On Our Own

Chapter 32

"How bad is it?" I asked, even the little kids at home could cook pasta correctly.

"Well let's put it this way," Ethan said. "One time we tried to toss the pot before she noticed and the food was stuck like glue, and another time she tried to cook steaks and they were so burnt they matched the rocks outside."

"Are we talking about my mom's cooking?" Kyle asked, bringing James, Colton, and Charlie with him from outside.

"Do you know what it is supposed to be?" Ethan asked.

"I think it's meatloaf."

Kyle looked over towards the kitchen where Mrs. Martin was attempting to turn on the stove. Keyword: attempting, I think the buttons confused her so she gave up and was trying to put it in the microwave.

My eyes widened. "That won't cook it?" I said, confused.

"Don't worry, Dad will come through," James said confidently.

I smiled, I thought it was cute that James was now comfortable enough to call his adoptive dad his own.

"Yeah, I think he ordered pizza when he went upstairs earlier," Kyle said.

"As much as I would like to see the end results of that raw meatloaf, I think Colton and I have to be somewhere," Charlie said, chuckling.

"Okay see you guys," Kyle said.

James then walked the two of them to the door while Ethan, Kyle, and I went into the kitchen.

Like a Christmas miracle Mr. Martin came in with pizza. He chuckled as he took in the scene in front of us: the three of us gaping at the fact that the meatloaf looked uncooked and raw. Mr. Martin laughed and went to where Mrs. Martin was also staring but more in acceptance than shock.

"Pizza?" Mr. Martin asked.

She nodded and he kissed the top of her head and smiled. Why was that so cute? My heart melted yet again at how perfect they were together.

Kyle looked over at us and grinned. "Okay now that our potential food poisoning has been avoided, let's eat."

We all dug into the pizza and watched the television. Around ten, I suspected Monica and Jess wanted me home, Chloe could only deceive them for so long.

I looked around and it was so heart warming to watch James falling asleep on Kyle's shoulder as Kyle too dozed off. My heart found itself in a puddle for the third time that night when I saw that Mrs. Martin had literally collapsed in Mr. Martin's arms and both were fast asleep.

I myself was snuggled up next to Ethan with his arm around me. The thought of getting up to go home made me sad because I knew it would ruin this perfect moment. I tried my hardest not to disturb Ethan, but I failed miserably and I saw him smirk at me with his eyes closed.

"Don't smirk like that at me," I whispered.

"Why?" he asked, opening his eyes now.

"Because you know I didn't want to wake you up," I whispered, now standing up.

Ethan pulled my arm gently. "Why are you leaving?" He pulled me again and this time I gave in and I let him pull me on top of him. "I'd rather stay like this," he mumbled into my ear.

"And as much as I would love that," I whispered as I watched Ethan start to pout. "I think I have to be home before Jess sends a search party for me, I didn't really tell anyone I came except Chloe."

Ethan pouted again. "Just for a little longer," he said as he snuggled against me.

"We have the whole winter break together, I'll snuggle with you twice as much then," I assured him.