“Good morning, K-Bray,” I mumble softly, but he does not hear me due to his own laughter.
Greetings, Jadi! He laughs, cradling my cheeks in his little hands. He compresses my face, truly pleased to see me, and throws his head back in mirth. “Hi, Jadi!”
I gaze into his attractive eyes and sense my body unwind. “H-hi K-Bray.”
“Hello,” he chuckles, pinching my cheeks.
“Hello,” I laugh, tousling his hair.
Greetings!He exclaims, leaping into my lap.
I find his game entertaining and continue for an additional ten greetings before I lift the puppy onto my shoulder and escort him to the bathroom. I assist him in washing his face, brushing his teeth and assembling a straightforward outfit that I hope Ricky will appreciate. He insists on combing his own hair, but after observing his difficulties, he ultimately relinquishes the comb to me, allowing me to style his hair. Satisfied with my efforts, I crouch to his level and present him with a broa
What would you choose for breakfast?” I enquire, my cheeks reddening due to my pronounced stammer.
Bray disregards my flawed words, instead engaging with his hands and smiling at me without judgement, his blue and brown eyes reflecting joy.
“Pancakes,” he exclaims, performing a jubilant dance and pivoting on his heels. “Pancakes, please!”
I lack any knowledge regarding pancake preparation, however I am determined to master it. I escort Bray to the kitchen and rummage through the cupboards until I discover a box of pancake mix accompanied by instructions on the reverse side.
Content, I gather all requisite ingredients and combine them in a bowl until achieving a smooth, thin batter. I preheat a double burner griddle on the stove, while Bray provides cooking spray to prevent the pancakes from adhering. After applying a generous amount to the griddle, I pour the batter. I momentarily divert my attention to search the cabinets for Bray’s plates and cups to serve him a glass of milk. Abruptly, the acrid scent of burnt batter permeates the air. In a state of alarm, I has
Point of View
I am startled awake by a bucket of cold water splashed onto my face, with Laura standing beside the bed, smirking gleefully. I clear the water from my eyes and note that it is 6:45 AM.
Bray erupts in laughter at the grotesque pancake, prompting me to scowl at him as I discard it in the trash. I attempt once more, but this time I flip the pancake prematurely, resulting in a formless mass across the griddle. Although I contemplate surrendering, Bray’s amusement at my culinary ineptitude spurs me to make one final effort. After taking several deep breaths, I pour the batter again, awaiting the crucial flip. A bead of sweat trickles down my brow as I slide the spatula beneath the pancake and lift it for the flip. My heart momentarily halts when the pancake flips flawlessly, revealing a golden-brown surface.
Bray exclaims in joy, prompting me to bow in acknowledgement. I present him with my flawless pancake, which he consumes cautiously, signalling his approval with a thumbs up. I prepare additional pancakes for Ricky, anticipating her appetite. While Bray eats, I commence assembling their lunches, meticulously cutting fruit, slicing cheese, and crafting a crustless PB&J for Bray. For Ricky, I prepare a BLT, hoping fervently that she will not reject it. Once their sandwiches and snacks are neatly packed into small paper bags, I retrieve a pen and notepad to compose a brief note for Ricky to accompany her lunch.
Jimmy observes the note and remarks, “She will retaliate for your writing that.”
I exhale in exasperation and include it in her lunch nevertheless, aware that she would despise me irrespective of my actions.
Ricky enters unexpectedly, seeming stunning with her hair elegantly styled in a ponytail and her makeup flawlessly applied. I divert my gaze to the floor to conceal my blush and compel myself to concentrate on other matters to temper my beating heart.
Bray hurries to greet his mother with a morning kiss, while Ricky evaluates my work.
“You performed admirably,” she remarks casually, removing syrup from his cheeks. “We should depart now.” You must be designated as a guardian at Bray’s school; otherwise, you will not be permitted to take him.
I grasp the implication and hasten to the room to don a t-shirt and jeans, then grooming my hair. Upon completion, I see that Ricky has already deposited Bray’s dishes in the sink and packed his lunch into the backpack.
“Let us proceed,” she exhales, seizing her keys and clasping Bray’s hand.
I observe her lunch on the counter and seize it as I walk by, subsequently presenting it to her. She gazes at it momentarily before hesitantly accepting the food. Ricky glances anxiously at her feet and extends her hand towards me, avoiding eye contact.
