And then the fun began. "Hello, children," Aunt Marisa appeared with Al at her back, cheerfully carrying groceries. "I really enjoyed the night with all of you present." She flashed us a warm smile.
GRACE
"Okay, this one is for Grace and Ace. And this one is for Al and Winston." I quickly checked the list - Banana Chips, Popcorn, and Sweetcorn. "Mom! What's with this? This isn't manly!" Al protested. "Al, baking is manly, right Winston?" Winston nodded in agreement. "This is unfair!" Al blurted out. Despite Al's dislike for baking or cooking, Winston loved it, and we occasionally teased him playfully for it.
"Let's start?" I heard Ace suggest. "Ketenides! Cook now!" Then she left the kitchen. "Popcorn and sweetcorn for me," Ace declared, and I nodded as we began cooking.
After an hour or so, everything was ready, except for the muffins. Al always seemed to miscount the ingredients and occasionally spilled them. "You don't have a future, brother," Ace teased. "What's the connection between my future and cooking?" Al retorted. "Well, they say a true guy knows how to cook at least one recipe. And for your case? Your-" Ace was interrupted, "Don't you dare say that word!" Al threatened her with a... "A spoon? Really, brother, you have to learn more threatening skills," Ace mocked. I chuckled at the sight of them, sometimes forgetting how it felt to be with my brother. I have an older brother, currently working miles away.
"Stop laughing, Grace. I know Al's face is funny, but mine? It's not," Ace said. "What the! My face is funny? Hell no!" Al retorted. "Hell is not a good word, Alexander." We all turned our heads toward the kitchen door. "Dad?" Al and Ace said simultaneously. "Hello, children. It's nice to see all of you."
WINSTON
The fun truly reached a new level when Uncle Jerry made his entrance. "Jerry?" Aunt Marisa gasped. "Hello, gorgeous," Uncle greeted, pulling Aunt Marisa into a warm hug. "How come you didn't tell me you were coming?" Aunt Marisa inquired. "I wanted to surprise all of you." "Oh, Jerry!" She said with teary eyes. 'Ting!' We almost jumped when the oven signaled. "Damn oven," Al whispered. "I think the muffins are ready," I stated. "Then I'll start cooking our dinner," Aunt Marisa declared. "I really miss your dishes, hon."
I envisioned a future like this. A life filled with joy, contentment, with my wife and kids. Perhaps Grace would be there with me as Mrs. Taylor.
GRACE
We were engrossed in watching our second movie when 'All of Me' by John Legend started playing. Winston promptly pulled out his phone. "Mom? Excuse me, guys." Then he left. "He really didn't realize he hasn't told his mom that he's here," I heard Al whisper. He didn't inform his mom? But he mentioned that Al invited him for a movie marathon; well, that should mean his mom knows he's here. Otherwise... Okay, stop it there, Grace; don't imagine and assume things.
"Guys, I think I have to go now," Winston said as he re-entered the room. "Sessa just left for an emergency at the hospital, and Mom is left alone at the house."
"Okay, I'll just tell Mom and Dad," Al said while standing. "Wait, it's already twelve. I think it's not wise to let you go home alone. Why don't we all come?" Ace suggested. "Well, that will be safe," Al stated. Winston looked at me. "I'm fine with that," I said. "Okay! I'll just tell Mom and Dad," he said again as he entered the dining room.
We were at Winston's house when Al reminded Winston about their game tomorrow. "Just pass by our house." Winston said. "Sure! Ah...wait, why don't we invite them?" Al said nodding out Ace and I's direction.
Classification 1
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