Camouflage

Introductions

"Vyra! Get up already! Breakfast is ready!" I groaned, aggravated by the fact that I had to get up early on a holiday.

Knowing from past experiences, I knew that if I stayed in bed for a few more minutes longer, I would either be a.) dragged out of the room by the feet or b.) get cold water poured onto my face. I was not in the mood for either, so I reluctantly rolled off my warm, comfortable bed, and then let gravity do its job. Falling face first onto the carpeted floor with a gentle thump, I suddenly regretted staying up so late last night.

Now that I finally have some free time, there is no way I would it waste all on sleep. It has been way too long since I last read from my to-be-read pile of books. I had to do it.

I stood up and groggily made my way out of the room, down the stairs and headed towards the kitchen. I do not know how I managed to do all that with my eyes half closed and not break any body parts, but I did it.

The smell of the bacon made my nostrils flare as soon as I reached the bottom of the stairs. The first thing I saw upon entering the kitchen was my grandfather's famous homemade tall stack pancakes topped off with sizzling bacon strips and maple syrup sitting in the center of the long mahogany dining table of my grandparent's house. My stomach growled in approval. This is what I look forward to the most when we stay over. Grandpa cooks the best meals; surprisingly even better than grandma's cooking.

I was so captivated by how beautifully presented the pancakes were that I did not realize I have been standing in the doorway for an entire minute just drooling over the food. What I also did not notice was the extra four pairs of eyes watching me, the mask of amusement distinct on their faces.

Grandpa cleared his throat loudly which made me jump. Feeling the warmth rush to my face, I gave the vistors a pathetic wave, and muttered "G'mornin." They returned the greeting and I gave them an embarrassed smile as I shuffled to my seat. Nobody told me we were going to have people over! I bet I gave one heck of an impression. Way to go, Vy.

"This is my granddaughter Elvyra," grandpa said gesturing towards me. "Vyra, these are the Harwoods, old family friends from Chicago." I looked up and gave them a huge smile this time, realizing too late that I have not brushed my teeth and that I probably looked disgusting. So, instead of replying, I nodded and excused myself to the bathroom to quickly tame my mane and brush my teeth. That was not how I want to be introduced to new people, I sighed heavily.

I stayed in the bathroom for a few minutes, debating with myself whether I should go and hide inside my closet up in my room until they leave or go in there and pretend that I did not just humiliate myself by, literally, drooling over the food.

After a few more minutes, my stomach made the decision for me. Looks like I'm going back in there.

I sighed and walked back into the kitchen to find everyone engaged in a conversation whilst enjoying my grandfather's delicious cooking. I was surprised to see a large variety food on the table - how did I miss that earlier? Omelettes, bacon, pancakes, toast, waffles, sausages, beans, oatmeal and fruits! My grandfather has outdone himself! Who are these visitors anyway?

I finally had a chance to look at them. I mean, really look at them. Sitting across my parents were a lovely couple around their mid-forties. The man with the auburn hair, a deep set of dark brown eyes and a very charming smile spoke animatedly with my father and grandfather. Watching him talk the way he did showed how much of a laid-back man he is. His sons are so lucky, my dad rarely ever talks like that.

To his right was a beautiful woman with motherly features. She was wearing a sleeveless floral dress and a smile so sweet and loving that all I wanted to do was give her a hug. She has striking green eyes and caramel coloured locks which frames her heart-shaped face perfectly.