THE BREAKFAST
Rosalia
This time Massimo and Al were the ones that came to us, to Viviana’s ward. And they didn’t come empty handed.
They arrived in a splendid fashion - because of what they came with. I cleaned the only table in the room, pulled the other two chairs around, helped Viviana to her wheelchair - which she doesn’t need again because she claims to be strong enough- and laid out all the things brought.
The Breakfast was elaborate, consisting of fluffy eggs cooked with butter, a dash of milk, salt, pepper and fresh parsley for Massimo and I and chives for Viviana and Al. Lightly seasoned grilled sausages and crispy bacon, golden hash brown potatoes diced and pan fried with onions and paprika, a pancake stack topped with more than a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh berries, an appetizing and colourful mix of kiwi, grapes, watermelon and pineapple in a large serving bowl, toasted bread spread with smashed avacado, feta cheese and chili flakes. Chilled bottles of orange juice for Viviana and I, coffee for Massimo and tea for Al.
Most of these were also pushed in a cart by Al while Massimo had to gently move himself. Even though I had not spent much time with them and didn’t know them at all, the breakfast made it seem like we have known each other for more than a couple of years, it was like we were long time friends who knew each other and had come together to eat unhealthily until none of us could move. Probably that was their agenda as they wheeled this much food here.
“I always bragged to my peers that I had no issue enjoying a good food that had more than enough quantitiy of pepper… until I met one certain girl. I do not think I’ll ever forget her in my life. She was one of my roommates in my second year of college and if not because that is the only weird thing about her, I could have said she was nuts.
Because what normal person had the ability of rinsing a fair size bulb of pepper and chewing it like one would chew a grape. Totally freaking unaffected.” I told the group and they laughed. I laughed along with them as I remembered that moment years ago.
If my love for pepper had been truly official, I believe the sight of that girl chewing pepper for all to see would have led to me handing out a resignation letter, faster than I could claim my ability to eat anything pepperish.
“Imagine if she was your room mate, you would have to go to the hospital every week because of how upset your stomach would be regularly. I think you should thank the Heavens for giving you a friends like me- one who eats safe and normal quantities of anything edible.” Viviana said.
I used the other hand I was using to have interval sips of my orange juice to pull her face close and press a kiss to the side of her face. “Yes love. I’m grateful for the gift of you.” I said looking straight into her eyes. She slapped my shoulder and pushed me off laughing. I also laughed because I was pulling her legs, just because I knew how she was going to act. My eyes drifted to Al as I laughed and I saw the creases on his forehead.
“If I didn’t know better, I would have thought the both of you are a couple.” He commented. “What makes you think we are t a couple? Because I did not bashful my pull her close and press my lips to hers?” Viviana teased. “No. Because I can tell you don’t like her romantically. I know you are attracted to men.”
Viviana eyed him . “You sound so certain like one who has known me all my life.” She joked. He glanced toward Massimo and I think I saw an indecipherable glint in his eyes, one that was passed and shared between the both of them, one that without doubt held meaning.
Before I could ask what that meant, my phone began to ring. Immediately I picked it up and saw the name on the screen, I almost face palmed myself. Because how could I have forgotten?
In such short time how did I totally forget about Enzo’s existence?!
I picked the call after telling everyone to excuse me. I went out to pick the call and I was surprised by how pitched my voice was when I said ‘Hello.’
It was like I was one of those women who were doing bad things and had been caught. But I have not been doing anything bad. True that Enzo is like a potential boyfriend and has ticked some things on my personal heart- list, but there are just some things that have stayed the same. There is something I’m seeking, a spark I want to feel before I think of diving into any relationship with him or with any other person, and till I feel that, I doubt I would give in to the push of entering into a relationship with him.
“How have you been pretty girl? I have been blowing your phone and trying to reach you for a few days. You just zoomed off to only God knows where and if not for my mum I wouldn’t have known you had an emergency. Is that fair Rosalia?” He cooed.
I shook my head before answering, even though I know he obviously couldn’t see me. “No Enzo, that’s not fair of me. I’m sorry my thoughts didn’t swerve to remind me to call you and give you a run down of how busy I have been. But my best friend was involved in a massive accident. If she had not been at the end of the room, I fear for what would have become of her. I’m just sorry that it totally fled my mind to reach out to you.” I explained through a jumble of words.
“Alright Rosalia. Whatever you say it is. I have learnt that whatever a beautiful woman says is always the truth.”
I smiled. “Now you’re trying to flatter me. But I will be back in no time with her and once I do, I promise to give you a call. Perhaps we can grab coffee or dinner. Whatever you are up for. “ I said.
If Viviana was beside me she would have said I’m beginning to overcompensate but I would never understand the concept for that word and so I’ll be paying it no mind.
“I’ll take you up on that offer then.” He said and with that the call was over.
As I entered into the room, I think I felt a chilll hit me. Although this place is supposed to be warm considering the heater and the number of persons within. As I walked closer to the table, the chill increased as I saw a knowing wiggle up Viviana’s eyebrows.
“Must be the boyfriend- to- be?” She asked over a sip of orange juice. “Sure is” I said with a small smile and I swear as I sat down, it felt like my bones were at the point of being frozen.
“Am I the only one suddenly feeling cold?” I asked the table and that’s when my eyes fell on Al.