Destined to Love Me

"Tanya.  Tanya!"  Mama Mousekewitz called from the stove.

"Yes, Mama?"  Tanya's head snapped around from the window she was staring out of.

"You are supposed to be setting the table, not staring out of windows!"

"Sorry, Mama."  Tanya's cheeks flushed as she pulled herself away from the window and set the dishes on the table. 

"I don't know where your mind is lately, Tanya."  Papa Mousekewitz spoke up as he washed his paws at the wash basin.

Tanya's cheeks turned a deeper shade of red.

"Is something wrong, Milaya?"  Papa asked.

Although they had lived in America for many years, Papa and Mama Mousekewitz continued to occasionally use words from their native Russian language.  Tanya loved to hear him call her his milaya – his sweet.

"Nothing, Papa."  Tanya kissed him on the cheek and held out his chair for him.

Just as Papa sat down, Fievel burst through the door, with Toni Toponi close behind.  The boys had obviously been running.

"Gracious! Is there a cat chasin' ya?"  Mama asked, her eyes opened wide.

"Hi, Mama.  Hi, Papa."  Fievel greeted them as he tossed his hat neatly onto a peg.  "No, Mama.  Toni and I didn't want to be late for supper."

"Hello, Toni."  Mama greeted the young mouse.

"Hi, Mrs. M!  Hi, Mr. M!"  He greeted them in his usual jovial manner.

"Tanya, please set another place."  Mama instructed her.

"Yes, Mama."  Tanya hurried to the cupboard, glad for a moment to calm her beating heart.

"Thanks, Tanya."  Toni pinched her cheek in a friendly manner as she set his place and he took his seat.

"You're welcome,Toni."  Her paw involuntarily touched her cheek as she turned away.

Little Yasha laid down her doll and hurried to Mama's side.  If she were very careful, she could carry the bread to the table.  She set it on the table without dropping a crumb, and sat proudly in her chair.

"Great job,Yasha!"  Papa praised her.

"Mmm!  Matzo ballsoup!  You make the best ever, Mrs. M!"  Toni's eyes lit up as she handed him a steaming bowl.

"Why, thank you,Toni."  Mama chuckled.

"How is the new job going, Toni?"  Papa Mousekewitz inquired.

"Oh, it's great!"  Toni raved.  "Best job I've had yet!"

Since Toni had left the newspaper several months ago, he had worked odd jobs until he found his current position as a foreman on a construction crew.

"I'm sure.  Not much labor being the foreman."  Papa commented, then blew on his soup to cool it down before taking a bite.

Before Toni could reply, Tanya spoke up.

"Toni's job is very important, Papa!  It's a big responsibility to be in charge of all those mice!  And he has to make sure orders are placed and deliveries are put in the right spot.  And he has deadlines to meet,and -"

"Alright,alright, Tanya.  I get the point."  Papa waved a paw to stop her.

"She's right, Mr. M.  It's a big responsibility."  Toni assured him as he took another piece of cheese.

Tanya flushed and dropped her eyes to her bowl.  Fievel began telling them about his day, working at the factory.