“… Considering we’ve all been working ourselves to the bone, only to get whiny feedback just because it didn’t suit their taste… haha. It pisses me off. Don’t it piss you off too?”
The plain look on Penny’s face twisted as she reached the last part of her sentiment. Her eyes shone a brief irritation at the thought, which quickly disappeared just as it appeared. She looked at everyone, whose faces slowly changed with each word she spoke. No matter how much they wanted to deny Penny’s remarks, there was some truth to them.
But then again, what were they going to do?
“You’re not the only one upset about this,” the woman near Penny, Ashley murmured. “All of us here might not show it, but we also care about Aunt Mildred.”
“That’s right!” the woman in Penny’s group earlier chimed in. “Aunt Mildred might scold us and work us to the bone, but she’s very fair to all of us.”
“Why are we even arguing with you?” the depressed guy frowned. “It’s your first year here, so you’re still enthusiastic.”
“Why does it matter that this is my first year?” Penny pouted. “We might be in the kitchen, but we’re still part of this family. How could they treat us any less just because of this family tradition?”
“Penny, can you just please shut up—”
“No way!” Penny yelled in displeasure, walking to the center of the kitchen with her hands on her hips. “Why should I shut up when I’m worried about Aunt Mildred?!” — she was hungry too, and she wasn’t in the best mood when hungry.
“Besides, you guys said it yourselves,” she continued. “The people in the gathering are members of the Pierson Family, but so are we! No matter how faint our voice is, I’m sure someone will hear us if we just scream loud enough!”
As if leading a revolt, Penny spread her arms as she spoke. “Aunt Mildred has protected all of us — especially those who’ve been assigned to the kitchen for years. It’s time to pay her back and protect her now! How could we let a sixty-something-year-old grandma face the hypocrites in the family gathering all on her own?!”
Everyone exchanged looks, swayed by Penny’s words. She had a point, but then again…
“Even if we lived recklessly for one night, we can’t just walk in there and scold everyone!” the young woman in Penny’s group approached the middle table. “I’m scared too!”
“She’s right. Even if we choose to live carelessly for a night, what about our families?” another added.
“My husband and I lead a quiet life. That’s why we never plain, even when I have to work in the kitchen during family dinners,” said another. “So, I don’t approve of this. But if there’s a chance we can help Aunt Mildred, I want to help.”
“The problem is, all we have is will!” someone else joined in. “Right now, even if I wrack my brain, I can’t think of anything.”
“It’s the same for me. This isn’t like any other technical problem in the pany that can be solved easily.”
“It’s a family matter… and not just any family matter.”
“And if this plaint is enough to summon Aunt Mildred to the dining hall, that means the person plaining is from one of the primary branches of the family. Those of lower standing in the family can’t really plain or express their displeasure so openly. The least they can do is not finish their meal.”
One after another, everyone shared their thoughts as they gathered around the table in the middle of the kitchen. It was clear they wanted to help, but at the moment, they didn’t know what to do. After all, this wasn’t just any pany problem, as they had mentioned.
The problem they were dealing with involved troublesome members of the Pierson Family. Even though Penny had an idea of the Pierson Family dynamic and her time here had given her a broader understanding of the situation, she could empathize with their mixed reactions.
Even so…
“I have an idea!” The corner of Penny’s mouth stretched into a wide grin until her eyes were almost closed. “Listen to me.”
Penny crooked her finger, leaning forward toward the table. Curious, everyone leaned in, eager to hear whatever plan Penny had. Although they were certain there was nothing they could do, and even if there was, it was surely a crazy idea. They were out of their minds to even consider putting those ideas into action.
“What do you think?” Penny blinked innocently as she pulled back, smiling sweetly.
Meanwhile, everyone stared at her in disbelief, some scoffing. For a moment, they could only stare at Penny with wide eyes.
“Are you out of your mind?” they asked in unison, making Penny smile even wider. “You can’t just do that.”
“Huh? Why not?” Penny shrugged. “They want someone responsible for the food.”
At this point, they weren’t sure if Penny was admirable or simply ridiculous. Not only that, but she was even smiling without a trace of fear in her eyes. Even if Penny was faking her confidence, there should at least be some indication of nervousness.
“No.” Ashley, who had initially stopped Penny, shook her head. “You can’t just do that.”
Penny frowned. “I’ll be fine—”
“Aunt Mildred will not take it. If the help she’s going to get is something like this, she’d rather not have it,” she said sternly, shaking her head. The rest of the group nodded, knowing Mildred’s personality. Mildred might be intimidating, but she was also a prideful woman.
“Don’t misunderstand,” the woman clarified. “Aunt Mildred wouldn’t make a great sacrifice unless she had to. She’s been in this family her whole life, so there’s nothing they could give her that she couldn’t handle. Besides, how are you going to get out of the mess if we do what you suggest?”
Penny’s lips stretched into another wide smile, her eyes narrowing into playful slits. “I’ll divorce my husband. Problem solved! Hehe.”
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