Siobhan.

Mia didn't like not knowing what was happening, but she also had no idea what was about to go down over the next few days.