My silly stepbrother

Chapter 3: Bombing the kitchen

I stepped out of the bathroom, the scent of orchid lingering on my skin.

I wrapped the towel tightly around my body, and walked over to my luggage, unzipping it.

My luggage remained packed, a reminder of my exhaustion the day before.

Cloth picking was my top problem. Because I was never satisfied with one. And my mom always helped me with it. My gaze shifted to the door.

A wave sadness crashed over me, sad that she was already moving on and forgetting me. She didn't even come for morning greeting.

After several hesitation, I picked out a casual blue jean trouser, and a black top.

Simple and refined.

The sound of laughter and chattering greeted me in the living room—Luke and Charlotte.

They sat on the cushion, but my mother rested her head on his shoulder, her face filled with genuine smiles. It's been so long since I last saw those smiles.

I tiptoed to the wall in the hallway, sneaking a look at the sweet couple like a thief.

“Sister, sneaking at people is not a good thing,” James whispered into my ears.

“Ah..” I flinched, my body jumping up.

Then again. He appeared. Ruining my blissful moment.

“Do you have to whisper into my ears?” I grumbled, rubbing my tingling ear.

Luke and Charlotte looked up, hearing the commotion. Since I couldn't hide again, I trudged down the stairs, shooting James a fierce glance before walking away.

I walked up to them, bowing slightly to Luke before hugging my mom. “Good morning my angel,” Charlotte whispered as she embraced me. “Good morning mom,” I whispered back, before straightening up.

“Baby, Luke wants you and James to cook for us today,” my mom said.

I glanced at my mother with a questioning gaze. As if to say; Like seriously?

As if sensing my gaze, she added, “Don’t worry, James would assist you.”

My gaze flickered to James, who was already walking into the kitchen, his back shaking with a suppressed smile.

“Whatever,” I shrugged, walking into the kitchen in dragged steps. “What are we cooking?" I asked James, taking the shot.

I was already leaving a way out for myself, in case things go worse. “Omelette with vegetables,” he replied.

I sniffled a smile. But I was standing at his back, so he didn't notice. Such a simple dish, easy.

“Get me bell peppers, onions and mushrooms from that cupboard,” he commanded.

Scoff. “Now you can command me, huh?” I thought to myself. But I still moved my legs to get those things. “Yes, Chef." I whispered.

After getting him the ingredients, I stood beside him, watching him rinse the other ingredients. “Um, What should I help with?”I asked.

He handed me the onions and a knife. “Slice these onions,” he said, his eyes already focused on the next task.

I took the onions, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over me. How should I slice it? Horizontally or vertically?

But I couldn't ask him, or he'd be disappointed in me.

My hands felt clumsy, my fingers trembling slightly as I sliced the onions. But I felt a weight landing on my hand, and his warm breath wrapping me from behind me.

I felt a flutter in my chest as his body brushed against mine. “What are you doing?” I snapped, snuggling from his embrace. But he didn't bulge, instead he rested his chin on my shoulders. “Focus.” He said, moving my hand to dice the onions neatly.

But I couldn't focus, as the fragrance from his body wafted into my nostril, making me dizzy. While he remained unaffected, his hand moving with precision, the knife gliding effortlessly through the onion. His focus was intense, his eyes never leaving the cutting board.

After eternity, he stood up straight, picking up the board in front of me and returned back to his position, whisking the eggs.

Precise and mature.

But my cheeks had turned tomato red, like a doll.

I approached him, my eyes locked on his, admiration welling up inside me. But it only lasted for a moment. He placed the pan on the stove and turned the burner on. I wanted to comment that the heat was too much when he poured the egg directly on it.

The pan caught fire!

James and I leapt back, shocked.

After the fire had completely died down, I opened the windows, taking in a sharp, cool breath.

I walked over to James' side, and my mouth opened wide to see chocolate cookies instead of omelette.

I stared at the burnt pan, feeling a mix feeling of relief and embarrassment.

I turned to him, my mouth curved into a non-commital expression. My admiration for his skills shattered instantly, replaced with disdain and disappointment.

We brought the dishes to the dining room, placing them down with a pursed lips.

“Okay, let's see what our kids prepared for us,” the soft chuckle of the two was heard from the living.

Their enthusiasm faltered when they saw the food, their eyes opening unbelievably wide.

Charlotte was the first to recover. “You made chocolates?’ she asked, her voiced laced with a hint of disdain.

But James was shameless, professionally replying Charlotte. “You're mistaken. We made Omelette.”

Luke pointed to the plate, his eyes shimmering with fake tears. “You call this Omelette?” He asked, glaring at James then me.

They knew we couldn't cook, but not to this extent. So embarrassing.

Charlotte felt deflated, collapsing on the chair. “You're really bad at cooking..” she growled.

I looked down, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. “Should I make toast bread for you?” I muttered under my breath, unable to meet my mother's gaze.

“You?” My mom scoffed, her fingers walking me down. “I'd rather order something.” She grumbled, walking out of the room.

Luke shook his head, walking out out of the room. Left with only me and James.

“You don't have to be so professional when you were going to end up your cooking with rubbish,” I shook my head, packing the dishes and dragging my legs out.

While washing the plates, James came in, standing behind me. My body tensed, trying to act composed while staring at him on the sideline. But just as I finished washing, he dropped a bombshell. “I've a secret, that I wish to tell you, but I can't, as of now.” he whispered, his voice barely above a whisper.

My body froze, and I couldn't look back. He didn't say more, and walked out on his own. He told me a secret but he refused to tell me what it was. I was left wondering and worrying, my mind racing with possibilities.

I was still lost in thought when a sound pierced my esrs. I turned to my phone placed on the fridge, displaying “Bestie” on the screen.

I had barely picked up the call when a yell came in from the other side.

“Why didn't you pick up my call throughout yesterday, I almost thought you were missing.”

“I'm sorry, my phone was on silence, and I was too exhausted to check for missed calls yesterday.” I whispered, snagging an apple from the counter as I walked out of the kitchen.

“Sigh. thought you had found a new friend and casted me aside,” Linda grumbled.

“You know I wouldn't dare. Well, I had to follow my mom to her new home, so I was too buried in parking stuffs…” I explained, slumping on the bed.

“Oh my, that must be so tiring. So tell me,did your mother's boyfriend has a child, son to be precise?” Linda asked, her voiced filled with curiosity.

“What do you mean?" I asked..

“Juat answer me,” Linda insisted.

I shrugged, heaving a sigh. “He has, an only son..”

I hadn't finished when she cut in, “Send me your address, I'm coming straight away.”

“What did you say?” I asked again, not believing my ears. “I said send me your address, I'm coming to visit you now,” she screamed, bursting my eardrums.

“I don't think that'd be possible,” I paused, gathering excuses. “He hates seeing people around me. Ha, I mean he hates seeing people around him..” I stuttered.

“I don't care, send it to me now.."

After ending the call, I stared at my phone, my eyes glazing over as mind swirled with thoughts. She can't know that James is my stepbrother, not what excuse am I going to give.

Probably, I'd rather not pick her calls again for today—A temporary solution.