I could hear noises downstairs that bothered me from my sleep.
"Mom?" I walk slowly downstairs, dizzily still sleepy finding my mom in the kitchen.
"You're up, get over here have some breakfast" She said turning off the stove.
"You made pancakes" I beam grabbing those pancakes on the plates cheerfully.
I feel not sleepy anymore.
She slightly laughs. I miss mom preparing food for me since she's very busy. I merely see her at night because she came home late these past few weeks. I hugged her tightly from behind.
She looked at me confused "Is there something wrong my baby"
I missed her call me baby. She said when I was young that even I grow up I am still her one and only baby.
So sweet of her.
She raised me well.
"Nothing mom I just missed you"
"Awww" She cooed caressing my hair. I smiled and pursued to consume the pancakes.
We chit-chat and laughed while we were eating together. I get my milk in the fridge and drink it.
I burst in laughter as she grumbles.
I spilled her my fresh milk. We paused, look into each other and laugh.
Now we're little crazy mother and daughter moments.
We were in the middle of the conversation when her phone rang. She mouthed me ' I'll be right back just for a moment' and answered the phone.
I sighed. We're just in the happy moments and somebody's interrupting.
Bad.
I put back my fresh milk inside the fridge and mom approached me.
"I need to go baby" She said worriedly.
"Why? Is there something wrong?" I begged.
"Yeah there's an emergency, sorry darling"
"But it's your rest day, you're supposed not to work right? "
She sighed heavily " Yeah supposedly but Anna took a leave for weeks and nobody's gonna help, so I offered."
I sighed and she kissed my forehead. I mumble okay and she wear her coat and start the car.
Mom is the kindest human being I've ever known exists.
"Bye mom" I waved at her at the window and she waved back mouthed I love you.
I missed her so much. I still want to talk to her. I deeply sighed and sat on the couch, turning the TV on. I scan the channels but I don't feel like watching any show.
My phone buzzed and I sneak it into my pocket.
There's a text saying 'come here'.
Why is there a lot of spams lately? I just replied 'who's this' and returned my attention to the TV.
My phone buzzed again and I saw the text 'Malcolm'
I shuddered quickly when I saw his name. How did he get my number?
Did he stalked me?
I need to ask him.
I attempt to call but my mind is hesitating. I take a deep breath and undoubtedly press the call button. It's ringing.
Why am I so nervous?
I bit my nail uneasily.
I just wanted to ask him. No malice.
He answered the phone and I instantly sit properly in the couch.
"U-mm" I stammered.
"You missed me? Why you called?" his voice croak attractively.
"Ho-ow did you get my number?" I asked while fidgeting.
I hear him chuckled on the other line. What's funny?
"Don't bother to ask just come here" He said nervously
Is he nervous?
"And why would I do that?" I raised my eyebrow.
Mind if he can see.
"It's your job dork" I can imagine him raising his eyebrow.
Funny.
"It's Sunday, it's my day off" I defend.
"No day offs for special workers"
WHAT?
"I will make a call for Rachel if she know all of this"
"Nah mom is away. She's on a vacation"
Oh my God. Can't he cook on his own? It's still. my obligation to do so? Gawd.
"Seriously?" I shouted. I instantly covered my mouth when I realized.
"Yah, it sucks no one's gonna feed me" he act sounded pity.
Gross.
"Okay I'll be there" I hang up fiercely.
Are we disallowed with mom to rest?
This is unacceptable!
I deeply took a deep breath and ran toward my room and took a quick shower. I wear my favorite hoodie and jogging pants as I quickly grab my phone on the table.
Okay Riley everything's gonna be alright.
I convinced myself while running down the street. It sucks not having my own car. It's only few steps away but I feel like sometimes I don't feel like wasting my energy. I just get so tired easily. I need to practice meditation though and some exercises. I badly need that.
I knock the door when I arrived and Malcolm appeared.
Okay. He's shirtless again? It's like I'm turning crazy in no time.
