Project: P.A.R.E.N.T.S.

Chapter3: Another day, Another slice of Cake

Titus looked at the two and as if by a millisecond, their expressions changed to an awkward smile. Jessica held a thumbs up. "Ehehe... I can't wait to eat it all!" She squeaked nervously. Will nodded rapidly in addition. Okay forget weird, those two are practically hiding something. It's like they're terrified of eating all of a sudden. Geez. Weirdos.

I cleared my throat and clasped my hands together. "Let's eat!" I took a small swirl of carbonara on my fork and consumed it. My eyes flickered open from the flavor.

"..." Silence was all I could respond with. Its like all of my senses froze.

---
WILL

"She's going to die..." Jessica muttered silently. Lucky enough, Titus was busy scanning Alexandra's reaction to even hear her. I couldn't help but agree to her conclusion. Alex is done for. I waved my hand in front of her face but she didn't react. Gulp. We're doomed.

---
ALEX

"YUM!" I subconsciously gasped, as if I had just awakened from a trance. "This is sooo good, Titus!"

This sudden reaction had caused both Jessica and Will to wince. Titus' cheery face had extended. "Oh it's nothing compared to Will's culinary skills." He answered. "Plus, I might've asked a few tips from him." He laughed nervously and scratched his head. Humbleness was spread all over his face. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the most nicest person I've ever met. But I got to admit... he also got the looks.

Will followed afterwards and he began to ponder. Only then did he realize what Titus had praised him for. "Please stop that. You're very much improving." He patted his best friend's shoulder after he swallowed. Luke rolled his eyes at us. He muttered something inaudible.

Jessica stared at hers and started as well. She ingested with a horrified expression at first, then a glint of amazement was written all over her face. "Who knew our little Oreo finally knows how to cook?!" She licked her lips. She ruffled Titus' hair and gave him a heartwarming beam. He only laughed. Oreo? It's pretty close to his first name. (Orion) That's a really cute nickname... Other than the fact that it sounds really delicious. Mmmmm. Oreos. "I bet this would improve your image towards your fangirls." She teased. Wait... Finally? So, he tried to cook before? I wonder what happened.

"I highly doubt that." He laughed. After noticing that all of us had already started dining on the meal, he began eating. I'll never understand him. He always does this every lunch time. He waits for all of us to start eating before he does.

"Why? What happened back then? I mean... It's not like he burned the kitchen, right?" I blurted out unexpectedly. He stopped chewing and stared at me for a while. Then he looked away and resumed to chew. He looked quite bashful. Wow. Thanks for adding into the awkwardness Al! You're a real good friend. Truly, you are!

I wanted to hit myself so bad. Will and Jessica exchanged concerned looks and stared at Luke. The younger sibling cleared his throat and began to speak, "Actually, not only did he burn the entire Kitchen, Pantry, and Dining hall... but the food was also barely cooked properly." He looked a tad bit satisfied after finishing. The straightforward answer made Titus very uncomfortable. How do I know this? From what I've observed, Titus had this bad habit of tapping things whenever he's uncomfortable or nervous. Right now, he's tapping on his seat. It kinda sounded like a beat. He even looked away from my direction, ashamed.

"I... I'm so sorry for asking. I didn't know. I shouldn't have asked... It's so so insensitive of me." I bit my lip as guilt began to overpower me. Geez, Alex! Me and my loud mouth. Ugh. "It wasn't my business and I shouldn't have pushed further on the subject. I'm so sorry--"

He stared at me. "It's alright. I'm quite glad you didn't laugh. I just hope you don't look at me differently just because of... that. I like you a lot, so I really don't like the idea of you looking down at me." He laughed nervously. I shook my head. I'd never look at someone differently just because of that.

Before I could even say it, I noticed that his movements become less stiff. "But don't worry... I took the entire time this morning today just to make sure it doesn't happen again. Plus, you're new here. So I thought, I should learn how to whip up stuff other than desserts!" Enthusiasm began to fill his radiance. He thinks of others and even prepares for them... no matter what status they are. He really is as kind hearted as everyone says he is. No wonder girls easily fall for him. You can totally see that he isn't the type that tries to act like a prince that he should be... He already is.

"No wonder you were absent the entire morning!" Will placed a finger on his chin and began to ponder once more. Wow. That guy reaaaally likes to think a lot. I stared at the view behind him and saw a couple of girls giggling and staring at our direction. His fangirls? Or perhaps Titus' fangirls? Or... BOTH? If I weren't... Me, I'd be sitting there with them and gossiping. Thank goodness I'm myself.

Titus leaned on his cheek. "Well, I needed a longer time to practice. You did say, practice makes perfect!"

"Indeed I did. I'm glad you actually listened to me." Those two green orbs of his began to stare directly at Titus. He sounded a bit surprised. Titus shrugged and sipped on his glass filled with iced tea. Those two are really close with each other... Kinda like siblings. Makes me wonder if Luke is kind of jealous. I glanced at him only to see Luke continuing to dine on his platter, as if not a single care was given. I couldn't help but think that he hates us. Or perhaps... ME. It's just a hunch though. But I don't get why. It kinda feels like he glares at me each time I'm present.

It wasn't long until I noticed that Titus was staring at me and began to pat my head. Eh?

"You okay there?" He asked. Jessica, and the other two began to stare at me. Luke had his eyebrow raised. I can't believe I spaced out. "Mnn? Oh yeah. I'm good." I replied. He only smiled and continued to pester his little brother.

As we ate our meals, we shared jokes, gossips, and cheery conversations. It's like I could easily feel at home with these guys. They're so easy to talk to. Compared to the other students whom I've encountered, I still think these guys could never get toppled over. Even if I'm the newbie... They still make me feel like I've been with them for a long time.

RIIIING!

We all parted ways into our different classrooms. My first period this afternoon would be Mythology class. Looks like I have another encounter with Professor Pearce. That sadist. Titus and I have the same schedule for two periods. One right now and another before dismissal later in the afternoon.

As we walked side by side talking about the usual random topics, I couldn't help but notice his scar. I wonder where he got that from. NO. STOP IT ALEX. We've already made things awkward back there, let's not do it again. Don't make the same mistakes, moron! Let's try not to lose any friends 'til the week ends.

"After you." He gestured as we were standing in front of the door. What a gentleman. Geez, can you get any nicer? I let out a small smile and began to enter the room. I sat on my usual seating arrangement. Thankfully, he was my seat mate. Good. Now I wouldn't get bored so easily. It was five minutes before Myth class starts. Guess I still have time to make slight chit chat, ey? Time to enhance our friendship! Wow. I sounded really weird.

I glanced at him and I began to notice that he was staring at me. His eyes suddenly drifted its direction away from me after noticing my action. Huh? Suddenly his words, from our previous chat durning lunch break, began to sink in my brain.

Wait... Did he just say that he likes me?!

-------Author's Note-------
Sorry for the crappy chapter. ^^"
I'll try to fix some stuff and such... Ha ha ._.
Also, Apparently I have so much High School drama to undergo. Siiiiiiiiiighhhhhh.