About the River and Cliché | Zarry

Chapter Ten

The girls were already home by the time Harry and Zayn came back. Gemma is too busy to notice Harry walk into the kitchen. She bumps into his chest as she turns around and knocks over the entire tray of coconut macaroons.

"I swear things always go wrong when I'm in the kitchen." Gemma curls up her lips with vexation, kneeling down to pick up to pick up the small cakes. "I hope your day didn't mess up like this though, was it all good?"

Harry bends over to give her a hand, tilting his head as he tries to come up with a response, "Not bad, I guess." Harry murmurs while placing the macaroons on the tray. Gemma raises one of her eyebrows, "That is an unclear answer." She wipes the floor, eyeing her little brother askance, "I don't know what you feel about this marriage, but I need you to be happy for our mother. At least pretend to be happy in front of her."

"I never say I'm not happy." Harry retorts mildly. Gemma glances at him, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. Harry sighs and looks at her with a gentle smile, "Ok, ok. To be honest, how do I convince you?"

Gemma sneers, putting the plate onto the kitchen island. "Well, since we just ruined our desserts for tomorrow's wedding, maybe you can help us fixing this emergency. Can you?"

Harry widens his eyes at her. "Serious-"

"A deal is a deal. You know it's a piece of cake to you." Gemma laughs, patting Harry's shoulder smugly. "You will impress them, little boy."

There isn't much space for Harry to argue. On the other hand, he isn't trying to argue either. Gemma returns to arrange their dinner afterward. Her deal with Harry brightens up her mood promptly. She sets up the oven while humming to an old country ballad, even though the lyrics are completely wrong.

Harry wants to stay in the kitchen, but Gemma kicks him out by wielding a pan in her hand. She insists that he should spend more time with his future siblings. Harry has no choice but walking into the living room reluctantly with his hands inside his pockets. He huddles himself up on the sofa, watching Waliyha and Safaa showing off the souvenirs they bought for theirelder brother. Zayn creases his brows as he looks at the wool felt ornament, not sure what kind of animal it is supposed to be. He lifts his head when he senses Harry's gaze, shaking his head behind his sisters and then looking at Harry again with a wry smile. Harry can feel his cheeks flaming.

Lorie and Khaleel come home rather late and finish their dinner in a hurry. Her gown didn't return from the dressmaker until today, and she is desperate to try it on. The Malik girls volunteer to be assistants immediately. Doniya winks at Gemma as the Styles siblings sneak into the kitchen to continue their mission.

It has been a while since Harry did real kitchen work. He owns a modern apartment with a decent kitchen in San Francisco, but his busy job ends up keeping him away from his expensive kitchenware. Gemma probably has already guessed it. She keeps peeking at Harry while whisking the cream.

"I honestly don't understand your magic." Gemma makes a jealous purr when she sees Harry taking the cookies out of the oven. "Like I've always known you're an expert in this. But every time you show off your tricks, you never fail to astound me."

Harry feels a little overwhelmed by his sister's compliment. He looks around and changes the topic smoothly, "how many guests will be here tomorrow? I was wondering if we have enough cups and plates."

His question actually draws Gemma's attention. She puts down the bowl and starts counting the items in the cabinet. "I don't think the Benson's will come. But we shouldn't risk it." She puts two fingers against her chin and frowns, "Would you check out the attic? I think Grandma's old tea set is still there. It's time to get it out of dust again."