A Matter of Taste Chapter Nine Niku-dango Kare (Curried Meatballs, Japanese-style)

The rain fell in sheets outside; the wind howled like a wolf on the prowl. Down below, they could see the palm trees shaking and swaying wildly in the wind. Those pedestrians unfortunate or foolhardy enough to have been caught by the storm were pressed to the walls of buildings, each step a struggle against the strong gales buffeting the city on that morning. That settles it, Puck declared with finality as he looked out the living room window. The wee ones need to stay home today. This announcement was greeted with protests by the older twins, both of whom were already dressed. Its not like well be playing outside, Da! Mack exclaimed, tugging at his fathers hand. We can stay quiet, Pepper assured him, a wheedling note in her voice. Nae an thats final, was Pucks reply as he turned and marched to the dining room where Ginger had breakfast laid out for everyone. Max was already up and was carefully taking a large, fragrant slab of foccacia out of the oven. Ginger, on the other hand, was ladling creamy pumpkin-bacon soup into bowls already set at each place on the table. The little ones were nodding sleepily in their high chairs: Alec had his stuffed bunny snuggled close while Alf munched happily on a biscuit his mother gave him. Dada, monin! Alf greeted Puck as he came in. Good mornin, wee Alfie! Puck greeted him, kissing his forehead. Dada, Alec mumbled sleepily, taking his thumb out of his mouth. Hey, sleepyhead. Puck took him out of the high chair for a warm cuddle. He grinned at Max. I think hes gotten pretty attached to the wee bunny ye gave him, Max. I neer see Alf luggin his bunny round. Muji sleep now, Alf chimed in, grinning. He up at night. Scare moomoo away. Och, so your bunny looks after ye at night, then? Puck chuckled at that. What a useful wee bunny. He frowned when he noticed that Alec seemed to fall asleep. What, you want to go back to bed? No-no, Alec yawned. Want betfus; soupy bread.

Well, ye cannae hae breakfast if ye fall asleep, Puck warned him, strapping him back into his high chair. He called the older twins in from the living room. Mack! Pepper! Breakfast! What are we going to do all day? Pepper demanded petulantly as she stomped into the dining room. I was hoping Mam would let me help make macarons today. Its too damp to make meringue today, sweetheart, Ginger informed her daughter. But your kitchens got airconditioning! Yes, but that doesnt mean the humidity wont get to the meringues. No, Pepper; no meringues today and you kids will stay home. But I wanted to show Grandpa my new drawings! Mack protested, frowning. Ye can show Grandpa some other time, Puck declared in a tone that brooked no nonsense. Ill nae hae the lot o ye havin colds our trip to Japans comin up and ye do want to go to Disney Sea, aye? Aye, the older twins sighed in chorus. Is Uncle Max coming with us? Mack asked their parents. Both Puck and Ginger turned to Max who simply shook his head. I dont feel much like traveling, the young man admitted candidly. Ill stay home and mind the fort while youre all away. Still feeling a bit off? Puck asked him. Sort of, Max admitted with a shrug. But I dont feel as tired as I did when I first came here. Thats good, Ginger remarked. Well, lets say grace now so we can eat. A loud rumble of thunder startled them all and set the little twins to whimpering. Ginger got up and cuddled the babies to soothe them. Puck led the grace and motioned for Max to start slicing up the bread. So what are we going to do all day? Mack asked between spoonfuls of soup. Well, I asked your mam last night if she wouldnt mind us baking today, Max told him with a grin. And youll let us help you? Pepper asked hopefully. Sure, piglet. Why not? What are you baking, Uncle Max? Mack asked him. Well, I was thinking we could get a head-start on gingerbread.

