Leaving The Friendzone

Chapter 38

Matthews Dunlop.

"This is a disaster!" I panicked while I tried to prepare a meal in the kitchen. It wasn't going as I planned. I thought of setting a homemade dinner for just the two of us at my place but I was causing what seemed to look like chaos in the kitchen. The pot of pasta was almost on fire, and the oven where I placed the chicken was causing a lot of smoke. The mess was taking over the entire kitchen, leaving me to face my frustration all by myself.

I wasn't a great cook but I mastered some basic techniques. Back when I was a kid, mom would force me to stand by her in the kitchen and assist her in doing some minor work like chopping the onions or checking the meal just to prevent it from burning. In that process, I watched over how she got things done and I thought tonight was the perfect time to exhibit my skills. Silly me.

"What the heck is going on here?" My dad walked in on me, cutting me off guard. "Why the smoke? Matt, what are you doing?"

"Dad you shouldn't be here," my tongue clicked while I answered him.

"You're causing havoc in my kitchen. What's this all about?"

I scoffed. It wasn't the right time to question me as I was under a lot of pressure but what else could I do? "I'm trying to prepare dinner for Elena and me."

Dad laughed and laughed, a sign of mockery I could only see. "When you don't know how to cook. You're trying to serve hee garbage?" He laughed again but maintained good composure. I frowned at him and hissed. My tongue was out of words from its tip. I was at the edge of giving up and making plan B which will cost extra distance and money too.

"You know what? Step aside, let me help you!" My dad was about to come through but I saw it differently. He was trying to be in the spotlight and take the glory for my credit. I can't possibly say my dad helped in making the meal if she asked. I didn't do as he asked, instead, I stopped him from moving further.

"Dad, no!" I replied and stayed firm. "You can't possibly help me. I got this!" I lied but I was marking my territory. The buzzing sound from the oven got our attention as the chicken I kept in there started causing smokes in the kitchen.

"Step aside lad," Dad shook his head and shifted me to the corner. He got to the oven, removed the tray in it carefully with his gloves on, and got a napkin to clear the smokes away. I could see clearly. Oh, I was shocked, I caused a lot of mess than I perceived. I gave up and stepped aside for him to make the meal I had in mind.

"Where do you think you're going?" He stopped me while I tend to walk out of the kitchen to help me with my business. "Come and help me chop the onions," he tossed them to me after he said. He needed my assistance.

I watched him cook my meal excellently well. The pasta was almost done while the sauce was still on fire. I excused myself to head to where I had some unprepared stuff to do. The dining table wasn't set to my expectations. It needed something to spice up like candles and the flowers I got. Everything needed to be perfect this night. The time was already after seven when I checked and I haven't changed my clothes yet. She could be here any second, I thought.

The process had to be quickened. The candles and the flowers were together in the drawer and I haven't showered yet to get into the occasion's outfit. With my pace increased, I rushed to the drawer and got what I needed. It has the scent of Amber and sandalwood. If you have been coped for too long and you need an imaginative release for a new space or occasion, lighting a candle with such an aroma always helped.

They were both placed on the dinner table with the flower in a vase. It took me a moment to take a glimpse of how everything was turning. It was set perfectly and it amazed me the eye. I was running out of time. I needed to put on my dinner tuxedo and get ready for what I'd planned. My room was upstairs and I rushed into it to change into my dinner wear. Behold I was done. I stood in front of the mirror and indeed I looked cute in my tuxedo.