Chapter 11: Family

Sunlight streamed through the window, gently warming Lydia’s face, while birds chirped overhead. Nature softly reminded her that it was time to wake up. After rolling around in bed for a while, she finally decided to get up. She stretched, brushed her teeth, and washed her face, feeling the refreshing coolness of the water. As she stepped out of her room, a sense of peace filled the air, and she wandered down the hallway, her bare feet quietly tapping on the floor. She found her dad sitting in his favorite chair, reading a newspaper.

“Good morning, Dad!” Lydia greeted with a smile, her voice soft with sleep.

“Good morning, sunshine,” her dad replied, looking up from the newspaper over his glasses. His tone was warm and inviting. “I hope you had a great night’s rest.”

“Yes, I did,” Lydia said cheerfully, feeling a sudden surge of energy. But then, she paused as a delicious smell wafted through the air. “Where’s that smell coming from?” she asked, suddenly curious.

“Your mom is cooking for us today,” her dad answered with a knowing grin.

“Really? Mom’s cooking today?” Lydia exclaimed, her voice bright with excitement. She quickly dashed toward the kitchen, eager to confirm her dad’s words.

As Lydia entered the kitchen, she saw her mom busy at the stove, stirring something in a pan. Her sister was assisting her, chopping vegetables on the counter with a concentrated expression.

“Good morning, Mom!” Lydia greeted, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

“Good morning, Lydia!” her mom replied, turning around with a warm smile. “How was your night?”

“My night was great, but my morning is off to an even better start!” Lydia replied with excitement, her eyes lighting up. She glanced around the kitchen and then back at her mom. “I can already tell it’s going to be a perfect day.”

Her mom laughed softly, her voice gentle. “Are you that excited about breakfast?”

“Yes, I am! It’s been such a long time since I’ve had a home-cooked meal made by you. You know you’re the best cook in the world!” Lydia said, her voice filled with admiration and sincerity.

Her sister, Julia, who had been quietly setting the table, turned to Lydia with an eyebrow raised. “Are you saying my food isn’t as good as Mom’s cooking?” she asked, a little irritation creeping into her voice.

Lydia smirked. “I’m not trying to say it; that’s exactly what I’m saying,” she replied cheekily, clearly amused by the playful argument that was about to unfold.

Fuming, Julia retorted, “Then why don’t you cook for the house if you don’t like my cooking?”

Lydia grinned, enjoying the lighthearted challenge. “I’m just like Mom too. I’m a great cook, but I don’t really enjoy cooking,” she said, a playful twinkle in her eye.

Julia rolled her eyes and scoffed, muttering under her breath, “You’re just full of excuses.”

Their mom couldn’t help but laugh at the playful back-and-forth between her daughters. “You two are always at it,” she said with a chuckle. “But I love how you both care so much about food. Now, let’s not ruin breakfast with any more arguing.”

As the family settled down at the dining table, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. This was a rare treat, and everyone knew it. Mrs. Joe had not been the one to prepare most of their meals this year, as Julia typically took over the cooking duties. But today was different. The table was filled with pancakes, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and warm toast, accompanied by steaming cups of coffee and juice.

“Let’s say, Grace,” Mrs Joe said, and they bowed their heads in quiet prayer before they dug into the delightful spread before them.

Lydia took her first bite, and the flavour exploded in the flavour. She couldn’t help but exclaim, “Oh, this is it! This tastes so good, Mom. Please cook this every day! I want to eat this deliciousness more often.”

She glanced at Julia, her excitement palpable as she waited for her sister’s response, hoping to see her reaction to their mom’s cooking.

Mr. Joe chimed in with a broad smile, “I’m with Lydia on this one.” He turned to Julia and said, “Darling, you’re a great cook, but I’m in love with my wife’s cooking.”

Julia, though irritated, smiled a little and replied, “I understand. I also love eating Mom’s food.” She gently patted their father’s hand, casting a playful, slightly challenging glance at Lydia, who met her gaze with an equally mischievous look.

“I know I’m a great cook,” Mrs. Joe said with a wink, “but I don’t enjoy being in the kitchen all the time.” She set down her fork and looked at the two girls fondly. “It’s nice to know that everyone appreciates it when I do cook, though.”

As the family continued enjoying their hearty breakfast, Lydia’s mom brought up the topic of their family friend, Mr Wright, who had been in the hospital for the past two days after his home accident.

“So, Lydia,” Mrs. Joe began, “when is Mr. Wright coming home from the hospital?”

“He’ll be home in two days,” Lydia answered, taking a sip of her orange juice, grateful for the comforting food. “I’m really glad he’s getting better.”

“Okay,” Mrs Joe nodded thoughtfully, “I’m thinking of cooking something special and bringing it over to his home once discharged. It’she'se least we can do.”

Mr. Joe, always the supportive husband, smiled warmly and said, “That’s really thoughtful of you, honey. I’m sure they’d appreciate your kind gesture. We should all do what we can to help.”

Lydia smiled, happy to see her parents' thoughtful nature. “I’ll visit the Wrights at the hospital today to check on them and pass along your regards,” she informed them, feeling a sense of purpose.

“Okay, dear. Please extend my regards to the Wrights,” Mrs. Joe said warmly. “Tell them we’re thinking of them.” since Mr Wright doesn't want any hospital visits.

After the breakfast was over, Lydia headed to her room, feeling both satisfied and content. She picked up her phone and dialled Dennis’s number to catch him before he got too busy with his rehearsals.

When Dennis answered, his voice was filled with cheer and love. “Good morning!” he said, his voice so sweet that it made Lydia’s heart flutter.

“How was your night, my Queen?” Dennis asked, his tone affectionate.

“My night was pretty good, although I missed you all day and all night,” Lydia replied, her voice soft and sincere. “I can’t wait for you to finish your exams so we can hang out more often.”

Dennis sighed on the other end of the line. “I didn’t get much sleep. We had to practice all night, and I barely managed to get two hours of sleep,” he said with a slight chuckle. “But I’m almost through it. Just five more presentations left.”

Lydia sympathized, her voice gentle. “You must be exhausted. I hope you get some rest after your presentation today.”

Just as she said that Lydia heard someone calling Dennis from the background. He whispered into the phone, “It’s time. I’ve got to go now. I have a presentation to perform.”

“I understand. Good luck, Dennis!” Lydia said, her voice full of support. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“I’ll miss you, my Queen,” he replied warmly, and with a quick blow of a kiss into the phone, he hung up.

Lydia sat on her bed for a moment, smiling to herself. “I should take a bath and head to the hospital to see Melissa,” she thought, feeling a sense of calm after the peaceful morning.

Her stomach, full from the hearty breakfast, made a contented rumble. She decided that a quick 30-minute nap might be what she needed to recharge before her visit. Without thinking much more, Lydia settled onto her bed, feeling the soft comfort of the sheets. The peacefulness of the morning wrapped around her like a blanket.

Before she knew it, her eyes fluttered shut, and she drifted into a deep sleep, the weight of the day’s events gently fading away. The quiet comfort of her home surrounded her, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.