Mom's Favorite

My sister was always Mom’s favorite. No matter what I did, she would always praise her over me. When I climbed a tree, my sister would climb a bigger tree, when I made breakfast, she made dinner and a fantastic dessert. It’s always been a competition. Mother’s Day was coming up and I wanted to get Mom something extra special. I planned the day to a tee and decided to make Mom the greatest dinner she ever had and give her the best gift I could ever give her. I went out to Farmer’s Market and bought the freshest vegetables and spices, then I went to a wine import store bought the most expensive bottle of red wine I could. It was a special occasion after all. Early the next morning, I started cooking. I chopped the veggies and placed them in the water. I let it simmer and boil as I seared the meat on the stove. The meat had been soaking in marinade and tenderizer for the last few days. Then I deglazed the pan with the wine and placed everything into the crock-pot and let it cook all day. While that happened, I started to carefully wrap Mom’s present. It was a beautiful bone necklace I had made. It took me days but it was an exact replica of the one found in the store. Soon, Mom came over. I was so excited.

“Welcome Mom! I’m so glad you came,” I said opening the door. She snorted, pushed me aside, and dropped her coat on the couch.

“I have to admit, it smells good in here,” she went into the kitchen, "It doesn't smell like the usual smell of dead rats," she was in a good mood! She actually complimented my home.

“Thank you. I made your favorite, beef stew. Everything is almost ready!” I happily took her into the kitchen and dished her a bit of the stew. She ate it a bit and shoved it backwards.

“Your sister makes it better,” she said curtly.

“I know but I’m sure you like it,”

“I had better. The vegetables are overcooked, you put in too much salt, and the meat is tough and rubbery. You can't really do anything right, can you?”

"How about some wine?" said pouring her a glass. She took a sip and grimaced, “The cheap stuff I see,” She ate and drank and I finally got up and prepared her gift.

“I had it made, just for you, Mom!” I said excitedly. She took one look at it and glared, "It's just like the one in the jewellery store in town! I even took a class a year in advanced just so I can make it for you! Do you like it?"

“Once again, you disappointed me. Your sister knows what I like and you once again found a way to screw things up,” I looked down.

“I’m sorry,”

“I know you are,” she got up and took her coat and left again. I sighed. I thought for sure Mom would have been happy for the dinner and gift. I decided to go upstairs and tell my sister what happened. She was in the bathroom, in the tub. I couldn’t contain my happiness though. I had to gloat.

“Hey sis,” I pulled her out of the tub. She leaked blood all over the floor as I propped her torso and head up so I can talk to her. She was never the same after I hacked her legs. They were the meatiest part on her, but still tough with all the tenderizing. Her head fell to the side. I grinned, “I guess Mom doesn’t like you as much as she says she does. She said you tasted horrible,”