Chapter 22 ~Family Dinner~

"Happy or unhappy, all families are mysterious one way or the other."

Iris's POV

I walked into dad's workshop searching for a familiar face. I smiled as I spotted Mr. Felix, my dad's partner waving at me and I walked up to him.

"Oh Iris, finally you are here." He groaned and wiped the sweat on his forehead with a handkerchief while I chuckled.

"Yup! I heard the parts needed for my car have arrived." I stated as we walked side by side.

"Yeah, I don't even know why it took so long to arrive, I know how much you love your baby." He joked.

I laughed. "I am just happy it's ready. I can finally work on it."

"Anyways, how's Andrew doing?" A concerned inquiry seemed to dwell in his gaze.

Dad finally went through with the surgery, luckily he survived and there weren't any severe complications, just a little migraine and dizziness once in a while. According to the doctor, he should rest between four to six weeks, to avoid any complications and another surgery.

Dad was not happy about what the doctor said. After so many scolding from Mr. Felix, he reluctantly agreed. Both dad and Mr. Felix have been friends for fifteen years plus, they both went to the same University. After graduating they both built this automobile shop and named it 'Jolix's Automobile'.

Get it! Jones plus Felix... JOLIX

It isn't big like other automobile shops but they have at least ten employees working for them and it's very popular amongst where we live. It's usually people in the middle class that comes here.

"Well, he's fine but still annoyed that he can't work." I laughed.

"Always stubborn." Mr. Felix said and we both laughed.

"Anyways, let's not waste any time and I know you have teenage girl stuff to do." He stated with a smug smile on his face as he tossed a dark blue overall to me, which landed on my face.

I rolled my eyes and I made a quick beeline to the restroom, putting on the overall and packing my hair into a messy bun.

I walked quickly to the working area. Both Mr. Felix and I chatted and worked at the same time.

Suddenly, I felt someone's eye on me and I felt really uncomfortable.

"Are you okay?" Mr. Felix asked when he noticed I stopped working and eyed me skeptically.

"Yeah, yeah," I whispered. I turned and surveyed the area but everyone was busy. I shook my head and continued my work, but I still felt uneasy.

Nah! I'm probably just exhausted.

Two tiring hours later...

I walked into my house and was welcomed by the smell of something mouth-watering and oddly familiar. Well, that's strange because Devon is a terrible cook. One time he almost burnt the kitchen while boiling water. And dad isn't allowed to cook.

I swiftly walked into the kitchen while trying not to make any noise. I heard the shriek of laughter from a feminine voice.

"Omg! Aunt Amanda!!!" I exclaimed and ran up to her and engulfed her in a very tight bear hug.

Devon chuckled and she laughed quietly.

"Umh! I- Iris, I can't breathe." She tapped my back and squirmed a little.

"Ooh sorry, I am just so happy to see you." I beamed at her as I unwrapped my arms from her slender body.

"I can see that!" She grinned.

"I knew something was strange when I entered the house, 'cause you know Devon is a terrible cook," I said and turned smirking at an annoyed Devon.

"I can hear you." Devon deadpanned.

"I know, that's the point," I stated which made Aunt Amanda laugh even more.

I continued. "Anyways, why are you here? Not that I am not happy or anything, but why are you here?" I asked as we sat down on the stool by the counter.

"Well, I heard about my brother's condition and I am getting married very soon." She squealed as she wiggled her right fingers showcasing her diamond engagement ring. I got up and hugged her again and examined her ring.

"Ugh! Why do women scream like that?" Devon complained, covering his ears with his hands. As usual, I flipped him off and ignored him.

"Gosh! I am so glad Dave finally had the balls to propose to you." I stated and Devon nodded his head in agreement.

"Me too! I'm so excited." She exclaimed and the look on her face showed how much she loved Dave. I hope I have that look someday.

Pfft! Keep dreaming girl, keep dreaming. My subconscious mocks me.

"Anyways, when is the wedding? have you planned your dress, the venue, what about the guest, any theme you have in mind?"

"Jeez! Calm down Iris, someone will start thinking you are the one getting married." Devon stated and a flood of embarrassment rose in me.

"Well, we planned on having a simple wedding but it's still going to be an uphill task. I was hoping you would be one of my bride's maids?" She asked hopefully with a huge smile.

How can I say no?

"Sure!" I beamed and she breathe out a sigh of relief.

"Enough of this reunion, when is the food gonna be ready?" Devon asked and Aunt Amanda laughed while I shook my head.

"In about thirty minutes." She stated with a smile as she stared at her wristwatch.

"Oh good, I am starving and I need to take a bath." I grimaced.

"Yes, you really need it." Devon retorted and I rolled my eyes and walked to my room, taking a quick refreshing bath.

I walked into the dining room, after a few minutes dressed in a black tank top and grey baggy pants. My face lightened up a little when I saw my dad at the dining table with my Aunt and annoying brother talking amicably amongst themselves. I walked up to him and kissed his forehead, avoiding the bandage wrapped around his head.

During the surgery, they had to shave his hair, in form of a round cut.

I took a seat beside Devon who was bouncing his knees eagerly.

I guess someone can't wait to devour these meals.

I smiled at the sight on the table. The table was filled with Beef Enchilada Casserole and Maple pumpkin parfaits for dessert. It's been quite a long time since we had a meal together. We chatted about everything and anything while eating.

After cleaning up, both Devon and Dad sat in the living room watching a soccer match, while Aunt Amanda left for her fiancée's home.

Now, I am the only female homo sapiens here, as usual.

I walked swiftly to my room, landing on my queen-sized bed with a loud thud, I grab my old and torn novel Four little Blessings by Merrillee Whren, I smiled to myself as I read the book. Again!

Phone rings!!!

I groaned loudly when I heard my loud ringing tone, without even glancing at the caller's name, I answered the call.

"What?" I answered monotonously as I dropped my book on the bed beside me.

"Wow! someone got their panties in a twist." I rolled my eyes at the familiar voice.

"What do you want Aspen?" I demanded.

"No greetings! that's just rude."

"If you don't talk in the next five seconds, I am cutting this call," I yelled and I heard him hiss.

"Dude! who's that?" I heard someone from the background saying.

"It's just Iris," Aspen answered.

"Five seconds is up." I deadpanned.

"Hold up! I just wanted to tell you that I won't be around for our project. The soccer game is this Friday, so Coach needs our undivided attention." He said quickly.

"Oh okay"

"Wait, who were you talking to?" I inquired.

"Oh! it's just Zander. You wanna talk to him?"

Yes, I would love to.

"Nope! good luck on the game." I spoke quickly.

"Thanks, bye."

"Bye!" I ended the call.

What a day!

***

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