LSCSC Ch.29 — Peas and Potatoes

Karina sat with her back to the three paneled bay windows that afforded an expansive view of a chain-link fence and some kudzu. All shaded a deep blue under the darkening night sky. The clock on the wall opposite her read 9:55. Can’t believe we made it before 10.

To her left and right at the round kitchen table sat her two brothers. The younger of the two, ten year old Jojo, was attempting to fold his pile of mash potatoes into some kind of abstract modern art piece. Of course, he was also implementing the other materials at his disposal (peas and pre-cut pieces of steak) to adorn his masterpiece. He was, to put it another way, not eating. Karina’s older brother, eighteen year old Tommy, on the other hand, had just finished devouring his second plate of food like some starved rabid animal, and was about to ask for thirds when Karina’s mother grabbed the plate out from in front of him.

“I told you not to talk with your mouth open.” Said Karina’s mother.

“I didn’t!” Replied Tommy, spitting out a potato lathered piece of steak onto the table in the process.

Jojo laughed at this, and in the corner, the spread newspaper that was Karina’s dad came down for a half second- just long enough for those eyes to make sure nothing was really required of him, then the paper went back up.