This choice: Kevin returns the next day with more pastries • Go Back...Chapter #7Kevin meets Amber's Parents by: Unknown Amber's parents arrived home to find her daughter in better spirits than she had been in two weeks because of Kevin's visit. She wanted to meet him and so suggested that he stay the next night for supper. Amber called him and he accepted - then wondered what they were having.
"I dunno - probably meat loaf or chicken. Its what we usually have."
"Ask your mom for permission to let me cook the meal. I promise you won't be disappointed."
Remembering Kevin’s comment that he could do better if given more time Amber asked her mom, who quickly gave her permission, The next day as Amber was lying on he couch watching TV Kevin showed up with a couple of bsags of groceries and a box of pastries.
"Wow, what are we having?: she asked.
"Waldorf salad, boneless leg of lamb, green beans almondine, garlic potatoes and from Denmark Apple Almond Cranberry pie for a unique dessert."
"You can cook all that?"
"And more. My mom runs a catering firm out of our house and I've been cooking for years. I know - not your usual teen hobby. Well, I like old cars and sports as well, but tis should make the impression I want on your mom."
"Which is?"
"That I'm responsible enough to be trust one with her daughter - which is whist tonight is all about, right?"
Amber grimaced. She knew he was spot on, but didn’t want to admit it. So she listened to her belly and changed the subject. "Sounds great - but right now I need some lunch and it should be these pastries. Do you have enough left over from yesterday or another sandwich?"
"Yes, in fact I was planning on it. Give me 20 minutes."
While she was waiting Amber idly consumed a donut and an éclair, but still had room for Kevin's pastrami sandwich and another donut. He had one of each as well, then excused himself. Two hours later he emerged from the kitchen to announce that the salad was cooling in the fridge, the dessert was cooling on the counter, the veggies were finished and the lamb was roasting in the oven. He noticed that by this time the remaining two pastries had vanished and smiled to himself.
About 5:30 he exclaimed, “OK, its time to set the atmosphere. Where are your tablecloths?”
“In the hall pantry – but we don’t normally.”
“I did expect you would. But in that box are two candles with holders plus some cloth napkins. I want this to be really special.”
Amber shrugged and let Kevin set the scene, even doing a formal table setting. As you might imagine the evening was a success. Her mom was satisfied and her father was impressed, especially after Kevin gave an exhibition of his music skills. However, that night Amber noted her clothes seemed a tad snug.
“Well,” she thought, “after a meal like that it is no surprise. I may be gaining a few pounds but in a few weeks I’ll be able to work it off. Kevin is sure a lot different than I imagined.”
By the end of July Amber was back on her feet, but under instructions to “take it easy.” Kevin by then had stopped buying daily pastries but did cook meals for her and her mom as a weekly custom. Amber without being conscious of it was eating more than she had been previously and was filling out nicely. Had she gotten on a scale she would have discovered herself to be , approaching the 130 pound standard that in theory was the “limit” for cheerleaders.
When it came time to suit up for cheerleading the first week of school Amber was bemused to see that she wasn’t the only one to have gained weight. Rosaline of course had always been stockier, but it looked like Ashley might also have picked up a few pounds. But Amber was possibly now the heaviest member of the squad and as such became the primary target of Kimberly’s sarcastic tongue. .
“Well Amber, What did you do? Have an all summer long ice cream social? I can see who’s joining Rosa at the base of the pyramid – no way can anyone support you on the second tier. Trixie will be our new flyer – and I expect you to lose ten pounds by Thanksgiving. Is that clear”
Amber felt guilty, but also angry. Her one time posse leader Ashley had been bossy, but had never demeaned her in such a fashion. But she felt helpless to fire back against the bullying and assert her right to be herself. Her reaction was to go home and consume a bag of cookies, then have seconds at supper.
Kevin expectedly was angry to hear about what had happened and was very reassuring to Amber, assuring her that she was far more lovely in both body and disposition than her judgmental team captain.
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