Jon found himself in the kitchen, stirring a couple of pots. He dipped his finger into one and tasted it. Then, wiping his damp finger, he reached for a couple of spices and gently sprinkled them into the food. He heard a beeping from the other side of the room. He quickly walked over to the washer and removed the pair of jeans he'd handed Zoe and put it into the dryer before returning to the stove.
“That should do it” he said to himself. He checked the timer on the oven and suddenly paused, having an odd sense of deja vu.
He suddenly whirled around, expecting someone to be there. No one was. He turned back to the food.
“Anything I can help with?” A voice said from behind him. He yelped in surprise, nearly dropping his spoon.
He whirled around again. Laura was standing there. She was wearing a pair of khakis held up with a leather belt, and a simple blouse. "I didn't mean to scare you," she said. "Are you all right?"
"Yes..just had this sudden feeling I'd done this before..."
"Cooking?" Laura asked, amused. "We do eat every night."
"I don't know. Never mind. How are things upstairs?"
"Mikey is upset he has to wear what fits him," Laura said.
“I think he's taking this whole thing rather hard,” Jon said, placing his hand on his mother's arm gently, “He got in trouble at school today for mouthing off to a teacher. I talked to him about it and told him he had to apologize.” he said. Laura looked cross for a second, then relieved that it had already been dealt with.
“Thanks babe…y, baby” she stammered, catching her turn of phrase. "You've been dealing with this situation so well. I mean...I appreciate how you've stepped up lately. Is there anything you need help with?"
“If you could get the table ready please,” Jon replied.
"Sure," Laura said, heading to the cabinet to get the plates.
Jon walked over to the kitchen door and took a deep breath. “Kids! Dinners ready!” He shouted.
Karyn came bounding down the stairs at full speed, wearing the cargo shorts and velcro trainers. A few moments later, Zoe in a pair of Jon's jeans, and finally, Mikey, having found some black pants in Zoe's closet that he didn't hate.
Simon got up from the couch and joined everyone at the table, sitting next to Zoe. Laura handed out the dishes and finished setting the table, then took a seat at the head of the table.
Finally, Jon started bringing out the food before taking a seat.
