Mum has a church meeting thing on a Wednesday afternoon, so if I'm not out helping dad or Eric I have some free time to myself, supposedly to study. However, for me free time usually means playtime for my thoughts. Today has been no exception. So no sooner had I seen mum and her friends Annette and Moss off with a hand wave, I had a brain wave!
She had been so disappointed about what happened yesterday, mainly because I think she was doing it for me to enjoy something nice. It wasn't mum's fault that it went wrong though, It was then that something someone said about yesterday came to mind, and after thinking it through step by step, forcing some steps into place that were out of line, I came up with a super, mega awesome plan. I would make afternoon tea for mum and her friends for when they returned at four.
So I hunted round for the things that I would need. I could make some fancy sandwiches with the crusts cut off, I was a bit lacking in the sweet department though, a bit like me when I was young! I found a tin of fancy biscuits in the pantry that had never been opened so I was going to use them, but then I thought maybe it best to make sure with dad that it would be okay. I found him up the yard messing around with Eric – not literally! They were doing something with some gates. I told them what I had planned, and surprisingly they both really got fired up by my idea.
“There's no point in messing about with a few bits of old cake and biscuits, 'WE' need to do it properly, let me get cleaned up and we'll go and pick up some proper cakes, I have to go to town anyway for some bits” Said Dad.
I thought to myself, what do you mean by 'WE', this is my idea which I have a copyright on. However I relented as his contribution was going to be far better than anything I could do, especially so when Eric suggested going to Parkers Bakery as they do lovely cakes and such like,
Of course, I soon caught on to their little game, they were thinking there would be another Fat Rascal or something in it for them!
We had a very profitable trip, well, I did. It cost dad another arm and a leg, goodness knows why he finds me such a delight to have around, he'd be able to retire by now if it wasn't for me. Anyway, apart from the loads of cakes, on dad's suggestion, we got half a dozen scones along with clotted cream to go with some of mum's jam. I was pleased about that, and so decided when the time came I would be inviting dad and Eric to join us seen as they helped make the occasion.
It was three o'clock by the time we got back so I had to get cracking. I decided that we would be having it in the summerhouse because even though it was a lovely sunny day, it can turn chilly later in the afternoon. This meant I needed to do a bit of a clean, it wasn't bad as we use it from time to time, it's not like it's been sitting empty all winter and is damp or anything. I just had to wipe things down a bit and put a cloth on the table. I also found some miniature Daffodils which I put in a small vase on the table. Dad said not to bother with sandwiches but I had the things I needed ready so I did some, Cucumber and some soft cheese. I got everything set out on plates and took them to the summerhouse and laid them on the table. I then got the tea things ready and boiled the kettle so it would be quicker to boil when they got back. Then after a quick check round to make sure everything was the best I could make it, I waited in the yard as I didn't want Moss to just drop mum off and then drive away, what a disaster that would be! While I was waiting, I called dad and told him and Eric to get round to the garden.
Moss is a bit of a DIY man so I made out there was something I needed advice on in the summerhouse. Of course mum hadn't a clue what I was going on about, but I just told her that I had been in there this afternoon studying and noticed how the table had got some stuff all over the top of it and wondered what it was! Of course they couldn't get round there quick enough after that.
Mum got a bit worried when she spotted dad and Eric there, but then when she saw the 'stuff' all over the table top she didn't scream, but it was more than a whimper. She held her hands to her face while looking to dad for the answer that she really already knew. Dad looked at me so mum turned to me then, still with her hands to her face. She had tears in her eyes, I love making her cry! She didn't get chance to do anything else though as Annette then says, “Oh what a truly wonderful girl you are Kate, this is so lovely.”
She too had tears in her eyes, it was wonderful. Especially for mum having her friends say such things in front of and to her.
“Jan dear, you are so blessed to having such a beautiful daughter.” She added.
Thankfully Moss saved me from drowning by suggesting they go and take care of the 'stuff' on the table top. I went and made the tea, jumping for joy and punching the air at my own success once I was out of sight. Grandfather used to say that self praise is no recommendation but I allowed myself some today. I made the tea took it to them, dad and Eric got theirs in mugs, they aren't really in to fine china. I then joined in the fun and chatter.
At the end mum made to help me clear up but I sent her packing, it's not much of a treat if you end up having to clear up all the mess is it.
Mum has been all over me ever since and every so often she has tears in her eyes, she doesn't say anything but I can clearly see them. Dad isn't much better, keeps on giving me random hugs for no good reason other than I just happen to be standing near him. I was happy, everyone was happy.
At one point, while still at the summerhouse, Eric announced, “Betty's thought they were the best until our Kate showed them how to do it!”
I thought that was nice, especially the 'our Kate' bit. I'm really starting to feel like I'm part of the place now, like I really belong here, and not just some waif and stray who just happened washed up here one day looking for a home.
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