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This prompted eager stares from the older twins. Youll let us cut out the cookies, aye? Mack demanded excitedly. Anything you want, piglet, Max assured him. Oh, and your da told me how you kids like curry. He tilted his head to one side, a smirk on his face. If youre well-behaved today, I think I just might whip up a pot of meatball curry for lunch. Youre terrible, Max! Puck laughed on seeing the gobsmacked looks on the older twins faces. Resortin to bribery to ensure good behavior! Oi, it worked on us when we were wee lads, Max reminded his cousin. Your mam, if I recall, was the queen of the use of shortbread to make sure we stayed quiet all afternoon. Hah, it wasnt enough to make sure Puck didnt leave you behind at the playground, Ginger teased him. Max rolled his eyes at that. If your friend Lennie hadnt found me, Ill bet Uncle Alastair would have given you a worse hiding than the one he did give you! he exclaimed. His eyebrows furrowed at that point. Speaking of Lennie, what happened to her? Puck threw Ginger a startled glance and mouthed He doesnt know?! Ginger raised an eyebrow and shrugged. Oh, shes fine, Puck said in a rather guarded voice. Whos Lennie? Pepper asked, her curiosity piqued. A friend of ours when Da and I were little, Ginger replied, calmly buttering a slice of foccacia. When your Uncle Max was a bit younger than you, he followed us to the playground and managed to fall asleep while the rest of us were playing. We ended up forgetting all about him and panicked when we got back to Das house and your Grandma Grisie asked where Max was. Lucky for Uncle Max, our friend Lennie forgot something at the playground and went back for it. She found Max crying, curled up under the big slide in the middle of the playground. Lennie was a big girl tall for eight at the time and strong; she carried Uncle Max home. She aimed a sly grin at her husband. While Grandpa, Grandma, Great-uncle Graeme, and Memee Lydie were pleased that Max got home safely, that wasnt enough to stop Grandpa from spanking your da! Lennie writes books for a livin, Puck informed Max rather blandly as he refilled his soup bowl. Thats all I can remember at the moment, but shes fine. I wish I could see her again, Max remarked somewhat wistfully. She was so nice.

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And Melaine isnt? Ginger teased. Max actually blushed at that. Well, shes not so bad, he said. At least, I came out of Chinatown in one piece. He excused himself from the table and ducked into the kitchen. When he returned, he carried three plastic bottles filled with what appeared to be milk tea. And her dad sent me home with a dozen bottles of their new milk tea product. He handed one each to Puck and Ginger and cracked open the seal on the one left in his hands. He took a sip and smiled. Its pretty good. Tito Pochs taken a shine to you, Puck chuckled, opening his bottle. Im a chef, Max reminded him. He asked if I could help out with some of the new products theyre developing. Puck raised an eyebrow at this, but said nothing as he took a swig of tea. He looked at the label on the bottle. Elevenses, he said. Such an English name! But, aye: tis good. They got the rose flavor down pat. He poured some of the tea into the older twins glasses. Here ye go, kids. Its yummy, Mack declared after gulping his share down. It tastes like Mams rose macarons! Pepper beamed. Ginger checked her watch. Puck, its seven-fifteen, she advised her husband as she rose to her feet. Dont worry about the dishes, Max assured her. I can do them. Be good, okay? Ginger said as she kissed each of the children. Dont bug your uncle, Puck admonished them in his turn as he gave each child a hug. Then, he threw Max a stern look. As for ye, dont tire yourself out if ye dinna hae to. Ill be good, Max promised meekly.

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Aside from all four of the Henstridge kids, Max found himself babysitting Argie and Ditas Spencers three children, as well. Seven-year-olds Gabriel and Raphael Spencer came because school had been called off due to the inclement weather. Their little sister Mimi was there for the same reason as the Henstridges: it was too rainy for her to go with their mother to her office.

