[18]: the kitchen

________________________ 18 the kitchen "A mess and a stain, damaged packages and plates, leaked water and smoke; oh no, what have you done?" ________________________ "Why in the world did you just not let Sally cook for the both of you?" Alexander asked as he leaned on the doorframe, gazing at the two siblings as they desperately tried to fan away the alarmingly growing smoke coming from the pan. "Because it was meant to be a surprise for their get-away trip." Aurora replied irately as her eyes remained on the pan in the front of her. A smirk slowly made its way onto his face as he noticed how Aurora suddenly froze on her place and quickly looked at him with a warning in her eyes. He looked at her questioningly, his eyebrow raised at her. "I was celebrating, okay?" He chuckled, knowing for a fact that the woman just lied to him straight to his face. He might not have seen her for a long time, but in those years they were apart, some of Aurora’s behaviors and quirks still remained as is. "Sure you were." She honestly doesn't know why she even bothers talking and reasoning with him whenever she does something out of the ordinary, but she guesses it has something to do with the familiarity she still feels when she’s around him. As she let out an exasperated sigh while Theo was still frantically fanning away the smoke beside her, she said, "You know, you could at least help." "Or I could simply just stay here and watch you suffer." The enthusiasm in his voice was completely hard to miss. He would be completely lying if he said that he wasn’t enjoying the sight of his former lover panicking and screwing up something that she could have easily learned (but refused to do so). What his eyes are trying to absorb at the moment is one scene that he has missed seeing, and all he really planned to do was drown himself in the nostalgia that is starting to eat away at him inside out. But when she gave him a look that he was all too familiar with and one that he knows all too well, he let out a chuckle and pushed himself off the door frame before walking towards her. "Or I could make myself useful by helping you with your disastrous cooking adventure." "I sure hope yo—Oh my God, the food is burning again!" Panic welled up in every inch of her as she desperately tried to put out the fire before it triggered the fire alarm and fire sprinklers, even opening the window to let the smoke out. "Alex, what the hell did you do?" At the sight of the fire burning brightly in front of them, Aurora’s eyes immediately went towards her little brother, who was looking at the scene with wide, alarmed eyes. She saw how he desperately tried to calm himself down and try to be helpful by fanning away the smoke towards the open window.  "Me? I didn't do anything!" Alexander replied vehemently, making Aurora drag her gaze away from her brother and to the man who looked as clueless as she did at the moment. He looked at the stove again and saw that it was turned on, the flame dancing away quite happily. He furrowed his eyebrows together as he tried to gauge what the hell is happening, before realization hit him. With a sheepish smile, he turned off the stove again and turned to a glaring Aurora. "I may or may not have turned on the stove again." "You f*****g i***t!" She slapped him on the back of his head. “Give me the fire extinguisher!” "In my defense, I didn't know it was turned off." He told her, all the while trying to put out the fire once again. “Fire extinguisher, Alex! Before we get soaked with water—which I absolutely don’t want to happen, by the way.” Aurora said, glaring at the guy beside her, who wisely said nothing that was going to rile her up even more. Instead, he frantically looked for the one thing that could save them at the moment, searching every nook and cranny in the kitchen that he could find. "Aury, the alarm is going to activate any second now." Theo told her with panic and anxiety evident in his tone of voice, his cute, chubby hands still clinging onto the wet cloth that he's waving away in the air. "Might not have happened if you celebrated in another way." Alexander quipped, coughing right after. He dared not to look at her and continued on his search, since he already knew what would greet his sight the instant he turned around. It seemed cowardly of him, but with how frustrated and pissed off she is right now, there’s just no ensuring that he would make it out of this disaster alive. He’s pretty confident that she would have his head before he could even make a run for it. The woman is just terrifying when she’s in a state like this one. "Could you at least shut up for one moment? We're trying not to burn the who—" Aurora never had the time to finish her sentence because the alarm activated, going off with a loud sound and the sprinklers following suit not even a moment later. The three of them stood in shock in the middle of the kitchen, drenched and mouths hanging agape, as they tried to grasp what just happened. Honestly, she can't even remember the reason why she suggested cooking for some stupid breakfast that Sally and Frank could have done better. Maybe it was to show them that she could be of some actual use other than just looking after the bakery Sally has worked so hard for or to show that she’s a responsible adult that could deal with all the household chores that she would be doing by herself—she really doesn't know. Not that it matters because she's starting to realize what a stupid idea it was. Sally and Frank weren't supposed to wake up until ten minutes later, but right now, who's really keeping track of the time? Certainly not them when the alarm was what woke them up in the first place—it also