All or Nuffin. The sequel of If I have to.

Chapter 9

Swaying my hips back and forth dancing with the beat of the music. Allowing myself to be one with the rhythm. Calming myself listening to the melody.
I prep tonight's dinner.

Hearing the story that cornflake girl told Amadeus left me dumbfounded. Why would she lie about something I helped her fix.
Why blame me for something you did.
The oven goes off. Letting me know that it's been preheated.

I stop my little dance party. Focusing my attention on finishing the meals. Preparing my seasonings and spices. Following my mama's recipes exactly. Making sure each ingredient is added. Turning on the stove getting down to business.

It's not often that I cook recipes from my childhood. I find myself enjoying the process so much. It makes me question if I should do it more often. I'm almost finished with everything. As Chloe peeps her Little blonde head into the kitchen.

Giving her a knowing look. One that clearly says get out of the kitchen. Knowing good and well I told them no interruptions. I knew that someone would break my rule.

" I know you said that we're going to eat soon but I'm starving." She pleaded dramatically.

I can't help but chuckle at her. "Can I at least have a biscuit?" She said referring to the freshly baked biscuits on the table.

Raising my brow I considered it for a moment. "Nope, I'm almost finished," I said stirring my pot.

Hearing her sigh at my denial. "Can at least have a snack?" She tried again.

"I'm all the snack you need. Masia told Chloe as she joined us. "I thought it would be done by now." She said hungrily.

Looking at the clock reading eight thirty-seven. The oven goes off once more. Letting me know it's finished.

"Well look at that the dinner heard y'all frustrations. It's done just in time." I said grabbing plates from the cabinets.

Chloe's stomach grumbles loudly. As we all break out with laughter. "Ok well let's go set the table to eat," Masia said as they went to the dining room.

Making final touches to the food. Once I'm finished I take a step back. Proudly admiring the hard work I just did.

On the way to the dining room where everyone should be. I quickly changed into a maroon maxi dress. Comfy and slightly dressed up. More than the hoodie and shorts I had on. Untwisting my curls and fluffing my hair a little.  I'm amazed at how fast it's growing.

Looking at my reflection is always refreshing now. I don't look how I used to but, I didn't change much. Or maybe it's just that I've changed so fast. My eyes are still trying to keep up.
I don't feel how I used to; that's for sure. Somedays I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad one.

Entering the dining room everyone is seated.  Chloe sits across from Masia. Amadeus at the head of the table. Cornflake girl is sitting to his left.

Before I take my seat Ant comes in with the food. I thank her for her time. Telling her that she can take the rest of the night off. I got it from here.

She replies with a hug and a thank you. Also telling me that she packed some food to go home. Walking her to the door I give her an envelope. She nodded in agreement.

I get started serving dinner. To each person at the table. I placed down a tray in front of them. Putting down the last which is mine. I sit down finally joining everyone.

"Hi y'all!" I said gleaming.
Looking at Amadeus I place my hands out. Bowing my head and closing my eyes.

Taking it without hesitation. We all join Hands as he leads us in prayer. My eyes aren't open but I know what I feel. Someone's eyes are burning into me. Amadeus finished and sat down.

I watched everyone excitedly remove the lids from their tray.  I hear a symphony of moans from watering mouths.

"Oh my god, Morgan!" Masia squealed with excitement.
"I haven't had fish and grits since, since oh wow. I can't even remember. The nostalgia is there though. Thank you." She said sincerely.

Chloe dives into her food immediately.
"I love it! What even it is!" She said devouring her crawfish étouffée.

Knowing that everyone here is a picky eater. I made them all something different. Masia is allergic to crawfish; hence her fish and grits.

Chloe eats just about anything. Especially if it's something new for her. Amadeus is a vegetarian. So I knew he would obviously not want meat.

So I made him a meatless jambalaya. His face lights up. "You didn't have to do this." He said.

"What you thought I was gonna feed you? A salad." We laugh and began eating our meals.

Removing my lid I laughed a little more. One because cornflake girl has yet to reveal her meal. Also because I'm eating a fruit salad. I have to keep it light knowing that my morning sickness will strike.

"Does it help?" Masia asked me referring to my meal.

"Sometimes it does," I said chewing a strawberry.

Folded arms sitting slumped in her chair. Cornflake girl is clearly not amused. Yet everyone is so into their food they don't notice her annoyance.

"Amadeus I wanna thank you again. You are a humble person with a modest soul. Thanks for letting us crash here." I said.

"Y'all aren't crashing anywhere. Y'all are meant to be here. Your sister worked hard. Masia has always shown me and this world. Love and loyalty are all you truly have. So any gratitude y'all give I give right back. Thanks for not feeding me a salad." He said jokingly.

"Thank y'all. Everyone here at this table teaches me something in some way. I appreciate y'all." I said genuinely.

Cornflake girl sucks her teeth loudly. Finally getting everyone's attention. She takes the lid off of her plate. Only to have cornflakes pour out. A small mess of cornflakes covers the table and her.

"I appreciate your name, cornflake girl. I heard a song all about it." Plucking a cornflake that landed near my plate; towards her.

"I finally get it," I said staring straight into her eyes.