Burnt Paiges

CHAPTER THREE: MAC AND CHEESE

In the far reaches of her mother's library, among the grand, noble columns of hardcovers, Paige giggled loudly, making no efforts to suppress her outpour of happiness. She steadied herself, took a sip of her Chamomile tea and spoke, "Oh mother that chapter was simply captivating, read the next...."

"However, I don't like it when he belittles his brother...," her voice climbed.

"Yes, I agree...," and it climbed again.

"They always leave it on such a cliff hanger...," she peaked vehemently.

"Yeah...," her tone fell.

"I guess...," she concluded.

"Come on, come, the next one," then it picked up again revealing her anticipation.

Quinn turned the corner carefully, intimidated by the menacing stack of poetry. "Here," offered Quinn. He handed her the well perfected bowl of mac and cheese. "Not in here Quinnie, we don't want to soil the books," she stated anxiously. "There's books everywhere, it doesn't make a difference," his tone hinted annoyance.

"Where's mother's serving?"

He looked at the unfilled space beside her, then back at Paige, then to the space again, like someone was playing ping pong with his eyeballs. And as the light bulb ignited within his cranium, his lips curled maliciously, "She's no-"

Pause...

A/n- From this point forward I will be switching perspectives midway just to paint the full picture and for you to get to know the main character better. Obviously, you're technically not supposed to do that but it's my story, so we're doing it any way. If it's confusing let me know, I'll try to clear it up. Also, words in italics are the character's thoughts, e.g. She is pretty. I will mostly only write Quinn's thoughts, if its other characters thoughts I will say.

Now let us continue...

"Quinn. No!" Luca interjected him mid-sentence, disapproving of his next syllables.

He was standing in the doorway, eavesdropping like he regularly does. I guess it's always for the best. I mean, if he left Paige and I alone, who knows what I would say to her. But that good-for-nothing big sister of ours really deserve it sometimes. How could she think mom is still here? 

His fists clenched reflexively. Come on Quinnie you're no animal, your little bro is watching, let's just shrug it off.

"Oopsie," he said innocently, "what it slipped." He's not buying it, is he?

No, he was not. Luca stood furiously with his arms across his chest, "Quinnie you can't."

"I'm sorry, NOT, I didn't mean to, I DID." Quinn sighed, and apologized sincerely. He really meant it this time. I really mean it this time. And Luca accepted it.

Meanwhile, Paige wore a puzzled expression but sighed knowing her silent questions would not be answered. She whizzed out the room fixated on gifting her mother a bowl of mac and cheese.

Anxiety crept up Quinn's leg and embedded itself in the pit of his stomach, knowing fully well that swift movements like that could trigger a hailing avalanche of volumes, entombing a being never to be found again. "This bi-," he clenched his jaw.

"Quinn!"

Sorry, it really did slip this time.

...

As the siblings gathered in their tiny kitchen, Quinn began to serve his brother and himself. He dove the spoon in the thick creamy mixture, as the macaroni made squishy sounds of deliciousness. 

It was Sundays like these that were most important, because then they get to eat their favorite, mac-n-cheese. This processed meal was a delicacy to have, as most nights they ate different styles of potatoes. 

Quinn was the cook of the house. After mother died, he honed his skills and made wonderful dishes of the little they had. 

As he leaned against the counter, shoving a spoon in his mouth he watched them silently. Hmm, they look so happy. Oh geez, Paige, there's cheese on your cheek. How did it get there? 

He strode to where they sat by the counter. He licked his thumb and proceeded to wipe the smudge from her pale cheek. 

At first, she was confused, but when he was done, she glowed at him, "Thank you Quinnie." It was such a sweet moment, Luca smiled at him. "It was no problem" he scuffed "just cleaning up after you as usual." Leaving the room on such a sour note, he made his way to the bathroom.

As the water ran, he observed his reflection. He looked somewhat different from this morning. The bags under his eyes had puffed noticeably. Hmph, looks like I'm low on sleep again. 

His head bowed, as he braced the sink, propping himself up, like he was trying to maintain his balance after an acrimonious wave had hit. He caught water in his large hands and splashed it on his countenance. 

The water trickled slowly down his defined cheekbones and dripped from his angular jaw. Tsk, I am a sight, aren't I? He smirked. He closed the tap and dried his face.

"Quinnie, you done? It's Paige's bath time." Luca yelled. The door opened suddenly. "It's all yours," he said holding the door open. Luca was guiding Paige by the hand as her other held ajar a book, and she read unaware of the events occurring around her. "Thanks Quinn,". Quinn just nodded and went on his way.

"Come on Paige, let's get you washed up," he said as he closed the door behind them. Three turns of hot water and two of cold, he left the tub to fill after he placed the plug. 

Then he proceeded to undress Paige, this was their routine every bath time. She payed him no mind, only occasionally pausing to pass her arms out of her dress straps. Then he sat her in the bath while he undressed himself. 

When he stepped in, he stopped the flow of water and sat behind her with his legs folded to the side of him as he sat upright. As she read, he tenderly detangled her hair intermittently moistening it to make it easier. He laid the knot-free portions on her shoulder and continued to comb her long hair. She has such beautiful hair, he thought. He took his small fingers and caringly massaged her scalp. After, he lathered a bath sponge and soaped her back, but in her book, he saw a strange diagram.

"Paige, what are you reading now?"

"Umm, it's about how embryos are formed," she said candidly, "and from embryo to foetus and foetus to baby."

"H-how are babies made?" he became flustered.

"Oh, Lulu you don't know?"

He shook his head signaling no.

It probably wasn't the best decision to explain to him exactly what was in the book about sexual intercourse and the introduction of the sperm into the vagina, but Paige didn't know any better.

"That's so weird but babies are so amazing"

To any adults' ears Luca's response would have never been expected.

"Yeah they're so cute," she squealed as the water stirred slightly as she tippy-tapped her toes.

She tilted her head back onto Luca's shoulder, and just sat in the tub for a while. Luca supported her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

She looked up at the flaking ceiling and said, "I want a baby, I want to be a mother."

Luca smiled, "I'll be an uncle."

"Yeah" she chirped.

And the conversation simmered peacefully.

He looked out the window above the tub and observed the moon growing in size and height. In the countryside, the absence of artificial light allowed the beautiful stars to dominate the night sky. He saw his brother outside doing the same thing he was. 

As Quinn looked up at the stars he thought, where are you mom? His head hung, I-I need you here...