No, I wasn’t happy. Not at all. But if continuing to push the subject was going to push her away, then I’d let it rest for now. I’d be keeping a closer eye on her, though. My dad always told me to look out for my friends—to help people whenever I could—and that’s what I was going to do.
“Hayden, honey, could you help me with something?” Mom called from the kitchen.
“Coming!” I gave Sierra one last look. “You can turn on the TV or do whatever you want. I’ll be over there in a second.”
She nodded, the tension from our confrontation still radiating between us in waves.
“Can you make the dumplings for me?” Mom had all of the ingredients laid out on the counter. We used to do this when I was younger. She taught me how to make all of the dishes she made and said that one day I’d be grateful to know how to make something other than instant ramen or microwave macaroni and cheese.
“Maybe Sierra wants to help, too,” I suggested.
Mom nodded. “Go on and ask her. She can help with the soup.”
Sierra was sitting on the couch with her knees tucked up to her chest. The TV wasn’t playing, so she was just sitting in silence, staring into space.
I approached her slowly, taking care not to startle her. “Hey, do you want to help with dinner? My mom said you could help her with the soup.”
She nodded, slowly getting up from the couch. “Yeah, I’ll help.”
We washed our hands at the kitchen sink together, taking turns rinsing them under the faucet.
“Do you want to roll up your sleeves, dear?” Mom asked Sierra.
I didn’t need to be looking at her to know she froze.
“Oh, n-no, I’m okay. They won’t be in the way.”
“Okay, if you’re sure. You’ll want to melt this butter in the pot, then you can add the vegetables and let them cook for about five minutes.” Mom gave her some instructions, and Sierra jumped on it.
We worked in comfortable silence as the meal started to come together.
The dumplings were always my task for the meal and had been since I was a kid. I’d perfected it by now at age fifteen—not that it was a particularly difficult task to begin with, but compared to my classmates, I was ten steps ahead when it came to cooking.
Before long, the rich aroma of chicken broth and vegetables had enveloped the kitchen. Mom had taken the drop dumplings I’d made and put them in the soup that she and Sierra had put together. Now, all that was left to do was wait until they were done cooking.
“How are you liking school, Sierra?” Mom asked while she cut up some fruit.
Sierra and I had migrated to the stools by the kitchen island, and both of us sipped on cans of soda.
“I like it.” She took a small drink. “It’s different from my old school, but everyone is nice. I like my classes, too.”
“Oh, I’m so glad!” Mom smiled. “I’msure Hayden has already told you this, but if you ever need anything, we are only a phone call away.”
Sierra’s cheeks flushed pink, and she tugged her sleeves down even more. “Thank you. I-I appreciate that.”
If Mom noticed, she didn’t say anything. “All right, kids, dinner is ready. Why don’t you dish up first, Sierra? Go ahead, help yourself.”
She hopped down from the stool, shyly walking over to the stove. Mom handed her a bowl, and she plated her food quickly, taking a small amount.
“Take as much as you want, honey,” Mom reassured her.
She looked down at her bowl, then back to the stove, gingerly adding more.
“Hayden, come on, buddy.” Mom waved me over.
After scooping up a healthy serving, I joined Sierra at the dining table, Mom following shortly after.
“Thank you again for having me over for dinner.” Sierra sat at the table, not having touched her food yet. I wasn’t sure if she was waiting for us to start or what, so I took a bite of my food to let her know it was okay.