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Fortunately, the five older kids were all bookish and kept quiet as they rummaged through the extensive home library. The baby twins were just as quiet. Alec had fallen asleep on the couch, his bunny still in his arms. Alf, on the other hand, was cheerfully rolling a plush ball towards Angus the terrier who promptly gave chase and always fetched it back. Anglia, Maxs kitten, was comfortably perched on Peppers lap as she and Mimi played with their paper dolls. Max kept the kitchen door open to keep an eye on the lot. He busied himself by rolling meatballs for the curry he planned to make for lunch. He found the process therapeutic. Stirring the seasoned pork and rolling it all up into little balls let him think. His thoughts went back to the previous days tour of Chinatown with Melaine. He could not seem to get the scent of her perfume and the softness of her hands out of his head. If anyone asked him about it, he would have snapped rather indecorously. But, as he worked by himself, he actually allowed himself to entertain the notion that maybe things could work between him and his former boss. As friends, he thought, still not trusting himself to think of anything more serious. She always had my back and I always had hers. Maybe we can be friends Uncle Max, Pepper said as she entered the kitchen with Mimi. May we please have some chips and soda? Max looked up at the clock. It was just nine oclock; a snack wouldnt hurt the kids. Just give me a sec, piglet. He got up, washed his hands, and poured the tri-colored tortilla chips Melaine gave him into a large bowl. He handed it to the girls with a small smile. Here you go. You should smile more, Uncle Max, Pepper said, smiling up at him. Oh, and whys that? Mimi and I think you look like a movie star when you smile. Max blushed at that. You girls think so? he asked. Yes, we do! Mimi declared emphatically. Maybe if you smiled more, youd have a girlfriend. I already have one, Max chuckled. Youd have a proper girlfriend, Uncle Max, Pepper declared. Gemma-the-Dilemma doesnt count.

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Max turned and gave Pepper a stern look. You watch your tongue, young lady! he declared, crossing his arms at his chest. Ill not have any cheek from you and, grief and circumstances, Pepper! youre only four! But thats what Da and Mammy say, Pepper explained without remorse. And we dont like her! Da says shes not good for you shes mean! Before Max could say anything in Gemmas defense, Pepper resolutely turned and marched out of the kitchen with the bowl of chips in her arms and her little nose turned up derisively. With a sigh, the young man returned to his place at the kitchen island and went back to rolling meatballs. Can I help you, Uncle Max? Mimi asked him. Sure, kiddo, Max assured her. Why dont you wash your hands first? Mimi obediently went to the sink to wash up and dried her hands on the towel that hung nearby. Max plunked her onto the stool beside his and showed her how to roll

tablespoons of the seasoned pork into meatballs. Does your mummy let you help her in the kitchen? he asked the pigtailed little girl. Oh, Mummy doesnt cook! Mimi replied gaily. Daddys the one who cooks; hes a chef. Max grinned at that. Seriously? he said. Your mum never cooks? Just sandwiches, Mimi said. Daddy has a fit when Mummy tries to boil water. Max said nothing, but looked pleased with Mimis handiwork: even little spheres that did not look out of place amongst those hed rolled previously. So, your dad lets you help him in the kitchen? he asked her. Sometimes, Mimi nodded. She looked up and regarded Max rather frankly. Can I ask you a question, Uncle Max? Sure, Mims; fire away. Are you gay? Max nearly dropped the meatball he was rolling at that question. exclaimed, staring at Mimi in disbelief. What gave you that idea, Mimi? Um, Mummy says youre so finicky about stuff, its kinda gay. So, are you gay, Uncle Max? Mentally, Max made a note to himself to sort both the senior Spencers out properly the first chance he got. No, I can safely tell you that I am not gay, Max informed Mimi sternly. I What? he

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like girls, not boys. So please get that notion out of your head no matter what your mummy thinks. Oh, okay, Mimi replied, dimpling up at him. Muttering darkly about the frankness of some women, Max finished up rolling the meatballs and got ready to start frying them up. Presently, the doorbell rang. Mack! Max called to his nephew. Could you get the door, please? Sure, Uncle Max! Mack promptly trotted over to the front door to check who it was. Hi, piglet! Max spun around sharply at the sound of Melaines voice. How are you? Ninang! Mack impulsively hugged his godmother. Were good. Hi, Ninang! Pepper scrambled over for a hug. Hey, piggy. Wheres Uncle Max? In the kitchen, Pepper replied. Uncle Max, Ninangs looking for you! Send her in, Pep, Max told her as he washed his hands. Melaine came into the kitchen and leaned in the doorway. Max noted that she was dressed for work: a crisp white blouse with sleeves rolled to her elbows and worn over black tailored trousers. He noted that her high-heeled boots were damp. Hey you, she greeted him with a smile. Hi, he replied. Shouldnt you be at work? I was, but Papas sent everyone home. She turned to the window and tilted her chin towards the strong rains outside. The weather bureau says the storms getting worse. Before Max could say anything, the phone rang and he heard Pepper get it. Who is it, Pep? he asked. Its Da, Pepper replied as she put down the phone. He and Mammy are coming home early. Its raining super hard outside. Max slid a glance at the tray of meatballs and sighed in relief, having made enough to practically feed an army. Would you like to stay for lunch? he asked Melaine. Only if you wont mind, she replied, stepping into the kitchen. Any way I can help? Oh, Ive got this, Max assured her. He gestured towards the soda machine in a corner of the kitchen. Why dont you and the kids have a soda or something while Im cooking? Gee, thanks. Melaine opened one of the cupboards and took stock of the syrup bottles in it. Hey, kids? What kind of soda do you want?

