L

Without fail, my parents have ordered ribs when visiting the restaurant St. Hubert. Here, I too have a regular meal from which I never stray. For as long as I can remember, animal-shaped chicken nuggets have been my weakness. Served with fries and gravy, my nuggets are nestled in the front seat of a cardboard Volkswagen Beetle; the bright yellow colour of which will catch my eye as the server places it on her tray. Munching on a giraffe-shaped piece of chicken in the company of my parents, although pleasing, can become embarassing, especially in the presence of an ex-boyfriend and his friends. Although highschool is now behind me, I know that from the time they notice me it won't be long until all my old classmates find out. I'll finger the cellphone in my pocket in anticipation of calls that unavoidably start with the line "You're eating what? And with your parents?" To save face, and partially just because I can, I've gotten into the habit of ordering my animal-nuggets with a beer. Confused, the server will give me a helpless look, unsure of whether to ask me for ID and what to do upon receiving it. Luckily for me, the 12-and-under rule on the kids' menu is really just a suggestion.