Chapter 7:The Monster State, Neutralized
1001 Words
The annoying receptionist finally put my ice cream in a bag, and I immediately rushed out of Rizzo's place. I wondered how Dad was holding up at home. What if I'm too late? Or what if Mom realizes I went out this late?
Serena, snap out of it. This is no time to be thinking about the what-ifs.
(At home)
Dad: I wonder when Serena will be home.
Mom: Darling, is the food done? I'll be down in about five minutes.
Dad: (panicking) Don't worry, honey. Take your time.
Mom: If you say so, darling. Thanks, I really needed the break.
Dad: No worries. You deserve it. When you are done, I'll give you a massage.
Mom: (a little happy) Really?
Dad: Of course. I haven't given you one in a while.
(Serena hurry)
Mom comes downstairs after a full clean-up. It's obvious she's looking forward to the meal.
Her hair was brushed and tied neatly. She had also put on her favorite pink pajamas.
She looked way more relaxed than when she got home, but she also looked hungry. That was bad news.
She glanced at the table and then at Dad, who was as scared as a chicken ready to be sacrificed.
Mom: So, where’s my food? I’m starving.
Dad: (forcing a smile) The sauce is almost done, just needs to cook a little more.
Mom: (annoyed) And how long will that be?
Dad: Just about five minutes.
He hands her a glass of water.
Mom: And Serena? I thought she was helping you out.
Dad: She was, but she had to answer nature’s call.
Mom: So she’s in the toilet?
Dad: Indeed. Now, how about that massage while we wait?
Mom: I guess that’s not a bad idea.
Dad: Time to put my magic fingers to work.
Mom: They are indeed magic.
Her hair was brushed and tied neatly. She had also put on her favorite pink pajamas.
She looked way more relaxed than when she got home, but she also looked hungry. That was bad news.
She glanced at the table and then at Dad, who was as scared as a chicken ready to be sacrificed.
Mom: So, where’s my food? I’m starving.
Dad: (forcing a smile) The sauce is almost done, just needs to cook a little more.
Mom: (annoyed) And how long will that be?
Dad: Just about five minutes.
He hands her a glass of water.
Mom: And Serena? I thought she was helping you out.
Dad: She was, but she had to answer nature’s call.
Mom: So she’s in the toilet?
Dad: Indeed. Now, how about that massage while we wait?
Mom: I guess that’s not a bad idea.
Dad: Time to put my magic fingers to work.
Mom: They are indeed magic.
Meanwhile, I was on the street running like I was being chased by a dog. I held the ice cream to my chest as tight as possible. I almost tripped once, but that wasn’t the problem. Worst-case scenario was that I tripped and spilled all the ice cream. Like hell I’d let that happen. If that were to happen, I don’t think going home would be an option. The monster state was not child’s play—ironic, since I am in fact a child.
Mom: Isn’t Serena down yet? I’m really hungry.
Dad: You’re right, she shouldn’t be taking this long.
Mom: Are you sure she’s just in the toilet?
Dad: (nervous) Of course, where else would she be? Nature’s call, remember?
Mom: Hmmmmm.
That “hmmm” meant she was suspicious.
Dad: I’m sure she’ll be down shortly.
Just then, Dad sighted me from the window and signaled for me to come in through the back door.
I understood immediately what his constant head-turning and winking meant. I successfully came in through the back door as quietly as possible. My hair was a mess, I was out of breath, and my Dora pajamas were standing out more than they were supposed to. It seemed like I came just in time, because I could hear Mom saying, “I think I’ll go check on Serena.”
I heard Mom’s footsteps as she approached with Dad behind her. I quickly slipped the ice cream into the fridge and acted like I had just come down from my room.
Then Mom bumped into me.
Mom: Serena, where have you been, and why do you look like you just ran a marathon?
Serena: (panicking) Well, I—I—I was…
Dad: I told you nature had called her, didn’t I, honey?
Serena: Yes, yes. Mission successful.
Mom: (confused) Huh? What are you talking about?
Serena: (smiles) Oh, nothing. It was just a long battle.
Dad: (grins) Indeed, and she has conquered the beast.
Mom: (confused) Okay? You both are taking this toilet discussion too seriously. Can we eat now?
Dad: Sure, honey, take your seat.
Mom sat down, and Dad dished while I went to fetch the ice cream from the fridge.
Mom: Finally, food. It looks so good. If only I had some—
Serena: Mint-flavored ice cream. I say, placing it next to her food.
Mom: (surprised) How did you know?
Serena: Mom, I live with you.
Mom: When did you even get this? Last I checked, we didn’t have any.
Dad: Serena and I decided to surprise you, so we bought some while you were at work.
Mom: (smiling) Thank you, I really needed this.
She opened it, and as soon as she took the first scoop, her anger disappeared
She told us all about her day—how they made her do extra work and how she was paired with a coworker who types as slow as a snail, she said. Which made the job go very slowly. Well, her day was indeed tiring.
Mom: You two sure know how to cheer me up.
Dad and I stared at each other,huge and satisfied smiles on our faces, knowing the mission was a complete success.
Serena: We sure do.
- Writer
