Chapter 34: CEREAL OVERLOAD

"Why can't I get cereal 3 times a day momma?" Lucy wondered, munching on a spoonful of rice krispies. Lucy can never keep quiet, not even when she eats. Her mum always has a fit when she opens her mouth to speak again. Today's topic is "Why can't we eat cereals all day long?". She doesn't like taking pancakes, toasts, or any other regular breakfast meals. Cereal or nothing else.

"Because it isn't healthy. Neither is talking while eating. It's a terrible habit." Natasha gently cautioned. Sipping on my cup of coffee, I waited for her daughter's response. Watching them go back and forth will probably be the most interesting thing I'll see all day.

"Yes, but is it a bad habit when I am trying to ask a question?" Lucy raised her brows at her mum, furrowing her forehead.

"It is still a bad habit regardless"

"Ok, but at least answer my question. Why can't I have cereal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?" Ignoring her mother's stern look, she spoke again. We should try finding a zip lock for her mouth or something.

"Then you won't have variety. Wouldn't it be boring to eat the same meal every time? Where is the fun in that?" Natasha tried explaining but Lucy wouldn't have any of it. All she wanted was a logical explanation. One that would be in her favor.

"No, it won't be. I'll eat rice Krispies in the morning, cinnamon toast crunch in the afternoon, frosted flakes for dinner. If I want anything in between, like Honey nut cheerios for brunch. There are a lot of cereals in the world, Momma, I'll never run out of choices." Nodding her head, she took another spoon not looking away from her mum. If you think about it, if Lucy decides to feed on nothing but cereal every day of the year she still wouldn't run out of choices. There are so many varieties of cereals that you don't have to repeat anyone.

Placing my hand over my mouth, I stifled back my laughter. I can never overemphasize how there is never a dull moment around these two.

"Even if, it isn't healthy. Your body should not be given cereal only. It is cereal overload."

"Momma, why isn't it healthy?" She pondered out loud.

"That's enough now, if you talk one more time while eating I'll make sure you don't eat any type of cereal for the next one month. You will be surprised at how many types of breakfast can come from bread."Giving her final warning, Natasha narrowed her eyes at Lucy. The latter gulped, swallowing some milk and questions too. Satisfied, Natasha massaged her temples.

"You both provide the best kind of entertainment. I wonder why you watch those telenovelas, Natasha, when you have top-notch drama right in your home." I teased, reminding them of my presence at the dining table.

"Because some relatively cute actors are involved." Supporting her face with her hand, she wore a puppy dog look. I believed firmly that she would spend all her days swooning over them.

"I am not seeing anything cute about them."

"That's because you lack proper eyesight." Scrunching her nose, she shit back at me. From the corner of my eye, I saw Lucy fighting back her chuckle.

"Or maybe, because anybody not as cute as me should not be considered cute at all." I shrugged smugly. Now, that's a quote I would do well to remember.

"Whatever rocks your boat Jeremy, go with it."

"Did you see the Easter special feature on the website?" I asked, suddenly remembering. I always wanted to bring it up but seem to forget every time.

"Yes, I can't believe they got Stacey in an Easter bunny outfit. Is that supposed to be cute or hot?"

"Eye-catching?"

"It definitely caught my eye. Making me realize that those things should not have a size for an adult. Even Lucy can't pull off something that ridiculous." The agency wanted to do an easter feature to gain more views for the website in the spirit of the celebration. For me, it was beyond disturbing.

"We have to wait and see. Samantha gave her an Easter bunny costume last year."

"No way! " My eyes widened in disbelief.

"Yes way"

We chuckled loudly as Lucy pouted, crossing her arms. Poor girl wants to speak but wouldn't want to risk her cereal. Smart choice.

"Are you spending the holidays with Samantha?"

"Nope. She is going to be with her husband's parents. You're going to be with your mother right?" Doing a quick happy dance in my head, I couldn't hide my happiness. This would be our first Easter celebration since I returned as the lost child.

"Yes, want to come along?"

"I.. I... I can't do that. It would be intrudi-" Cutting her off, I interrupted her terrible stutter.

"You won't be intruding. I am sure my mother would be glad to have you both there. She couldn't stop talking about how charming it was to see new faces." I informed Natasha, in an attempt to convince her. Mum would be proud of me for Inviting her anyways. There are spare bedrooms with more than enough space. It's not like they would be doing anything fun here. They might just as well spend some time with other people.

"Momma please let us go. Pretty please." Lucy spoke finally, wanting to convince her mother too.

"You aren't supposed to talk." The latter. reminded her.

"I'm done eating"

"Oh"

"So, can we go?" She asked immediately.

"I need to know it's okay with Mrs. Heath first."

"Then I'll call her right away." Scrolling through my contact list, I searched for the name I stored Mum's number with.

Mum picked up on the first ring, how convenient.

"Hey mum"

"Hi, Jeremy how are you doing? When are you coming over?"

"Tomorrow. Mum, I invited Natasha and Lucy to come with me to celebrate Easter. Natasha says she needs to know you're okay with my invitation first."

"Is the phone on speaker?"

"Yup"

"Hi, Natasha. Honey, it would be no bother if you and Lucy came along. Jeremy isn't enough company."

"Ouch" Feigning hurt, I let out a gasp.

"Are you sure Mrs. Heath?" Natasha tried to clarify but mum would never budge, neither will I.

"A hundred and one percent certain."

"In that case, if you say so and you are absolutely sure..... Then I'll love to come."

"Yes!" Lucy pumped her fist in the air.

"I'm looking forward to seeing you guys."

"Me too, Mrs. Heath" The little one chipped in.