Playing A Dangerous Game

◄ Chapter 18 ► The Last Day

"I lied." I muttered.

"What?"

"My mom is out of town visiting my grandma who is Florida. She's coming back tomorrow. I was going to cook for you." I crossed my arms and guilt filled his eyes. "I just didn't know how to ask you."

"Why would you-"

"Because you're sulking around Derek. This isn't healthy, you lock yourself in the bathroom for hours. We haven't done anything in days. I know your mothers dead but-"

"There you go." He cut in. "My mothers dead. Yes she wasn't the best mom in the world but she still was my mom. You haven't lost the only parent who dare to be around you even if it was for a spilt second. You didn't have to grow up with her knowing she wished you weren't there. You didn't have to worry about her dying Monica. You don't get it." His voice began to break and tears filled his eyes.

"I know I don't get it." I pulled him down towards me and wiped the tears away with my thumbs. "But you can't let her death kill you Derek." I pressed his forehead against mine. "I'm not telling you to move on from it but don't let it consume you completely."

"How am I supposed to do that?" He whispered.

"Do things to take your mind off of it, like come over and watch me cook. Then we can eat, watch a movie and do whatever you want." I rub my fingers through his hair.

"Whatever I want?" He arched his brow.

"Whatever you want." I repeat, smiling when the light started to return to his eyes.

◄►

I quickly open the oven and pulled the pan out of it. The oven mitts warmed up from the heat of it and I placed it on the stove as Derek closed the oven.

"That smells good." He stood next to me.

"Thanks, I used to make it for my mom all the time. She said it was her favorite." I started taking the oven mitts off.

"Why did you stop?" He choked slightly on his words.

"I don't know really, it was no longer fun to make I guess." I shrugged.

I had made baked chicken breast-that was going to be coated with tomato sauce-with broccoli. It didn't take much time but it did take awhile.

Derek grabbed the plates from the cabinet while I searched for the champagne my mom thought she hid from me. I found it in a drawer in the fridge with the vegetables. I pulled it out and showed it to Derek.

"A little bubbly to compliment this meal?" I gave him a suggestive look at he laughed.

"You sure you want to drink that?" He arched his brow.

I looked at the half empty champagne bottle and swirled it's contents around inside.

"Who do you think drunk this?" I looked back at him.

He let out a laugh and took it from me.

"Maybe you're not a good girl after all."

◄►

I laughed as Derek continued singing.

"what is wrong with me?...
or do i have to be...a jerk so you'll want me
a jerk so we can be...together happily...
and i won't ever call you,
and i will cheat on you whenever i want to
after that i'll tell you i'm sorry, forgive me
then i don't know why but you want to be with me." He strummed the guitar he made out of rubber bands, a cereal box and a paper towel tube.