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While Melaine and the children went over Gingers stock of syrups, Max busied himself with the curry. From the corner of his eye, he noted how good Melaine was with the kids. The babies latched themselves to her legs till she smoothed back their soft curls and sent them out with a gingersnap apiece from one of the jars. She replied to the older Spencer boys questions about soccer matches and swimming with the air of an expert, then asked them how their taekwondo lessons were going. She let Mack pour the syrup theyd chosen into a little

measuring jug and showed him how to fill up the machines carafe with water. She did this even as she complimented the little girls on how pretty they both were. Shed make a lovely mummy, Max thought. Shes an ornery sort, but her hearts in the right place. How come youre not married yet, Ninang Laine? he heard Pepper ask Melaine. Im too busy, piggy, he heard Melaine tell the inquisitive little girl. How come you dont have a boyfriend? This was from Mimi. Same thing, sweetheart: Im too busy. Uncle Max isnt married either, Pepper declared. Maybe you should marry him. Max turned sharply and glared at Pepper who immediately cowered behind her godmother, knowing too well that shed definitely riled her uncle now. Leave your uncle alone, Pepper, Melaine scolded the child, though her tone was gentle. Hell get married when hes good and ready not because someone bullied him into it. She sent the children back into the living room. Now, go play nicely. Thanks, he murmured into her ear as she handed him an icy glass of rose soda. No charge, Melaine replied with a smirk, clinking her glass against his. Shes a good kid, but she does have a habit of interfering with peoples lives. It drives her parents crazy. So they tell me, Max agreed, sipping the sweet, floral soda. Youre making curry? Melaine asked, noting the box of Japanese curry roux on the counter. Yup, Max replied as he began browning the meatballs in batches. He jerked his thumb at the rice cooker. I made the rice earlier, so it ought to be just hot enough by the time the stews ready. Excellent. Melaine sat down on one of the kitchen stools and studied Max as he worked. Then, Max, remember what you said about the first girl you kissed?

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Lennie? What about her? Melaine said nothing. Instead, she took a picture out of her pocket and handed it to him. Puzzled, Max took it from her and looked at it. He was startled at what he saw. The picture was rather old, obviously taken during the early or mid-1980s. It showed a group of children dressed in the sort of finery worn for First Communion. One child was considerably younger than the others: it was Max at age three. He immediately recognized both Puck and Ginger, the Spencers, their bandmates Kei Ninomiya and Joey Hao, as well as Joeys twin brother. And there was Lennie and she was holding Maxs little hand. As Ginger had told the children earlier that day, Lennie was a tall girl taller than Argie Spencer or the Hao twins who had rather Castilian features and wore her chestnut hair in two long braids. Max stared at Melaine in bewilderment. Where did you get this? he demanded of her. Its been in one of the photo albums I have downstairs, she replied simply. At first, Max did not seem to comprehend. Then, something Melaine said in passing the previous day returned to him: people did call me Lennie as a kid. Lennie? he gasped. Youre Lennie?! Melaine nodded without even the faintest hint of a smile. I guess now I understand why I thought you looked familiar when you first came to work at LEtoile, she told him. It used to annoy me, you know and that probably explains why I was always so short-tempered around you when we worked together: I could never seem to place where wed met before. You had an inkling you knew me, Max said, staring at her in bewilderment. Something seemed to snap snugly into place in Maxs head at that point and there was a slight tug at his heart. But Its too soon, he thought. I dont even know what to do about Gemma, let alone jump into His mind seemed to screech to a halt. God, why? Why now?! Are you all right? Melaine asked, her face full of concern. Er, yeah, he replied, smiling a bit shakily. You just caught me off-guard is all. Why dont you sit down for a bit? Melaine suggested. Let me handle those meatballs for a mo. Sure, thanks. Gratefully, Max sank onto a nearby stool and drank down his soda.

