Chapter 11

From the moment the news was shared with us, papa has been on a bender.

At least, that’s what dad told me his new behavior is called. 

Everything had to be perfect. He cleaned all day. Re-mopping the floors if he even thought a speck of dirt was there. The house stunk of scented cleaning products and different assortment of candles. He dusted things that didn’t have a speck of dust on it, since he spent the last week dusting them, and forced everyone to try new and old recipes he wanted to perfected. 

I’ve never eaten so many cakes and stews in my life.

Papa has mentioned that the prince was supposed to be here any day now. None of us were really sure on the day he was supposed to arrive. Which has caused papa to make a surplus of food for every meal.  

My brothers have been enjoying all the food that our papa was making. They easily devoured whatever leftovers we had left from dinner. 

He has attempted to create more, as dad likes to say, “sophisticated” meals since hearing the news. Less greasy, hearty meals and more light stews, filet fish, and juicy steaks. Though the switch is a little odd, the food is still delicious.  

Like now, papa shooed me out the kitchen a while ago to focus on dinner. I listened, deciding to occupy my time with my tablet instead of worrying over what new concoction my papa was trying to make. Whatever it was, it smells delicious. He was pulling out ingredients I wasn’t all too familiar with. 

As I scrolled through my tablet, eyeing a few shows that I might watch a bit later, I heard my papa shout from the kitchen. “Oh shit!”

I peeked up from my tablet, eyeing the kitchen entrance in confusion. It took a few seconds for my papa to appear in front of me, stumbling out of the kitchen in a dirty apron. I could tell he was panicking. His gaze quickly swept the living room until it settled on my cozy form.  

“Are you okay, papa?”

“I forgot the duck!”

“Duck?”

He didn’t respond, hands expertly reaching around to his back to fiddle with the knot on the apron. Easily yanking the apron off, papa motioned me to get off the couch. I scrambled, almost falling flat on my face since the blanket got tangled around my legs. After finally managing to untangle myself, I made my way towards my papa. 

“Here.” He handed over the apron, “I’m going to head to the market to get some. Do you mind watching the pot for me? It should be fine until I get back. Just keep an eye out.”

“Okay.” I nodded, “Do I need to stir it or anything?”

Papa shook his head, “I’ve lowered the heat to simmer. It should be fine. Just keep an eye out.”

“Okay!”

After taking another peek at the pot, papa quickly left our home to rush towards the market. I managed to tie his apron around my waist, wandering around the kitchen to try and find my stool. I have no idea what my papa was making, but I knew he gave me a job to do. I would make sure nothing would happen to this dish.

I found the stool and dragged it towards the stove. Climbing on, I readied myself to stand here and stare. 

It wasn’t the first time I had to do something like this. Sometimes, whenever papa is a bit stressed or flustered, he forgets something. It was usually something regarding the meal he’s preparing. It could be something as simple as seasoning or something as important as the meat that’s supposed to be the main ingredient for the meal. 

He can be a bit spacy sometimes. 

I apparently get that from him.