I approached him and our classmates chatted with me a bit as well. The teacher soon came and in the middle of the lecture, Skylar tapped on my shoulder.
I glanced at him in confusion, “What?”
He tapped on his notebook and flipped some pages, showing me a drawing of my side profile.
It looked so pretty and very realistic.
“Did you draw this right now?” I whispered.
He nodded. “Do you like it?”
“Yeah! You can draw as well?”
“I can, but only when the inspiration hits. Would you be my muse? I don’t mind doing it occasionally.”
His muse…..
“Uh…. sure, if I can be helpful to you. I’ll be glad.”
He smiled, “That’s why I like you so much. You never turn anyone down.”
At that time, I didn’t interpret his words so much. But, I could tell he meant something way more than what he just said on the surface.
During lunchtime, I again bumped into Rosalia and we ended up sitting down to eat.
“Hey, do you think I eat messily?” I asked her.
She stirred her coffee and gave me a weird look, “Why do you think that? Did someone tell you that? Cause, I suspect you would realize this about yourself so easily.”
“Then, it is true? Why didn’t you tell me that earlier?”
“Uh…well… it’s not something to make a fuss over, is it? And it sounds rude to pick over someone’s eating habits, so I didn’t say anything all this while. Why? Is there anything that matters? Someone pointed it out to you?”
“Um…yeah…”
“That’s so mean! Tell me the name, and I’ll make sure he/she never gets to insult you again!” she became all defensive over it.
“Calm down, I’m fine about it,” I replied, “I’ll just try to fix my bad habits. Thanks for being so considerate though.”
“No need to mention it.”
She tries to look cool and mature, but she can be pretty childish sometimes.
Everyone needs a bestie like her.
College hours came to an end and I was on my way to Marshall’s home. Today I decided to bring over my clothes and make-up instead of food.
I rang the doorbell and waited for someone to open the door.
A few minutes later, Becky answered through the doorbell, “Who’s there? Brother isn’t at home. Can you tell me your name?”
“Becky, it’s me, Aileen. Open the door.”
“Aileen? You again, today? How many times do I have to tell you not to”
“You can scold me later inside. Open the door first.”
She went quiet again and opened the door a few seconds later. She greeted me with a glare.
“Come in.”
“Thanks.” I gave a quick hug before heading inside.
I kept my bag on the couch and she came over to my side.
“Why are you here today? Who called you? Not brother again, right?”
I turned around to face her, “Uh, no. he didn’t call me. I came here on my own. Do you have a problem? Oh, even if you do, I don’t care. Are you hungry?”
“Uh…a bit. Why?”
“Alright, then come with me to the kitchen. We’ll cook a meal together, and you’ll be my helper.” I instructed.
Her jaw dropped in surprise. “Me helping you out in the kitchen? Are you being serious?”
“Yeah, I am. Now, come with me.” I grabbed her by the hand and dragged her inside.
I found the two sets of aprons for the two of us and gave her the other. Then I chose a menu and searched for the ingredients.
After gathering everything I told her to do as I said. She had a hard time holding the knife so I gave her the scraper.
“Can you shred the chicken from the bones?” I asked. “We’ll need it for the broth.”
“You are making me work too much. I only have two hands!” she yelled.
“So, do I. Don’t complain now. Move your hands. I still have to boil some veggies to go with the noodles. Hurry up.”
“You are so bossy!” she complained but still continued to follow my instructions diligently.
After we finished everything, she sat down on the kitchen floor, covered in sweat.
“I’m so tired.”
“At least you have your dinner ready. Don’t you wanna taste your sweat and hard work?” I asked, crouching down onto my knees to meet her eyes level.
She nodded a bit shyly. “I’ll eat. I worked so hard for it after all.”
“Then, go and wash your hands and face. I’ll bring the bowls to the table and let him heat his food when he comes, alright?”
“Okay.”
We both sat by our side and started eating.
She was the first one to dig in and ate everything with a joyous smile. She looks so cute when she’s not being grumpy.
“Hey, are you laughing at me right now? Eat your food!” she grunted.
“Ah…sorry.”
“So, did you like cooking with me?” I asked.
“No!”
Instant rejection.
“It was a bit tough. But…. I don’t mind doing it together again. Only if you don’t yell at me.”