A Faultless Tragedy

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 

Saturday was on the brink of the end and Sunday was fast approaching. Midnight came and went. With mum and Carl fast asleep in their room and Nate settling in, I figured it was time to retire for the night.

I don't know why I awoke to the rooster's call at 6 in the morning - apparently my brain decided that I was now accepted into the elite circle of the farm folk. The morning was definitely not my best time. If I could evolve into some superhuman species, I would become a nocturnal creature since the night was when my true colours really came out to play. Or maybe I'd be a koala; they just sleep all day and munch on leaves which only make them more lethargic than they were before. A never ending cycle of eating and sleeping. My life could definitely adapt to that. I broke away from my reverie at that moment, at the clutter of pans and the smell of bacon cooking downstairs. I thought I should go down and tell Mum to make sure not to overcook my eggs like she did last time. I like my eggs to run all over the plate once I cut into them. Have you ever dipped bacon into warm egg yolk? The man who first decided to pair eggs with bacon was silently commended in my head.

I trotted down the staircase with a skip in my step. Why I felt so cheery was beyond me, but I thought, better to embrace it than ask questions. I heard the toaster indicating the bread was ready and the sound of orange juice being poured into glasses tickled my eardrums. The thought of Sunday breakfast was known to keep me up at night on occasion. Something about it always managed to put a smile on my face, even at the worst of times.

I halted at the kitchen doorway, expecting to see Mum or Carl by the stove. Instead, I was graced with the sight of a tank top and board shorts. The table was set, the cutlery placed perfectly and the napkins folded neatly. A jug of juice sat in the centre, with four glasses half-filled next to each plate. Nate had prepared breakfast for the entire family.

"Nate, what's with the grand gesture? You don't have to cook us breakfast!"

He hadn't realised I was standing at the doorway until I spoke. He turned, brandishing tongs and acknowledged my presence.

"I wasn't counting on you to be awake this early. I was hoping to surprise you all with a hot breakfast. I just wanted to thank you and your mother for being so accepting of me."

"You do realise that your father is married to my mother, don't you?" I giggled, appreciating his gesture "And believe me, I'm surprised."

"Well the bacon's cooked. I hope you like your bacon crispy. That's how Dad and I used to eat it back then." He said.

"It's perfect. I love the crunch of crispy bacon in the morning." I smiled.

"Good. How do you like your eggs?"

I gave Nate mine and Mum's orders to our specifications and then helped him butter the toast and make sure the dining table was spick and span. By the time everything was set and ready, Mum and Carl had arisen and were shocked and immensely pleased by the effort Nate had put in. We sat and ate as a family. We laughed and shared stories and remained at the table long after everyone's plate was clean. I loved Sunday breakfast.

"Oh my gosh I can't believe I haven't asked this yet, but is Nate going to attend South City High?"  

The question was directed at no one in particular, but whoever would answer.

"We called the school and enrolled Nathan. Today, we were going to go pick up his uniform and buy the necessary books. He will start on Thursday." Carl answered while giving Nate an affectionate pat on the back.

"Great, I'd be happy to show you around if you wanted. Or are you afraid that I'll cramp your style?"

"No, you're cool. I'm not ashamed to be seen with you." We joked.