Almost Something - Excerpt Chapter 1 (Part 1)

Theo’s mornings typically started before sunrise.

Not because he wanted them to, but because they had to. In truth he didn't mind the peace and quiet of the early morning. He enjoyed the silence––there were a lot of things on his plate, both figuratively and literally. 

He leaned over the hot stove, one hand braced against the counter, the other adjusting the heat like muscle memory. Eggs, scrambled hard the way his auntie likes them, a pot of grits slowly boiling, and a few pieces of bacon sizzling on a skillet all cooking at the same time. The toast is already buttered and laid out on two separate plates. Something quick, something savory, something warm. Something of an everyday southern style breakfast. 

As the sun begins to rise, the light cascades into the small kitchen reflecting on old family photos and antiques they haven't moved in over a decade. Behind him, the apartment creaked awake in slow pieces.

“Smells like you're actually trying today,” Kristen's voice yawned.

Theo didn’t turn around right away. He flipped the bacon first, letting the edges crisp just enough.

“I try every day,” he said flatly.

She leans over his shoulder crinkling her nose. “You don’t put cheese every day.”

He rolled his eyes. 

Kristen walked to the counter and pulled up a barstool where her plate was set. She yawned some more and rubbed her eyes, still blinking away sleep. She was already dressed for school, her bright blue backpack half-zipped and hanging off one shoulder like it was an accessory instead of something useful. Her hair was… done. Kind of. Two large curly puffballs that leaned slightly to the left like she ripped her bonnet off 2 seconds ago. No restyling, no slick edges, just shake and go. Though she has so much thick curly hair, no one will notice the off centeredness since the sheer volume of her coils is a distraction in itself.

“I mean…you can always make breakfast yourself?”

She grinned. “Why would I when I have a big brother who loves me?”

Another eye roll. “Yeah, yeah.”

He turned back to the stove before she could read his face too closely, but she did catch a small smile. 

Truth was—he really did enjoy cooking for his family. He loved cooking in general. It was a way for him to express his care in the way he knows best. And maybe he liked assuming the role of Big brother too, despite how he may complain. 

He slid the eggs onto her plate, “Eat before it gets cold.”

“Yes, chef,” she said, mocking serious, then grinning wildly while digging in. He loved seeing his 13 year old sister in this state… She looked like a kid. He wanted to preserve that as much as he possibly could. She was too young to worry over things she shouldn’t have to. Just, happily eating food for the soul.

Theo huffed under his breath, as he begun making the other plate of just soft eggs and toast.

From down the hall, the radio crackled on low, letting him know his Auntie Ryley was awake. Playing was the same old station she liked—something with soft voices and even softer music. The static sounds began to fill her room softly.

Theo grabbed a glass of water, her plate, and walked it to her room, pushing the door open gently.

The curtains were still half drawn. He fixed them without thinking, letting a thin strip of morning light spill across the floor.

“Do you need anything else, Auntie?” he asked.

She blinked slowly, then shook her head once.

He set the water on her nightstand. Adjusted it so it was within easy reach. Small things. Always small things.

“Anything?”

Another slow blink. A faint shake of her head and a small smile.

Theo lingered for a second longer than necessary. 

“Miss April will be here soon, I will be going to work in a few.”

She has a far away look in her eyes, so he knew she was somewhere else today. 

“Okay, baby,” she said softly. 

Then he left her room silently, and left the door slightly cracked.

Back in the kitchen, Kristen was halfway done and already talking again.

“So are you gonna be rich when I’m in high school?”

Theo leaned against the counter, arms crossed.

“Define rich.”

“Like… we don’t have to shop at the store where everything smells weird.”

He almost smiled.

“Well, that’s the plan.”

She nodded like she believed him without question finishing off her plate.

“Good!”

By the time she ran out the door—late, of course—he was wiping down the counter for the second time.

“Bye, Theo!” she yelled, already halfway out the door.

“Bus!” he called after her.

“I know!”

A pause.

Then—

“Love you!”

He shook his head laughing, “I love you too, crazy girl“.

“…be safe,” he muttered, softer. “Be safe.”

The door shut. Just like that, the apartment went still again with just the radio going.

While Theo is only 25 years old, much of the maturity and responsibility of taking care of not only his sister but his great aunt has aged him a great deal. While he takes pride in being the sole provider to his little family, it does come at a cost. 

Theo stood there for a moment, cleaning the dishes and pauses. 

I forgot to cook enough for myself, he thought. 

He glanced at the clock. A quarter past 9am. He sighs and grabs a bannana. Time to go.

It comes at a cost indeed.