Chapter 2 The decision

"So I have decided to take on a new job" I said to Joyce and Jesse while putting a finishing touch on dinner

"Really? Jesse asked

"Yup, I have thought it through and come to the conclusion that taking a new job and a good paying one at that is the perfect solution to not only pay our bills but also keep the shop running, you know we can't afford to have mom's dream closing down" I said

"I completely agree" Jesse said

"So have you thought of the job you wanna do? Joyce asked

She has always been the thinking deep type among the three of us

"Well not really, Joyce set the tables, Jesse get Cutlery," I said

"Why can't Joyce do both" Jesse muttered

"Get your lazy ass up and do as you told" I said

Sometimes it feels good to have authority and most times it is tiring

"Yes mom" He mumbled rolling his eyes

Joyce stick her tongue out at him

I smiled, 'hey mom, I did a good job, right' I thought out loud raising my head up

Mom died eight years ago and dad joined two years.

Dad was never always home, all he does is to send money, I had never really appreciated it but now I know better.

"A penny for thought" I heard

"Oh Joyce"

"Care to share what you are thinking about"Joyce asked

"We all know you are the thinker not me" I replied, there is definitely no way I am telling her my thoughts,

"Common, I thought we were partners" She pout

"Nothing J, just regular stuff and by the way, are you done with what I asked you to do? I asked

"Of course, I am not a lazy bone like some set of humans" she said

"I heard that" Jesse called out

" it was meant to be heard" She replied back

"Hey, hey, please guys don't start, I don't have the strength to deal with your issues tonight, so can sit and eat like a normal family" I quietly but sternly said

"We are not a normal family" Joyce said

"For the first time even tho I hate to admit it, Joyce is right, we ain't a normal family" Jesse chips in coming to stand by the kitchen door

"Please guys, for my sanity" I said

"For her sanity" Jesse said

"Yeah, we can totally do that, as long as as someone behave himself" Joyce said

"Woaw, you should be the one to behave yourself" Jesse turned to face her

"What did..." Joyces started

"Hey!!! I screamed interrupting her, I am not ready to deal with them tonight, I had a lot today. My head is already swinging

"Please not today" I quietly begged

"What wrong with her? I heard Joyce whispered to Jesse

"How am I supposed to know? He asked back

"We should ask her? He suggested

"I don't think so" Joyce said

I pretended not to hear them, I left the kitchen, head to the dining to set up.

As soon as I finished, I peeped into the kitchen, my siblings were still trying to figure out what was wrong with me. I scoffed, mentally laughing at them

"Dinner is served"I called out

They acted as if no one spoke, still talking in hushed tone. I am certainly glad that ain't fighting but that doesn't mean they should ignore me

"If you both don't get your butt out in a second, I promise you, there won't be food for two good days" I said

They rushed out instantly

"Well lets sit and eat like every normal family" I said

"We aren't a normal family" Jesse said

"Whatever let eat, we are starving"I said

"Speak for yourself, Missy" Joyce said

"Can we eat? I asked annoyed

"Fine" They muttered

"Thank goodness, Jesse, say the grace" I said as we held hands

"Lord, thank you for this meal, Amen"

"Amen" Joyce and I choursed

We ate for the first in a long time in silence, I am super glad the meal is peaceful, Joyce and Jesse are throwing taunt at each other

Mom, I wish you were here. I wonder why the thought of mom kept coming to my head today.

"Pass me the sauce, please" Jesse said

"Did you just say please? I asked surprised

"Well, you attitude today isn't encouraging, so... He trailed off

"Is that why you guys are putting up with each other? I asked

"Kinda" He said

"Joyce?

"Yeah, he is right even tho it difficult to admit" She said

"Common guys, I am fine"

"Tell that to your face" Joyce said

"You are supposed to say expression, you know her expression is the one sad"Jesse corrected

"Thanks, tell that to your expression" She said

Wait, did she just thank Jesse, wonders would never seems to end

"Guys, I am totally fine, trust me"I said reaching out to hold their hand

"Then what's wrong? Jesse asked

"I am just about mom, I was wondering if I did a great job rauseibg the both of you, I really missed and wished she was around, that's all" I said checking to see their expression

"You should have said so" Joyce said

"Am sorry" I apologize

"You know, you really did a great a job, I mean take a good look at Jesse and I, no one knew would know we grew up without a mother, Mom would be proud of you, we miss too" Joyce said

"I miss her too, sometimes I forgot what she looks like" Jesse said

"Thanks guys, it really means a lot" I smiled

I am glad I told them, their words really gave me a lot of comfort

"Hey, for this, I would make you guys some cookies" I said

"Yay, cookies!!! They screamed

Kids, I smiled

I feel fulfilled looking at them

"Ok, enough of these munching stuff, let's eat" Jesse said

"Foodie" Joyce and I said rolling our eyes

I passed the sauce Jesse asked for, smiling

TBC.....