me & tomfoolery

A Part of Your World pt. 3 | Cade Cunningham Short Story

Sunday dinner at the Cunningham family home started the same way it always did:

Too much food.
Too much noise.

With everyone's recent move to be closer to Cade, the southern based family had taken the traditions north to keep the family together and alive. Also including, there was somebody in the kitchen pretending they were helping while mostly staying out of the way. Cannen stood near the counter stealing pieces of roasted chicken before the meal officially started.

Their mother, Carol Anne, affectionately known as Carrie noticed immediately without turning around.

"If you touch one more piece before grace, you can leave."

"I'm checking seasoning."
"You checked seasoning ten minutes ago."

Cade sat at the island with Riley beside him coloring quietly, her recital shoes sitting in the open box near her elbow because she had insisted on bringing them to show her grandmother again.

Raychell leaned against the sink, glass in hand, watching the usual family rhythm unfold.

"Did the school send final details yet?" she asked.

Cade nodded.

"Dress rehearsal Thursday. Recital Saturday afternoon."

Carrie smiled without looking away from the stove. "My baby better remember every step."

Riley lifted her head immediately. "I know all of them!" She assured.

Cannen looked over, "You said last week one move looked confusing." The uncle challenged.

"That was before I practiced."

Ray smiled, "Confidence restored."

Carrie finally set the spoon down and turned, "And Sunday is your game, right?" she asked.

"Chicago."

"Home?"
"Home."

He leaned back against the counter, now refilling his glass of water. Room temp, light ice. Odd combination but it worked for him.

"So that means no excuses if y'all lose."

Malik looked at his brother flatly, "You talk like you suit up."

"I emotionally support from premium seating."

"You emotionally complain from premium seating," Raychell corrected.

Riley held up one tiny shoe.

"Can Miss Mani come to my recital?" She asked breaking the sports talk.

The room paused, only briefly. It was Small, but noticeable.
Cade looked down at her first. Their mother looked up second.
Raychell hid her smile badly. Cannen recovered fastest.

"You asking or planning?"

Riley twisted her face in a formal thought, "She fixes hair good. She should see it."

Their mother immediately looked toward Raychell, "This is Emani from your school days?"

Ray nodded, "The same one."

"The braid magician?" their mother asked.

Cannen laughed immediately, "That title really stuck."

Riley looked serious, "It fits."

Cade said nothing right away.

Just rested his elbow on the counter while his pride and joy returned to coloring. Then their mother spoke again.