Tastes Like Chicken

"Tastes like chicken," He said as-a-matter-of-factly.

There were six of us sitting around the table watching Claude taste the meat.

Next was Peter's turn. Claude slowly slid the plate over and Peter sliced off a small morsel of the still steaming meat and popped it into his mouth.

"Tastes like chicken," he said.

Next was Patty's turn. A little more reluctantly, she reached for the plate. Patty hesitated and looked up, but the expectant stares from everybody around strengthened her resolve. She started chewing her piece, slowly and with a reflective look on her face. She swallowed. And when there was no response, Norah elbowed her.

Tastes Like Chicken

"And?" Norah prompted.

"Hmm," said Patty. "It's a little gamey. Kind of like chicken but sinewy."

At that instant, Ronen pushed in between them taking Norah's turn and picked up the piece of meat with his two hands and with one massive bite nearly finished the cut.

"Hey!" They all shouted.

"Leave some for everyone," someone else piped in.

Ronen furiously chewed his mouthful keeping the entire group in suspense for long minutes. He finally swallowed and with a disappointed grunt said, "Tastes like chicken."

Next was Alma, the timid one of those gathered. She stopped and started twice before picking up her knife and fork. Alma cut off a tiny piece, stared at it, closed her eyes and quickly put the piece in her mouth. She chewed twice and tried mightily to suppress a gag reflex. Tiny little Alma let out a belch that could knock down walls. But she wasn't going to embarrass herself any further. She quickly chewed and swallowed and then covered her face with her hands. From behind her hands she whispered,

"Chickeny."

Norah finally got her chance. She picked up her fork and jabbed the piece still on the plate. She muttered under her breath, perhaps a prayer, as she lifted the fork to her mouth. After quick bite and a few chews, she looked up and said, "Shawn, you really need to learn how to cook. This chicken sucks."

Apparently this is part of a Writing Challenge. To see more, go to www.WeWorkForCheese.com . Today's theme is "Tastes Like Chicken".