Lost & found: Where did Seb go?

Chapter 3: Cook Off

Lola arrived with a hand full of paper bags. It was 3 in the afternoon when she came back from grocery shopping at the nearest mart in the city of Brent. Although called 'City' the neighborhood does not have a big difference from the countryside of Inswei. She found the place beautiful and peaceful at the same time. She also found several worthy spots to visit along the way.

At the brother's residence, she made herself useful and busy arranging the goods she purchased at the market. The fridge ended up packed. Other dry goods were arranged in the overhead cabinets. She then threw all the paper and plastic bags into the trash bin. Lola then went to the fridge and took a few oranges to make herself juice, blending a couple into a juicer and enjoying it alone while sitting on one of the stools in the kitchen.

It was past five o'clock when Sebastian arrived home. He rushed to the kitchen the moment he smelled something burning. He saw Lola, staring at her burnt meat. When she noticed Sebastian, she pouted and innocently raised her brows with eyes teary. "This is supposed to be the easiest and yummiest food to prepare... safari told me so." Sebastian found the situation funny, he laughed which made Lola pissed but stayed calm. "What are you cooking? Is that even edible?" he said and continued laughing. He walked closer to Lola and figured that she was trying to make a steak. He looked at her who was speechless at the same time. "Yo, what is that smell? Is the house on fire?" Cristian said as he entered the door at the entrance. He just arrived from school. He also figured out what was happening in the kitchen.

Sebastian took the tong that Lola was holding and said, "Let me try to revive it, Milady." Lola was offended and demanded, "Stop calling me that." He just shook his head knowing she was starting to get pissed. "I was just trying to make something and prove to you guys that I'm useful, too," she said. Cristian walked to the fridge and found all the goods Lola bought. "Well, at least you're good at something else, Lola," he said. "What, that I'm loaded?" Lola sadly asked, almost whispering the last word. "No," Cristian replied. "That you are good at making things in order... That's what I am so bad at. Even Sebastian, too," he added, trying to ease what Lola has been feeling. "You know, you can't just start feeling competitive and prove to us that you can do something better. You had all the maids and butlers at the mansion. We're not competing here," Sebastian said. "But you make me feel like a spoiled brat who grew from wealthy people," Lola replied. "It's not like it's not true though," Sebastian corrected. "You are mean," Lola pointed out. "I'm stating facts," Sebastian replied. Feeling defeated, Lola sat on a stool.

Cristian was holding a fork, awkwardly looking at them with a mouthful of sliced apple. "Hmm. This apple tastes so good. Do you want to try some?" he asked Lola.

When the dinner was ready, Lola initiated to prepare the utensils. She knew what she did sounded petty and immature. So, instead of making it sound like a big deal, she agreed to what Sebastian was trying to point out and just continued helping to prepare the utensils.

Sebastian on the other hand thought that Lola must be planning for something. As he opened the fridge, he figured that she must not be rushing to come back home. But appreciating her gesture, he thanked her. "Yeah. I figured it's the least that I can do," she replied.

The three of them sat around the table and started digging for the food. "Recovering this steak is a success, Seb," Lola pointed in between her chews. Cristian also agreed. "I'll teach you, next time," Sebastian answered. She was delighted by the idea Sebastian was offering. "Definitely," Lola replied.

Lola noticed Sebastian staring at her. And every time she stared back, he avoided it. She found it confusing. So, for the third time that she noticed and busted his gaze, she enlarged her eyes and raised her eyebrows, and mouthed him 'What?'. For the third time, he looked sideways and focused on his food.

Cristian presented himself to wash the dishes as he was the only one who did not contribute anything to the meal, having Lola buy some groceries and Sebastian cook.

Lola followed Sebastian to the balcony, curious about what was behind his gazes during their meal. "What was that about?" she started. He looked toward her direction, sighed, and replied. "For how long are you going to stay?" he answered. "I know you just arrived here but you came here uninvited and bought a couple of baggage. You even bought groceries," he added. Lola felt offended. "Are you asking me to leave?" Lola asked. She felt ashamed of his realization, thinking she was a pushover. He stayed silent and looked back to the city lights.

A couple of seconds passed before he replied, "It's just that I think I already know your intentions. We made it clear last night, Lola. I'm not expecting you to leave right away, but you don't look like you will," he answered. Lola nodded. "You're pushing me away, Seb," she pointed, then looked down, played with her fingers. "My parents had your father's debt fully settled a few years back," surprised, he looked at her right away. "They what?" he asked surprised. She sighed and continued, "I know. I didn't know it, too. I just heard about it this morning. I didn't know my family could be able to do such a thing. Of course, they would do anything to help. It's also one of the reasons why they were looking for you two." Using his hands, Sebastian brushed it on his face. He felt so indebted and devastated at the same time. "I don't know how to repay them," he replied, helplessly. "You don't have to. Both of our parents know each other. I'm sure they would not turn a blind eye to it," she replied. "You don't have to repay them, too. They did what they did because they want to," she added as she patted his shoulders. Sebastian was speechless, he turned his face back to the city lights. A burden was lifted from his shoulders, but at the same time, he thought, he had to do something to repay the Whites' kindness. As of the moment, he couldn't think of any way possible.

Cristian heard what the two has been talking about. He was surprised, too but chose to remain silent and did not presented himself to them as he thought being speechless wouldn't help either.