Seeing their state Mrs. Robinson cleared her throat. Teasingly she said, "okay love birds we can't stay in the corridor all night", and walked away. Alex pulled himself up quickly, he was still a bit tipsy. He gave his hand to Cindy to help her get up but Cindy rejected it and got up on her own. She walked fast to catch up with Carla.
***
At Cindy's place,Matthew dressed up Owen and Olivia for bed.
Olivia: Uncle, when will mom come back?
Olivia asked worriedly. Matthew thought, 'where was she at this hour, her office doesn't grant overtime'.
Olivia: Uncle can you call and ask her when will she get back...I'm worried.
Matthew: okay sweetie I'll call her; but promise me, after talking with her you'll go to sleep.
Olivia gave a big smile, "okay".
Matthew softly pat her head and dialed Cindy.
Cindy was about to call them when her phone ranged.
Cindy murmured, "speak of the devil..."
Mrs.Robinson got busy preparing dinner and Alex went for a hot shower to get rid of the hangover. Cindy sat there alone in the living room to rest a bit.
Cindy: Hey!
Matthew: what hey? When are you coming back?
Cindy: I'm..
Matthew: what happened? Are you in trouble? Should I pick you up?
Cindy: No no it's fine.. I.. I won't be able to come home tonight.
Matthew raised eyebrow, "Why?".
Cindy: I'm at an old friend's place.. she insisted me on staying the night.
Matthew: oh..then I'll stay with Olivia and Owen tonight. I'll pick you up tomorrow, send me the address.
Cindy: it's ok, I need to go to work anyway.
Matthew: work? it's weekend tomorrow.
Cindy was dumbfounded.
Cindy: oh. I'll come by myself don't worry.
Olivia screamed "MOMMY" behind Matthew, so he passed her the phone without asking further question.
Olivia: Mom when are you coming back I miss you.
Cindy: honey I'm stuck at a friend's place..
Alex finished his shower and came to tell Cindy it's her turn when he overheard their conversation. 'They really love each other.'
Cindy:...I'll be back before you wake up tomorrow ok? You don't have to pick me up sweetie.
Cindy saw from corner of her eyes,Alex standing beside the couch.
Cindy: we'll talk later byee!
She gave a goodnight kiss and hung up then phone. Alex wanted to tell her she could shower now but she glared at him like a wild cat. 'Don't talk with me!'
Alex slowly backed off and went to his mother and asked her to pass the message to Cindy. Mrs.Robinson giggled lightly.
Mrs. Robinson: Cindy you can take a shower now!
She was still preparing for dinner in the kitchen.
Cindy: okay!
Cindy gave a sigh of relief and went to the bathroom. By her surprise, a bath was prepared for her with her favourite essentials oils and bath bomb. She gave a faint smile and slowly dipped one leg in the water then another and sat carefully. It felt like all her body muscles relaxed making her forget about the hectic day. She closed her eyes and just enjoyed the peacefulness.