One with the birds

Chapter 7

"Hello dear. I'm Nisha's mum - Meena," she greets me warmly. The second I meet Mrs. Howieson, I know I'm going to love her. She carries a warm, buzzing atmosphere of comfort and kindness, and I revel in the feeling. She is quite young for a mum, maybe in her late thirties. Her eyes twinkle when she smiles, nothing like the dead, sad eyes I'm used to back at home.

"Hi Mrs Howieson. I'm Nisha's friend," I say shyly, sticking out my hand to her. She grabs my hand and pulls me close into a hug. For such a short lady, she really is incredibly strong. At first it's awkward and I'm stiff not knowing what to do, but soon I relax into her arms and just try to enjoy the moment. I've never hugged anyone apart from my mum, and even now, that's a rare occasion. I'm greatly disappointed when she pulls away.

The table is set elegantly. It is a large, long table that can probably sit up to 14 people. The plates are delicate and very pretty and I'm scared to touch it incase I break it. There are 4 cups to my right and next to that a small spoon and fork. On the right side of the plate, is a tiny fork, a knife and a spoon and on the left side is 2 different sized forks. Looking at it confuses me to no end and worry fills my head as we sit. Which one do I use and when?

Nisha sits next to me, picking up the napkin and placing it over her lap, seemingly used to all this grander. I decide to copy her. Mrs Howieson sees me doing this and nods her head approvingly.

"We don't normally eat in here, or with all these stuff," she says gesturing to the table.

"My mum just wanted it to be really for you. She has been planning for days and has been so excited to meet you since the second I asked if you could come over," Nisha whispers, continuing her explanation. I blush at the fact Mrs Howieson had made such an effort for me. I look around realising that Mr. Howieson was still not present and that it was only me, Nisha, Joel and Mrs Howieson at the table. But i'm not brave enough to ask.

Mrs Howieson notices though and fills me in quickly, "he's working late so it's just us today,". I nod my head not sure on how to answer to that.

One by one their maids come out with the food. The table is soon covered with mountains of food. Extravagant cakes and deserts decorate the left side, the starters and soup on the right side and the main in the middle. Everyone instantly begins being served their starters apart from me. My server by my side waits patiently. I wait till everyone has taken their own to eat. It's habit I can't help it. At home, I always ate the leftovers from dad. Sometimes he didn't even leave leftovers and I would go hungry for the night. And also, I was at their house so I certainly should let them take first and I would have what was left.

"Are you not going to eat sweetie? Do you not like it? I could ask one of the cooks to spruce you up something you would like," Mrs Howieson replies.

I shake my head looking at my lap, unable to meet her eye.

"Oh no Mrs Howe- I mean Meena. This is all lovely. I'm just waiting for Joel to finish being served," I say glancing at Joel who was nearly finished choosing his starter.

Mrs. Howieson looks at me sadly, almost knowingly, and fear fills my heart. But she doesn't comment further which I am grateful for. I really didn't want to have this conversation in front of Nisha and Joel. Finally, Joel has been served and it's my turn to choose. As I stare at all the starters and begin feeling overwhelmed. I've never had the choice before now they're too many options.

"I-i-i," I stutter out nervously. My server starts becoming annoyed, I can tell, but tries to keep a straight blank face.

"I recommend the chicken and sweetcorn soup with the duck spring rolls," Meena says, giving me a reassuring smile. It is the simplest out of the starters which I'm thankful for.

I nod my head at the server and ask for what Meena had just said. And she was right- it is delicious. The wonderful taste in my mouth lingers as I get ready for my main. By the time desert rolls around, I wonder how i'm going to be able to cram anymore food into my already full belly. This is the most i've eaten in forever. Today's meal quantity was my month worth of food. Once again, I wait for everyone else to pick their deserts before choosing them. They all look splendid. Beautiful decorated cakes, crumbles, jellies, tarts, muffins, donuts, pastries, the list is endless. It's sweetie galore. I don't know how I'm going to choose. I had managed to pick a main after a couple minutes of apprehension, but this seemed like an impossible task. I finally make my decision.

"Do you think...am I allowed...erm to have a little bit of everything?" I ask timidly, hoping that I don't sound greedy.

Mrs Howieson beams at me. Tears fill her eyes but she doesn't let them fall.

"Yes dear, go on please," she replies, gesturing to the server.

And at that very moment I hadn't felt so content in my life.

*****
Yayayayayayay! I posted, on time as well. Proud of myself :)

The next update is next week Wednesday again!

Hope you liked this chapter! Do you like Meena? What do you think her back story is?
Who should play her? Who should play Joel?

Thanks!

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