Chapter 24:

Over Easy

Morning came way too early for me, when Arial wailed and fussed with the might of someone even more powerful than Undyne. Her little body flailed and her hands kept going to her mouth. I groaned softly and quickly attempted to sooth her. One hand rocked and patted while I used the other to check her mouth. Her gums were hard with a small prick of bone peeking through.

She was teething. Not that I wasn't overjoyed my daughter would have her first tooth, but I knew that this would mean pain for the both of us. I guess it was a good thing I had been starting to wean her away from breast milk. Soon it would be more solid foods.

She continued to fuss and whine so I looked for a remedy. I decided what would work for now would be a bottle top as a pacifier, and while I allowed her to gnaw I tried to wake up better. No one else was awake yet, so I was going to have to make my own fuel.

With the baby in my arms, I made my way to the kitchen and checked the refrigerator. Milk, eggs, and bacon were all there and waiting. I used my free hand to bring each thing out one at a time, and get the kitchen ready for breakfast. I would have to set Arial down to cook, but I think she'd be alright for the short while.

As I cooked I looked out the window and sighed. I'd have to restart here and find myself a job. Mom would love to keep me here and probably support me I'm sure, but I couldn't let her do that. I was an adult now. I'd have to get my own place somehow.

Maybe there was a house somewhere that wasn't occupied, or I could build one with some help. But what would I do for a job, and who would I ask to watch Arial all day? The list of dilemmas continued to grow.

I flipped over the eggs onto a plate and turned off the oven. While I poured a glass of milk I turned on warm water to fix Arial a bottle and sat at the table. I'd have to ask the others what they think would be best at this point. Maybe Sans knew of a place close by in Snowdin that I could reside in.

"Eggs-elent morning, isn't it?"

I yelped and dropped my fork as Sans appeared to my left. He chuckled then let out a yawn. It was easy to see he didn't sleep as well as he should have on the bed. If he could have had dark circles I'm sure he would have.

"You enjoy making people jump, don't you?" I moved to pick up the fork off the ground and put it in the sink.

"Nah, just you. So you gonna cook breakfast for all of us, or just you?" He winked playfully.

"You make the bacon and I'll do the eggs, meat master." I teased back while retrieving a clean fork to finish my cooling meal for one. Maybe at some point I could cook for him every morning.

As he grabbed the bacon back out he chatted with me. "Wanna go sightseeing today, or just relax at home? I'm cool with both, though I know Paps would prefer an outing."