Havocked

08

On the one day I decided to finally do my homework, the bell rang making me groggily stand up to get the door.

"Aurelia! Get the damn door!" my mother called from the kitchen.

"I'm on it!" I called back. I opened the door and was surprised-but-not-really at the sight of Tyler standing shyly at the door.

"What brings you here at this time of the day?" I asked courteously, hoping that I do not come off as rude.

He nodded towards a platter in his grasp.

"My mother told me to bring this."

It was a familiar plate of tiramisu. My mother and his religiously prepare food and offer it to each other. The plate was one my mother initially used to bring some cookies to them but Ms Wright returned the plate back with an additional dessert.  Then, my mother gave something back to show her gratitude starting this never ending cycle.

"Thank you," I said as I took it from him.

"Who's at the door?" my mom asked as she poked her head out of the kitchen.

"Hello, Mrs Winters," he greeted politely.

"Oh dear, don't be so formal. How many times do I have to tell you to call me Elouise?" she said with that scolding tone she has reserved for me.

"Yes, sorry, Mrs- I mean, Elouise," he said awkwardly. I bit my cheek to prevent myself from bursting into laughter. Flustered Tyler was truly a sight to see.

My mother's face brightened up. "Such a respectful boy. I was just preparing dinner if you'd like to join us?"

Tyler shook his head.

"Thank you ma'am but I should be heading back now. I don't want to be a burden," he responded.

"Oh come on. I heard you're a really good student. Why don't you stay and help Aurelia with her homework while I continue preparing dinner?"

"I-"

"I'm not taking no for an answer."

"..okay," he finally gave in. I opened the door wider for him to come in-which he soon gladly did.

I really don't know where my mom is going with this but I can't help but want to let out a groan for having to socialize. I led him to the living room where my schoolwork was splattered all over the table.

"So, what is it that you really need help with?" he asked.

"Nothing, really. I was just doing some boring homework when you came in. My mother just liked to assume that I'm having a hard time solving," I said as I directed a glare towards my mother, who was back in the kitchen after retrieving the plate of tiramisu from me. Tyler chuckled. Without him seeing, my mother poked her head again out of the kitchen and sent me a wink.

"She's really nice," he said.

"She's too nice sometimes," I retorted,

He sighed.

"At least try to pretend to tolerate my presence."

I paused.

"I'm not bothered by you at all," I said softly.

"Aren't you really?" he asked rhetorically as he perked up a brow.

"I really am not. I have got nothing against you. It's just- I don't know what my mother is plotting," I answered.

"Oh. Makes sense."

Then, he helped me set up the table for dinner which I was so grateful for.

"You know. You truly are a good child. You should teach Aurelia some manners," my mom commented making me roll my eyes.

"She's well-mannered already. You raised her well," he responded making my mom let out a snort.

"You don't have to suck up to me kid. How are you enjoying dinner?"

He'd probably be enjoying it much more if she didn't force him to talk every two bites.

"Very delicious. I'd eat it everyday," he said. My mom shyly dismissed his compliment.

"You can come over for dinner everyday. You know when I was your age, Colin fell in love with me because of how good he believed my cooking to be. Ah I don't think you know who Colin is. He was my first boyfriend but our relationship didn't-"

"Mom," I said sternly, "he looks like he's having a hard time trying to keep up with what you're saying. You're rambling too fast," I whispered the last part although I know they all heard.

She gasped. "My bad. I'm sorry Tyler. I always get carried away. My teacher would always- oh crap i'm doing it again. I'm sorry. What was I saying? Uh yes, you can come over for dinner everyday if you'd like."

"That's fine. Thank you, but I don't want to be a burden. Besides, my mother would probably get mad at me for favoring your food over hers," he said making my mother laugh.

"Yes, Georgie always gets competitive when it comes to our cooking."

My mother kept on starting conversations with Tyler as I ate quietly and watched. Soon, the clock hit 9 pm and Tyler used that as an excuse to leave.

"Hope you enjoyed your visit," I told him as I walked him to the door. He playfully rolled his eyes.

"I did not know I'd stay here for 3 hours."

I smiled. "I know. My mom has that effect sometimes," I said making him chuckle.

"Good night," he greeted before leaving and I closed the door behind him.

"Good night."