Silver lining [BOOK 2] | ✓

|28| Nora's self haircut

"Your mom left already?" I yawned and scratched my ear, entering the kitchen next day.

"Yup. She had early duty today," Derek smiled, "Did I mention you are looking really good today? Good morning!" He chirped, looking different in an apron and busy cooking.

The apron was, for firsts, a Donald duck one. He looked comical in it. He also had a beret perching on top of his head. Plus, he had worn some sort of ugly track pants and a light pink shirt. His fashion sense was inversely proportional to my drinking capacities.

I paused walking and stared at him, scowling deeply.

"How did you take it?" I asked after few seconds.

"Take what?" He almost sang, washing a plate.

Sang. Derek Callingham sang while replying. I had seen everything in this world, people.

"Pot. Directly or mixed with your food?" I asked suspiciously.

"Ha ha. You are funny. You are really funny. I like it," He came and pulled my cheek while I gave him a look.

"Does your mom have a secret stash of pot somewhere which you have stumbled upon?" I asked.

He burst out laughing, "I am fine. Seriously. Why don't you sit down? I have made breakfast today."

Yup, the food was laced with drugs. Or maybe there was weed in the freezer and pot in the cabinets.

"What did you make?"

"Toast. That's it. I tried making a poach but it became scrambled and then burnt. So, had to throw it away," He shrugged, sliding a plate towards me.

As I was about to take the first bite, the bell rang.

"Oh. I wonder who is that? So early? My my," Derek said, looking awfully cheery.

It sounded faker than my orgasm I pretended to have with my second boyfriend in high school.

Was he going to break into a ballet dance now? He opened the apron (thankfully) and walked out of the kitchen.

Few seconds later, I heard his voice, "Axel? What are you doing here?"

Axel? What was he doing here? Curious, I stopped eating and quickly brushed my hands on the apron Derek had kept on the table after cooking.

Axel emerged at the doorway looking chocolatey sexy as usual, probably off to work, "Good morning, Nora."

"Axel, hi. Good morning. What brings you here?" I greeted politely.

"Yes, Axel. What brings you here?" Derek fake gasped.

Axel shot a look at Derek. Then, he turned towards me, "Derek must have told you, I am planning a big party for Reina next week. It's our anniversary and a surprise for her. Everyone will come, including all our families and friends of families too. Everyone will be there. So, I expect you both and Derek's mom to be there," He said quietly yet nicely.

"Oh. Actually, I can't. I am going away this weekend for my parents anniversary. I might visit Greywall after that for few days but I don't think I will be able to come," I said, apologising.

"Please. For us? It's a huge deal if everyone is present there. I actually took-" He paused.

"What?"

"Please, can't you postpone it? When is the anniversary?" He pressed on the topic.

"Next weekend."

"So, why are you leaving now? My party is next Wednesday. So, you can go to your parent's party after that. You will reach by thursday itself."

"No, I have to shop and I can help them with the arrangements," I replied.