Chapter Two: Remembering Through a Dream

Part 3

"DO NOT start saying 'I was wondering.' Trust me. I said it all majority of my life and it drove your grandma and mom nuts. Just tell me what is it that you want."

"Um, I -er, could you make pancakes?"

"How about waffles? I can't make pancakes from scratch very well, unless you want to start growing another twin and we would have to send you to a zoo." 'Why can't I make pancakes? Waffles are harder.'

His eyes widened as he looked at her. "No, waffles are good. I like them better anyway."

"Okay, you want to help me with making them?"

"Yes, please!"

"Okay, lets get going."

Arriving in the kitchen, she told him to get out the necessary supplies while she retrieved the cookbook. Placing the cookbook down on the counter, she helped him on getting the rest of the supplies. Pulling over a chair from the kitchen table, he set it beside the counter and climbed on it so he could watch her, waiting for his instructions. She could not get over how much he was growing up. Last time he stayed overnight, her wanted a bedtime story and that is when Nicole and Tyson had brought him over closer to 11 pm. And, he had yet to throw a temper tantrum, yet.

"Now, we fold the egg whites in."

"Fold? How do we fold it? They are not clothes."

Smiling, she stood behind him showing him how, moving the spatula lightly; you could fold egg whites into the batter.

"What does these do?" He asked pointing at the almost engulfed whites.

"It makes the waffles fluffy."

"Cool. Will I become fluffy?"

"No."

After placing the batter in the waffle iron, she started on the dishes while Zachary set the table. While removing a nice golden brown waffle from the iron, the sound of shattered glass was heard followed by an almost silent 'uh-oh.' Placing the waffle on the plate, she hurried into the kitchen to see what had happened. There he was standing over a broken glass looking like he was going to cry.

"I am sorry." He whispered, choking back tears from his brown eyes that he inherited from his mother.

Nia looked at the shattered glass then looked at him. "Are you okay?" He nodded. "Okay, how about you go to the pantry and get out the broom and I will sweep this up. In the mean time, you can get another glass." Nodding solemnly, he went to get the broom. Nia, returned back into the kitchen to place more batter on the iron and went back to pick up the larger pieces of glass. After cleaning up the little accident and all the waffles were made, they both sat down at the table, right beside each other. They ate their waffles in uncomfortable silence. Nia for sure thought that he was going to cry when he broke that glass. Finally, she broke the silence.

"You know, it was just a glass. I can buy more of them."

"I know."

"So, I am not mad at you."

"I know."

"Then why are you so quiet?"

"Uh -." He looked up at her uneasy if he should answer but then gave the biggest smile. "Your great. If you don't find someone, when I am older, can I marry you?" Nia's eyes shot open at the question, almost choking on the piece of waffle that lay mashed in her mouth. 'What the heck brought that up?' Swallowing, she thought of how to turn the toddler down. 'Might as well do it the easy way.' Thinking back to her dream, she smiled.

"Sorry Zachary, I think I want to marry someone else."

"Aw, you sure? Okay then. I will tell Daddy that you are marrying someone else. Auntie, can I have another waffle...please."

'Oh, boy. I think I walked into that one. Now just to make sure that Nic and Ty don't take it literally.' Putting another crisp, syrup drenched waffle on his plate she started clearing off the table. After both of them were done cleaning up, they got dressed and went on their 'date' in the back yard.

Stepping outside, the sun shone with such enthusiasm even though it was hiding behind soft white counterparts. Covering her eyes with her hand, she looked up at the sky to witness five pelicans fly overhead. Smiling to herself, she decided to find her nephew to show him these birds. Finding him wasn't that difficult, for she knew exactly where he was. He was at the slough looking for frogs among the cattails and reeds.

"Hey Zacster! Come, see the pelicans." Nia called out, pointing to the sky.

"Wow," he commented in awe as these white turkey-like birds flew above, talking to one another. Looking down at Zachary, she noticed his expression change. "What is a pelly-kin?"

"Remember the bird from 'Finding Nemo' that had Dory and Nemo's dad in his mouth." He nodded. "Well, that is a pelican."

"Cool."

"Ready to go?"

"Yes!"