That Monday morning, Derek and I woke up early and got dressed in our uniforms, getting ready to leave for school. Derek made breakfast as usual while I stood by his side, watching his every move. He gave me a warm smile every time he glanced at me, knowing how eager and serious I was to learn how to cook from him.
He rumpled my hair cutely before kissing me on the forehead. I widened my eyes and retraced my steps away from him, wondering why he did that given that our parents were still at home. We had agreed not to do anything intimate when they're around, especially not when their wedding is around the corner.
Derek gently poached the salmon filets and while he waited for it to boil, he turned to stare at me with a questioning face.
"Do you want me to give you a kiss this time around?" He asked, winking at me.
My eyes went round and I shook my head along, still taking slow steps away from him.
"What?" He asked with raised brows.
"We discussed this, Derek. No kissing, no pecking, no fondling when our parents are around. What if one of them sees us? How do you think they'd feel?"
I asked, glancing around with my lips parting slightly.
Derek was speechless for a while. He nodded and said, "Yeah.. we made such a rule and we agreed to it. I'm sorry for crossing the limit. It won't happen again.."
I heaved a sigh of relief before staring at his face, weighing the truth in his eyes.
"Come on! Let's finish cooking together? Don't tell me you're trying to avoid me now?"
I managed to grin at his comment and approached him without hesitation. We both watched the salmon cook in the boiling liquid, and I went ahead and grabbed two plates.
Derek's brow furrowed as he peered at me, and his expression was nearly unreadable.
"Urmm.. what is it Derek?" I asked with raised brows.
"Aren't we eating on a plate?"
I sighed and smacked my forehead after hearing his question.
I dropped the plates on the table before holding his hands.
"We can only do this when mom and dad aren't around. We can't do this when they're around okay.. I hope you understand why I'm doing this Derek?"
"Okay.. thanks for always reminding me,* Derek mumbled with a smile and I watched as he scooped the salmon out of the pot.
He turned to ask me, "Have you concealed my mark on your neck?"
"I totally forgot. I'll do that right away.." I replied, heaving a sigh of relief. "Thanks for reminding me, Derek."
"You're welcome. Make sure you hurry up. Don't let your food turn cold. Remember we have to leave early for school today,"
"Okay," I yelled as I got into the corridor, my heart racing at every step I took.
After concealing the mark with my cosmetics, I returned to the sitting room and I saw my food was covered beside Derek's. He hadn't started eating and I wondered why.
"Oh.. I've been waiting for you so we could eat together,"
He admitted and I found myself blushing at his statement.
As I sat in front of him, I pulled my food in my direction and with a smile, I said, "We might eat at the same time but don't forget that we aren't leaving in the same taxi. Remember the plan, we have to hide the fact that we're step siblings.."
He nodded with a mouthful of his salmon. After we were done eating, we bid our sleepy parents and set off to the streets, glancing at the streets for any signs of a taxi cab.
When a car sped up in my direction, Derek grabbed me closer to himself, trying to protect me. He cussed at the stupid driver, feeling agitated at what he did.
"It's alright, Derek. I'm fine. Thank you," I said before slipping off his grip.
When I took a step away from him, I sighted our neighbor, Mrs Briggs, walking towards us with a weird expression on her face. I don't really talk to her that much, neither does my mom relate with her that much. I wonder what it is she wanted to say to me.
"Good morning, handsome," She greeted Derek and avoided me like I didn't even exist.
What does she want to know about Derek? From the little I know about her, she's nosy, rude, uncaring and a little ill-mannered. Little surprise my mother avoided her and put her at arms lengths. She goes about gossiping about people.
"I'm good. How was your night?" Derek asked nicely, his gaze shifting from mine to hers. I tried to look away, not wanting to interrupt their conversation.
"Mine was splendid," She replied with a grin; a suspicious one I could tell. I still wondered why she ignored me and went over to meet Derek. What could she possibly want from him? She hasn't greeted either me or my mother for several months. My mom once tried to share her gifts for Halloween but she refused it and that tells that she doesn't want to have anything to do with us.
"So tell me, how are you related to Isabel? Is she your girlfriend?" She asked, giving Derek a suspicious look. My brows cringed as soon as I heard her question. It's starting to irritate me. She has a daughter who is the same age as me. Her daughter acts weird and a little childish sometimes. Rumor has it that she never had a boyfriend and has never been lucky enough to win a man's heart. Is her mom trying to make Derek know who her daughter is? Don't tell me she has plans on making them date because I've heard she has done all she could by bringing all sorts of men to date her daughter. I heard her daughter is wolf-less and hasn't found her mate.
"Why are you asking if she's my girlfriend?" Derek asked, staring at her plainly, his brows curving along.
Mrs Briggs could not help but stutter. She smiled sheepishly and scratched her nape, thinking of words to say.
"I was only asking because you two act like you're in a relationship," She mumbled as she shifted her gaze from Derek to me.
My eyes enlarged once again and I couldn't help but gulp down the lump in my throat. Mrs Briggs isn't the kind of person that should know that we're in a relationship or that we're mates because I'm certain she'll soon be aware that we're going to be step siblings since she lives close to us.
"We're not in any relationship. May I ask why you're asking all of these? I don't think I even know you.."
Derek said nicely to her, giving her a suspicious gaze.
"If you two aren't in a relationship, then what are you? Step siblings?" She asked again and I smacked my forehead, getting tired of her silly questions. Why is she this nosy? What does she want to know?
"Well.. I can't tell for now. I guess you'll know very soon.." Derek answered her to my satisfaction and I couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.
"I was asking all of this because I want to be sure if you aren't taken already. You're so young, handsome, dashing and everything girls want in a man. I would love you to meet my daughter. Her - her name is Mirabel. She's my only child and trust me, she's so sweet. Will you do me a favor by coming to see her? I'll specially invite you to our house.. please accept my invite, Mr handsome," Mrs. Briggs disclosed and yes, I wasn't so shocked. I knew this was what her conversation was going to end with anyways.
Derek's eyes met mine, and I knew he was unsure of the answer to give.
"Please… accept my request.." Mrs Briggs implored and pestered, almost wanting to go on her knees. My eyes widened in disbelief and I shifted my gaze immediately, not having the strength and courage to watch it.
"I- I will.." Derek finally managed to say and I'm sure he regretted his answers. He only did it because of her pleas.
Without hesitating, I halted a cab and waved quickly at Derek before getting into it. He nodded as soon as he saw me and I rested my head on the chair, wondering why everyone is so obsessed with Derek.
Why does my mate have to be so handsome??
As the taxi driver accelerated his car, I thought back to Mason's statement. He said he'd be calling Ashley so she could prove his statement right. He is determined to make me get back to him. What if Ashley ends up siding with him? I mean, she can't do that, can she?