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Alec came trotting into the kitchen, stuffed bunny clutched tight under one arm. Hug, pease! he shouted to his uncle. Up you go! Max declared, lifting the little boy up and onto his lap. He cuddled Alec who promptly nestled his head against his uncles chest, gurgling most happily. Doesnt he ever let that bunny go? Melaine asked Max. Carrots my friend! Alec protested, clutching the bunny tighter. Guess not, Max replied with a grin. Kind of reminds me of that disreputable teddy bear Puck had as a kid. Mister Bear! both he and Melaine laughed. The front door opened and Ginger came in, shaking a very wet umbrella. She handed the umbrella to Mack. Mack, please hang this over in the laundry room, she told him. Sure, Mam. Mack kissed her cheek and trotted off with the umbrella. Wheres Da? Coming up in a bit, Ginger replied, holding her arms out to Pepper. He passed by the lobby to pick up the mail. Mammy! Exuberantly, Pepper hugged her mother. Uncle Max is making curry for lunch and Ninang Laines here, too. Hola, kumare! Melaine called from the kitchen. Hola! Ginger replied as she came in, picking Alf off the sofa in the process. Your dad sent you home? Yeah, Melaine replied, taking the last of the meatballs out of the pan and putting them on the plate Max placed on the counter. Hey, Ginge, Max greeted his cousin-in-law. Hey, kiddo. She held her free arm to Alec who promptly allowed his mother to pick him up. Goodness me, but you cherubs are getting heavy! she exclaimed, nuzzling each curlyhaired head. Soon I wont be able to carry you! She narrowed her eyes and grinned at Max. I see you and Lennie here are getting along better. Yeah, Max agreed with a faint smile. He slid a glance at Melaine who was also smiling. He turned to her. Were on for Saturday, right? Melaine nodded. Definitely, she said. Whats this? Ginger exclaimed, nearly dropping the baby twins in surprise.

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Um, I asked Melaine if she wanted to go to the movies on Saturday, Max explained, a faint blush staining his pale cheeks. Ginger stared first at him, then at Melaine. Then she laughed heartily. You sure dont waste time now, was all she said regarding the matter.

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Niku-dango Kare Note: Japanese curry tastes best with plain white rice and some Japanese pickles (tsukemono). Takuan (sweet-pickled daikon radish) is nice, but the traditional accompaniment to this curry is Fukujin-zuke (assorted vegetables pickled in a soy-based solution). For the Meatballs: 1/2 kilo ground pork 1 egg 1 cup rolled oats 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 tablespoon prepared mustard cup finely chopped fresh button mushrooms 1 tablespoon milk salt and pepper oil for frying For the Curry: 1/2 tray curry roux (2 3 cubes depending on what brand youre using) 2 tablespoons cooking oil 1 large onion, chopped finely 1 large carrot, cut into chunks 2 medium potatoes, cut into chunks 1 eggplant, diced 3 cups water Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs, except for the oil. Form the resulting meat paste into balls, using a tablespoon of the mixture for each. Heat the oil and fry the meatballs until well browned. Place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Set aside. Using two tablespoons of oil, saute the chopped onion till fragrant. Add the diced eggplant and cook till soft. Add the carrot and potato chunks; cook until the edges have

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browned. Add the water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer till the carrot and potatoes are tender. Add the curry roux, stirring well to dissolve. Turn the heat up to medium and add the meatballs. Bring to a boil again and then turn the heat down, allowing the curry to simmer till it thickens. Remove from heat and pour into a deep serving bowl or ladle directly over serving portions of hot rice. Serves 6.

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