"I'm back!"
Heading inside the house, my nostrils were warmly embraced with the aroma of spices and baked chicken. Then, there were no more thoughts, just the taste of Dad's home-cooked meal. Saliva nearly slipped out of my lips as my instincts immediately directed me to the kitchen. As expected of the head chef on dinner duty.
I ogled at the tray of balsamic marinated chicken—coated with shades of golden brown—on the countertop as Dad was preparing a kitchen knife to chop them up. God, if I did not control myself, I would have flown over and shove those chicken into my mouth, burning my tongue in the process.
Worth the risk.
Mom might prepare the food I desperately wanted for seconds, but Dad's cooking was to die for, like an absolute chef's kiss. No matter how simple the recipes were, they were beyond this world. My skills, on the other hand... well, amateur at best.
"That looks so good!" I gushed, watching him placing all the chicken slices into each plate, adding some vegetables to the wide.
"It's been a while since we had this." Dad grinned, wiping his forehead with his elbow before he yelled, "Marina, Jo, come get your dinner before Rena and I eat them for you!"
Don't drag me into this, Dad...
Not even a second passed, a door was slammed open, followed by a series of ponderous footsteps, making the entire floorboard tremble. Before I could make a comment, Mom catapulted herself towards us at the speed of light, exclaiming, "Leave my chicken alone, sheesh!"
"Still so easy to bait, heh?" Dad chuckled as he removed his plastic gloves. This is definitely where she learns her pranks from.
"Shut it, Blake Wilton," grumbled Mom as she slapped his shoulder and gave him a scowl, but lighted up as he positioned the plates on each of the spots we usually sat.
Jordan then showed up with his sweatpants and hoodie, with his blue headphones—and I had no idea why he did not use it before—dangling around his neck. I silently walked past him so as not to disrupt his so-called business. Dinner was much better than wasting my energy on retorts.
Ruffling his hair that appeared as though he just fell out of bed, he stared at the food with such an intensity that could reduce his chicken into ashes. However, he raised his brow when I somehow caught his attention.
"So, where did you go today?" I decided to ask politely, at least I tried striking up some interaction.
"...why you ask?" he snorted as he washed his hands in the sink, before it was my turn. "I'm sorry I don't go out as often as you."
Can I get permission to smack his stupid face just once, please Mom? I clenched my teeth and glowered at this exasperating brother of mine as we were assuming our seats. I could literally feel the extra bitterness reeking off him in the back of my tongue. And I was just trying to be civil for once!
Yeah, whatever. I was not going to let him destroy my composure, so I decided to cut my chicken without any more words.
As we started eating, my parents were lost in their conversations about their friends and the restaurant. At some point, Mom asked what I was doing today, and I told them about checking out the new arcade and going to the mall. As typical of Dad's food, the chicken breast was extremely juicy from the marinade and seasoned with perfection. Glad Dad didn't put too much carbs... I'm already satisfied with the pasta for lunch.
With all the last bits of chicken swallowed, I stood up and cleaned after myself. I wiped the table and wanted to wash all of the dirty dishes and bowls, but Mom pulled Jordan over instead—awesome move—and had me shower and take a rest. Taking a deep breath, I grabbed all of my stuff and went upstairs to my room.
Throwing my bags onto the vanity, I slumped myself into the bed, as I pushed the idea of showering or changing my clothes to the back of my mind. I shouldn't have gone straight to bed after eating... but what a day.
Staring at the ceiling, flashbacks from today's events rolled in, from the time where I met Edward at the bus and the games we played, the restaurant, the window shopping, and the fountain show. And of course, it ended up with all of those stumping questions Edward had thrown at me on the bus home.
And that's for the second time...
I should have been equipped with the proper answers, but I decided to blow this perfect opportunity by being the idiot I was. Edward was completely ready to listen had I told him everything, but the fact I have dodged his questions twice now... had guilt crushing me down like boulders. I groaned silently, covering my eyes with my arm. Isn't this what I've wanted for years? To let him know that I've always liked him and cared for him?
All of the rhetorical questions flew off when my phone vibrated in the nightstand. Another sigh escaped off me as I pushed myself to haul up and take my phone. Perhaps it was Aly hopefully telling me she arrived home safe with Mark's help, but I momentarily froze when the notification bubble spelled out someone else instead.
Edward: Hey.
Speak of the devil, Edward. As I repeated his name, I gulped the lump quickly forming in my throat. It might be a simple, short and straightforward text, but it was so impactful enough to make my heart thump. Why is he texting me...?
My fingers shook as I slowly typed in my response, but I immediately punched send before I had second thoughts.
Rena: Hey Edward, what's up? (:
Somehow, I snuck in a smiley emoticon, as though pretending like the bus incident never occurred. After answering him, I promptly sat on the corner of my bed, my fingers clasped tightly around my phone. Now that I don't have to directly see him, I can now be careful and not send him strange messages...
Edward: Sorry about the question. It was out of the blue.
There it was. The apology. He didn't even have to apologize in the first place.
Rena: It's okay, I should have answered
I texted, my fingers moving a little too fast.
Edward: Don't worry, just forget about it.
What? I moistened my lips as I collapsed back to my mattress. Perhaps he reached out to me to address what happened earlier, but it definitely lifted me out of the sea of regrets. At least everything was settled and the awkwardness was out of the way... for now.
"Why do you still wanna be friends with me?"
"Why... do you wanna be my friend?"
His grave voice was crystal clear as he threw all of these similar questions towards me. He insisted on forgetting about them, but in some way or another, came back to it again.
What were his intentions from all of this? What did he really want from me...?
My phone then shook in my hand with a new text.
Edward: I forgot to ask you. Lynn's birthday is next month, but I'm really running out of ideas. I'm thinking of a hoodie or a bag. What do you think?
Not only was it a long text from someone like him, but he even asked about my suggestion. Despite what happened earlier, I placed it aside for now and focused on his new query. This one was, well... very easy to answer. But right... if I remember correctly, Lynn's birthday is around early November.
I contemplated which took quite a while, before gradually something flickered up. With a deep breath, I started pressing on my keyboard buttons. Letters began to form words, then a string of sentences, and without realizing, it quickly grew into a paragraph.
Rena: Hmm, I'm not so sure what she likes. I got her a bag back then, but she'll definitely love hoodies! I was thinking about those cute graphic T-shirts we saw back at the mall, but it's really up to you. Honestly, I think she will appreciate whatever gifts you gave her :)
Wow. That was one of the longest messages I had ever sent to someone, let alone a man, other than my best friend and Samantha. This was also kind of my first time giving some advice to a guy as well. And I'm... feeling kinda proud of it.
Edward: Yeah. I also considered those too, but I will think of it. Thanks, Serena.
Rena: You're welcome! Let me know if you got something :)
Edward: Will do.
I slightly warmed up and smiled broadly. I couldn't contain the bundles of joy blooming from inside of me at the thought of him taking my simple suggestion. I found myself quietly squealing as I laid down once again, but I pulled my phone closer to my chest.
Sure he could be so difficult... but that did not stop joy from blooming in me.