Definitely Fonder (C Duology #01)

07 || Blend

❝Not hearing his answer would probably be for the best.❞

— ❁ —

        THE CHEESE tortellini Laurie ordered just arrived. Thankfully, she and Malie went to the café earlier than usual. Isang box lang ang binuksan nila. Iisang pack lang din ang ginamit nila dahil pang-anim na serving na iyon.

        Laurie was stirring the casserole pan when her phone vibrated. Nag-message ang kapatid niya. Stefan was just probably bored. Although, that was a bit weird. May publishing company kasi ito. It specializes in printing textbooks but he has been thinking of dabbling in fictional books.

        She received another notification. This time, she sighed. Tinatanong kasi ni Stefan kung bakit hindi niya sinagot ang dad nila noong nakaraan.

        Laurie was about to reply when Malie approached her. Dumungaw ito at saka, bumuntonghininga.

        "What?" kunot-noong tanong niya. "Did I do it wrong?"

        Malie smiled sheepishly. Kinuha nito ang hawak niyang sandok. "Medyo. I think it's overcooked." Gamit ang sandok, tinusok-tusok nito ang lumulutang na tortellini. "Ilang minutes na ba?"

        Sumilip siyang muli sa kaserola. "Magna-nine na yata."

        "Yep, it's definitely overcooked," natatawa nitong sabi. "Five to six minutes lang dapat."

        Napangiwi siya. "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. Nag-text kasi si Stefan."

        Pinatay ni Malie ang kalan. "Okay lang. Tayo lang naman kakain, e."

        Malie drained the pasta while Laurie watched closely. After that, she took the sauce she cooked that was sitting in a separate pan. Kumuha si Laurie ng dalawang pinggan. Tinulungan na rin niya si Malie sa pagsandok ng pasta at sauce. When they finished cleaning the countertop, they settled on the stools.

        Malie gave Laurie a fork. They were about to eat when the door chimes chimed. Napalingon sila roon. Pinaikot ni Laurie ang mga mata nang pumasok ang kapatid niya.

        Stefan's eyes scanned the café. Parang tahimik nitong binilang ang customers. Upon making eye contact with Laurie, he smiled. He, then, made his way to the coffee bar. "So, what are we eating?" tanong nito, sabay upo sa tabi ni Laurie.

        Mabilis niyang pinalo ang kamay nitong magnanakaw sana ng isang piraso ng tortellini. "Have some manners. Ni hindi ka naghugas ng kamay."

        Tumatawa itong binigyan ni Malie ng tinidor. "Medyo mainit pa kasi kakahango lang namin."

        Tumusok ng isang piraso si Stefan. "Why is this gummy? Did you cook this, Lau?" he asked, still chewing.

        Malie laughed at his comment. Sinamaan ito ng tingin ni Laurie. She snatched her plate from him. "Why are you here again? When a person doesn't reply, that usually means they don't like you."