An Entangled Life
Chapter 10: A New Me
Martin sat on the bed reading. He was determined to make himself useful. Right now he was looking through a cookbook. He had to read slowly at times because the words would randomly run into each other.
He had already learnt months ago that he wasn't the best in mathematics. That too he was determined to change.
I must've been a real dumb ass. Once on the bus when the bus driver asked for the correct change, I almost said fish! – Martin"Pork in black sauce," Martin said slowly.
He was mystified by the many ways to cook meat products. He tried to read the vegetable and non-meat cookbooks, but the only thing that really seemed to interest him were many ways to prepare corn.
"I always liked corn on the cob," Martin noted, "but I never realized 'til now how obsessed I am about it."
Just then Amelia the head maid stepped in.
"Hello Mater Johnson," Amelia Estevez said respectfully.
Martin hated when she called him that. But he learned that it just her way.
"Hi Amelia," Martin said brightly, "I'm just reading these books," he said holding one up.
Amelia gasped.
"Is Master Clement…sentencing you to cook?" Amelia asked horrified.
"Huh?" Martin asked.
"No worries Master Johnson, I'll talk to him," Amelia said bravely, "man's work is man's work," she declared.
"Man's work?" Martin asked.
"A woman's place is in the kitchen," Amelia said, "besides from being at her child's side, satisfying her husband and of course work a wage if she actually has to," she added.
"Oh," Martin said softly, "I was…I read these myself," he revealed, "I want to be more useful around the house," he told Amelia.
Amelia slapped her hand on her forehead.
"You could become a plumber, work online, …" Amelia listed.
"I'd really like to cook," Martin spoke up.
Amelia sighed.
"Only if you let me teach you manly things," Amelia said completely stubborn.
"Okay," Martin agreed.
"Follow me to the bathroom," Amelia instructed, "I'll start teaching you about plumbing," she said.
"Sure," Martin said and got up.
"And later I'll teach you how to cook a few dishes," Amelia added.
"Thank You," Martin said happily.
Amelia sighed and led Martin to the bathroom.
----
By 6 pm Martin had learned a few dishes and decided to try one out.
Today was the second day of Fred's three days work leave. Yesterday Fred was home all day and night. Today Fred went out with friends. Martin anxiously waited for 6:30 pm to come. Fred promised to be home by then.
Fred always told Martin to wait in the bedroom he (Martin) used in case he (Fred) brought company. No use in tempting Dimmsdale residents even more by letting them see his face in the apartment. It was already common knowledge where Martin was staying.
But common knowledge and a direct confrontation were two different things. Some might be willing to face imprisonment id they saw him. Some wanted him dead either way. No use in tempting fate by letting his face be seen by anyone but Fred, Judy, Amelia and other staff, and some of the people who resided in the building.
Martin heard the door open.
Fred's here. -Martin
But then Martin heard other footsteps. Fred had company.
"Well this is an interesting assortment of edible dishes," a voice said from the kitchen.
Martin gawked. He had prepared and covered that food for Fred.
"Sweet and sour fish," Fred said excitedly, "Amelia really outdid herself this time," he said, "with all these dips, rolls, and friend rice…oh I'm going to enjoy this," he declared.
"I made that stuff," Martin whined.
Hours later Fred stepped into the room and saw Martin sleeping.
Then he noticed a note at the edge of the bed.
Fred burst out laughing after reading it.
"Den," Fred said, "looks like we're been crediting the wrong cook."
A confused Denzel Crocker peeked in the room.
"Martin cooked it," Fred revealed, "note says he's had Amelia teaching him a whole bunch of things."
"Interesting," Denzel Crocker said stepping in, "he looks so sweet, so innocent," he said, "reminds me of kids," he said darkly.
"You're weird for a teacher, you know that?" Fred asked.
"When are you going tell him?" Denzel Crocker asked, "and I told you to call me Crocker in front of other people," he reminded Fred, "what will I have if you ruin my reputation as scary school teacher and freaky guy who lives with his mother?"
"First off, what am I supposed to say to that?" Fred asked, "and secondly," he continued, "he can't hear us, he's asleep!" he shouted.
Martin shifted.
Crocker looked at Fred darkly. Bat wings and cackling was heard in the distance.
"Heh, heh," Fred said rubbing the back of his head.
"Iraq's real dangerous right now," Crocker said seriously, "not that I mind blowing stuff up," he said thinking of blowing up children and anyone else who either opposed him or he just disliked, "are you sure you want to go?"
"I signed up years ago," Fred said proudly, "I'm ready to serve my country."
"But is this green weirdo ready to lose you?" Crocker asked.
Fred looked sadly at Martin.
I doubt it. – Fred
Chapter 10No, Crocker and Fred are NOT together. Tell me what you think in your reviews.