"Hi" I carelessly greet him while stepping inside. Feels like I own this house. Ha- ha
I look around confused. Something strange in the house. I can hear laughs for a few miles.
"Is there anybody in the house?" I asked in curiosity.
"My friends just got here, they're in my room playing"
"Are you acting like kids?" I scoffed, tying my hair in a messy bun. My hair is still wet but I feel hot though I need to tie it.
Look who's fool wearing a hoodie.
"Hm-m yeah" he stammered.
Did he just stammer in front of me?
"I need you to cook spaghetti" he changed the topic.
I laugh teasingly " Did you just crave my own spaghetti?"
"N-no!" he quickly looked away
"Hmm"
"My f-friends! They requested it dork" He said angrily and quickly walks away.
What's wrong with him?
He can change his mood quickly.
Oh man.
I shrug and walks toward the kitchen. It seems like I must do what I needed to do.
Hoping for an extra tip for working until weekend. That sounds fair.
I reach the drawers to find the ingredients and started to slice the spices. I think I might about to cry with this shitty onion.
Fucking no way!
This is embarrassing.
"Looks like the little nerd is crying her ass off"
I quickly turned my head for who's speaking.
"Asshole!" I grit my teeth knowing it's one of his friends, Shawn Hool, the baddest among the baddest.
What the hell I'm surrounded with these jerks. I'm cursed.
He laughs mockingly, showing another baddass boy Rem Walker.
What a great day.
I boiled the pasta and preparing the sauce. I ignore them watching at me.
"You're the Fox's chef huh" Rem commented teasingly.
I just shrug and just do what I need to do.
"Come on guys let's play chess" Malcolm suggested beamingly gripping the chess board in his torso.
Gulp.
Stop watching Riley.
"Ohhh man you'll just be defeated" Rem laughed teasingly.
"I dare Riley to fight one on one with Malcolm" Shawn bursts laughing.
"What?" I quickly turn around furrowing my eyebrows.
"Come on nerd don't be a full time chef there and have some fun" Shawn said mockingly.
I finally pour the sauce on spaghetti and prepare a plate ignoring them.
Don't ruin my mood guys.
"Hmmm it smells good nerd. Can I have a taste? "
Shawn was about to grab the plate when Malcolm stopped him.
Oh! for goodness sake.
"There's plenty guys don't fight you little kiddos" I hissed.
I shook my head in disappointment.
Malcolm grab the plate and eat vigorously.
He really craved my spaghetti huh. I silently giggle and put another spaghetti on the other plate. I gave it to Rem and Shawn complained mouthing 'where's mine '.
I rolled my eyes and unwillingly scoop him some spaghetti.
"Next round" Malcolm handed me the plate with a puppy eyes.
"Obviously you love it" Rem cheers
"How on earth did Riley made this? It's not an ordinary spaghetti. There is something on it. Did you just put some potion on this?" Shawn exclaimed.
I rolled my eyes.
"Why would I do that you fool, you're not my crush or something"
Malcolm looked at me and beamed to fight me one on one.
"Nah Riley doesn't know how to play it. Do you? " Rem shook his head.
I look at him drastically. "Try me"
I forcedly grab the chess board and lay out the board on the table and arrange it in its desired position, setting up the pawns on the second row. I put the rook in the corners placing the knights next to rooks while bishop goes next to knights.
Mom taught me this when I was a little. I still haven't forgotten though. We used to play these in summer.
I look at Malcolm seeing him in stunned face and shrug.
" Well then let's get started" Shawn blurted.
Malcolm sits in front of me trying hard to focus.
"Me first.... Don't forget white moves first" I demand seriously, trying to grab all my concentration.
I move the pawn in front of the king two squares forward.
Now it's Malcolm's turn. He move the pawn in front of the king same to mine.
Huh.
I have to pry him open somewhere so it has to be a pawn break or some kind.
I get the knight out.
He responded, moves the bishop out.
He looks too focus with his hand on his chin, watching the board all the time.
I took a deep breath. I need to think clearly. I can hear Rem's cheering from behind.
Shit. I'm distracted.
I have to win.