Down the Alleyway

Chapter 8

Lindelle

I just finished shopping and was on my way home when I passed an alley. It's not the alley, but it was one of the veins that connects to where Mr.Wae is.

I took my phone out of my pocket and looked at the time.

It was only 7:30.

Those idiot said to meet up at the alley at 7. I wonder if they're still there.

I stared blankly at the open alley, contemplating whether to go or not. My club mates were not the dumbest but they're not the brightest either-- except for that Adam guy. He's too smart for his own good. And he might drag the others into his sick search for knowledge.

I clicked my tongue in annoyance.

Maybe, checking on them won't hurt. And I'm a bit worried 'cause the majority of the group were girls.

I huffed and pocketed my hands, grocery bag dangling by my wrist as I stubbornly walk.

They better not be doing something stupid.

----

"Oh them? They already left," Mr. Wae answered, smiling as always and hands behind his back.

I let out a breath. I shouldn't have come here. I just got worried over nothing.

"Oh, is that so?" I said, my passive agressive tone flowing out unintentionally. "Then I have no reason to stay here anymore." I turned away, not waiting for him to answer.

My grocery bag had been roughed up more than necessary and I would like to go home now and keep the house under control.

"Would you like me to do something for you?" he asked from behind.

"Don't even try," I answered gruffly.

I'm not in the mood to play along with this guy--

"Shopping for tomorrow's breakfast are we, Lili?"

His words broke the silence.

What did he just say?

I froze in place.

Lili?

The only one who calls me in that name was my mom.

I looked back slowly. My eyes, blown wide, not really sure whether to be amazed or terrified. He still looks the same but there's something different.

"You're as dependable as always, Lili."

His words struck me and it reminded of everything.

"You're as dependable as always, Lili."

Her tone.

"Lili."

Her smile.

"My Lili."

The warmth she used to give me.

He copied it all.

"What-- what the fuck are you doing?" my voice trembled.

I never asked him to do this. How could this man be so insensitive?

"Huh?" He blinked, and the look on his face resembles my mother so much. I hated seeing that on his face. "What are you talking abou--"

"Stop fucking with me!" I yelled, my voice cracking. "You think this is funny?! Stop bringing back people who's already not here!"

I was breathing fast when I finished talking. The handle of my plastic bag crumpled from my balled fist.

If my mom was here, she would have touched both sides of my cheeks and say--

"You're even cuter when you're angry."

What he said drove the fog off my head.

Damn, he even got that right.

A laugh escaped my mouth and I could feel a streak fall down from my eye.

He was still smiling, the way his eyes whisper encouragement is too similar. Way too similar.

I couldn't take it anymore so I turned around.

I resumed my steps and I bit my lips when I tasted something salty. It flowed uncontrollably, spreading on my cheeks.

I'm gonna have to wipe it off before I step out of this place.

"Rayne liked her scrambled eggs to be shaped like flowers," he started again, but I kept on walking.

"Shut up."

"I bought a metallic flower shaped mold last summer, it's in the topmost kitchen drawer. Oh, and add just a bit of pepper on the egg."

"Didn't I told you to shut up?!" I yelled, back still turned towards him.

"Jhollo's scrambled egg is mixed with a bit of mayonnaise. Add it as you beat it."

My jaw clenched.

I wanted him to stop but I still wanna listen. Maybe mom knew that the kids weren't eating as much as before. They always say, "it's not mommy's cooking" and I don't know what to do. I didn't get to ask her. I just gobbled all the dishes she made without even wondering how she made them.

"Cory doesn't care how her egg is done, but she certainly liked her rice red. Just make her a tiny bit of fried rice and put some pizza sauce in it, she'd love it," he said in a cheerful tone that I could almost hear my mothers voice. "And if by any chance that your father is home," his voice started to sound mellow at the mention of my father, "make him a scrambled egg with sliced onions in it. Slice it as small as possible, okay?"

Mom, why'd you pick the most convoluted way to prepare breakfast?

I guess she did her best preparing every meal, everyday.

It's amazing.

And it's too late to appreciate it now.

"Try that for breakfast tomorrow, okay?"

I slightly nodded and went on my way.

------

"Hmm! This is delicious, Lindelle!"

I almost choked when Jhollo complimented my cooking out of nowhere.

"This tastes like mom's cooking!" Cory added, beaming.

"Is it?"

I wiped off all the red rice that's circling her mouth.

"Yes!" she answered back, her arms up in the air.

I can't believe it worked!

"How did you learn how to cook like mom, Lindelle?" Rayne asked.

I ruffled her hair and smiled.

"A friend helped me."

I watched my little siblings eat, their appetite coming back again. This has been the best breakfast we had since mom had left us. I took my eyes off them and took a glanced at the quiet side of the table where my father's seat was; the food is getting cold and the chair didn't even moved an inch.

I scoffed.

The bastard didn't came home.