"Yeah!... I haven't said anything about her to you. She died when I turned two. I didn't get a chance to spend enough time with her. I've forgotten what she looked like. I only get reminded of her faces through old pictures," Derek disclosed and I pouted my lips as my eyes brimmed with sympathy for him. So sad. His mom died at an earlier age than my dad. It must have been difficult for him growing up without a mother.
"I'm so sorry about that, Derek. It must have been hard living without a mother for some years now."
"Yeah! I'm able to cope in the way I can." Derek responded with a faint smile and I watched him pack the plates to the kitchen, wanting to wash them at once.
I followed him to the kitchen and said, "You - you don't have to do that. I'll wash the dishes myself.."
He turned back to stare at me before giving me a peck on the head. I grabbed a foam and a liquid soap. I emptied a portion of the soap on the foam, making it lather in turn and then, I began washing the dishes one at a time .
Derek stayed with me and watched as I washed the dishes. I turned to face him and asked again "How did your mom die? Did she get involved in an accident? Is it because of an illness or what?"
"She died as a result of an illness. She had ovarian cancer and we were too late to find out about it. After rocking me to sleep that night on my rocking chair, I heard she passed away the Next day. I was too little to understand. It was until I got older that I got to understand better."
Derek divulged further and ended up sighing deeply. I left the plates I was washing and without hesitating, I walked up to him and wrapped my arms around him, giving him light pats on the back.
"It's so sad and I can tell that it has not been easy for you.. I'm glad you'll have my mom as yours now. She's a nice lady and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time with her."
"I see.. I've enjoyed every bit of my moments with her . Your mom is indeed a sweet woman. I'm glad to be a part of your family, Isabel,"
Derek admitted before stroking my hair with his fingers, flashing me a warm smile along.
With raised brows, he suddenly asked, "What of your dad? I heard he's dead as well. How- how did he die?".
"My dad was a warrior to the Alpha. He died during a battle. He died on a rainy day which is why I get scared of the rain most of the time."
I explained to a horrified Derek whose jaw dropped at once.
"I'm sorry –".
"It's okay.. it's okay.. I'm doing great without him now.. I'm just glad that my mom will finally be able to get married again. She sure loves your father and I can't wait to see them officially get married…"
"Ding ding!" The doorbell rings, grabbing our entire attention. It means our parents were back from work.
"I'll go get it, okay," Derek muttered while I nodded as I saw him scurry off to open the door for them.
I continued with washing the dishes and my mom's loud happy voice was the first thing I heard. She gave Derek an air kiss before asking about me.
"Oh! You guys have had lunch already?" She asked as she settled on the sofa, looking all tired and a little stressed.
When I was done with washing the dishes, I joined them in the sitting room and Mr Walter came towards me to give me a lovely hug.
"How was your day at school today, honey?" He asked, tucking some strands of my hair behind my ear.
"My day went fine." I replied to him and went over to greet my mom. She looked so tired and Derek made the suggestion to cook for them.
My mom and my step dad looked into each other's eyes, not knowing what to say.
"We don't want to stress you, Derek." My mom mumbled with a sheepish smile, itching her nape gently.
"No.. I can see how stressed you guys are. You need to eat and get enough rest. Don't worry, It will be my pleasure to make your meal."
Derek pestered while Mr Walter finally agreed with a nod. "Thank you, Derek," My mom replied, giving Derek's cheek a light stroke.
She heaved a deep sigh and turned to face Mr Walter. "I don't feel too good at the moment. I still have my cramps..can you please take me to my room, honey?"
"Okay.. no problem..I'll give you enough care till you feel better," Mr Walter said lovingly before giving my mom a short kiss on her lips. Derek and I smiled as we watched them, seeing how cute they both are. My mom is finally acting like a kid. She's so happy and pleased to finally have a husband again. It's so lovely seeing her act this way. She and Mr Walter are undoubtedly a great match and they both understand each other better.
Mr Walter carried my mom in a bridal style and before he began to move, he paused for a brief moment before turning to face my mom.
"Honey.. you said we should inform them about our wedding date."
"Oh yeah.. we discussed that.. okay so kids.. our wedding is coming up on the second Saturday of next month.. You all can invite your friends and classmates, okay.."
My mom said, her face beaming with a warm smile.
Derek and I turned to look at each other with shocked expressions on our faces. We dare not invite any of our classmates or friends.. we don't want anyone to know that we're step siblings. No way… that's not going to happen.
"Take me to my room, honey. I'm having a splitting headache at the moment. I need you to give me a light massage" my mom said to Mr Walter who nodded at once and hurried into their room. The next thing we heard was the loud bang of their door..
Derek and I giggled as we made our way into the kitchen. While he prepared our parent's meal, I stayed by his side, eager to learn more of his cooking techniques.
"We shouldn't invite any of our classmates and friends right?" I asked Derek and he nodded thinking it's best if they have no idea about it. Only Bonnie is allowed to attend the wedding ceremony since she's aware of our secret as step-siblings.
"What if one of our classmates shows up at the wedding? We have no idea if one of them shows up secretly?"