wasn’t much help when the rain is still ongoing on the outside. With how much of a light sleeper they both are, it would only be a matter of time before they’re woken up by the patters of the rain instead of the loud noise going off somewhere in the house. The couple looked at each other before they hastily put on their robes and marched down the stairs to find out what could have possibly happened. When they finally arrived downstairs, the whole place was filled with smoke. The instant they saw it, panic and worry filled their systems. "Theo! Aurora!" Frank yelled, expecting the both of them to still be in their respective rooms. But when they saw the both of them with Alexander in the kitchen, still unmoving and seemingly still in shock, Sally let out a loud gasp before hastily making her way towards the three people standing in her kitchen with Frank following closely behind her. Theo, Alexander and Aurora weren't exactly sure when the sprinklers stopped, but their guess is it wasn't that long ago. What made them say? They also weren't sure. With how everything happened so quickly, their minds currently aren’t in a state that would be able to process whatever information that would have been easy for them to do. The only thing that registered in their brains after the sprinklers stopped was how much of a mess the entire kitchen was and how Frank and Sally are looking at them in wonder and concern. The five of them only looked at each other in the eye, the silence engulfing them starting to become suffocating—which is ironic since they were suffocating with actual smoke not too long ago. Aurora took the liberty of breaking that silence. "I see the both of you are awake." Alexander looked at her in disbelief. "Of course they're awake, genius. Who wouldn't be with that fire and annoying alarm?" He leaned on the wet countertop with his arms crossed, the shock slowly dissipating from his system. "I've always wondered how your mind worked but even after years of kno—" "Do you really not know when to shut your mouth? I could sew it up for you if you want." She glared at him, the three remaining Crovers merely looking at their exchange with unfathomable looks on their faces. Frankly, they were still too taken aback with what happened to fully comprehend whatever the two arguing young adults are spouting at each other.  "Well I did say I was going to talk a lot for the next month, didn't I?" He replied, the challenging glint in his eyes never disappearing, even after the glare she fixated on him hardened considerably. Frank let out a breath as he pinched his nose bridge. "Quiet. Both of you." Both Alexander and Aurora were quick to heed Frank's words, especially since the growing frustration in his voice was lacing in every word he uttered. The both of them have already spent way too much time together with the man for them not to know how deadly it would be if they fail to understand the authority in his words. "Now, I'm not exactly sure what happened, but the both of you arguing like a bunch of children is not helping at all." "Sorry." "Sorry, Frank." The both of them gave each other a quick glare before looking back at Frank, fear instantly creeping inside them lest the man in question would be able to pick up on their hostility with each other. They doubt it was that subtle, but right now, that’s just waiting for a great and disastrous situation to happen. Of course, Frank noticed all of it and he made sure that it was known. He would have been able to tolerate it and even went along with it any other day, but today is just not one of those days. It would be impossible for him to do that today as well since the stress of whatever’s happened is the only thing that’s weighing him down. With a quick glance to his amused wife and son, he released a sigh before resting his gaze back at the two supposedly grown adults in front of him. "Clearly, a reprimand isn't enough for the both of you. How about the two of you start cleaning whatever mess it is you made in here while we listen to your stories?" Aurora's jaw dropped. "What? But dad, it was Alex's fault!" "How is it my fault? You were the one who cooked in the first place!" "But you made it worse! Who even turns the stove back on when the situation is already worse as it is?" "I told you I didn't mean to! And like I said, you could have celebrated in another way! It was like you're asking for disaster by doing the one thing you're horrible at." "Like you can talk. You have equally horrible cooking skills!" "Yes, but do you see me being idiotic and trying to cook when I know it would only end up in disaster?" "I would only sound like a broken record if I answer your stupid retort." "Why do you think I keep bringing up the same point?" "You stupid, idiotic, son of a—" "The both of you stop it right now!" Frank exclaimed, eyes glaring at the both of them, who instantly turned silent in their places the moment they heard the man raise his voice. "Would it really kill you to stop arguing for even just a moment? Jesus Christ." He let out a frustrated breath, not knowing what to do with his daughter and the man that he has come to treat as his own son. "And you, Andy, not that you aren't welcome here or anything, but what are you doing here at six in the morning?" "Theo called me over." Alexander replied, his eyes instantly training on the little boy. The little boy gave him a small grin, the older man responding with a smile that alighted his eyes with adoration and mirth. Frank's eyebrows furrowed together before he looked at his son. "Why did you call him over?" Theo dragged his gaze away from the smiling man and settled it on his father’s questioning gaze. He gave the older Crover a sheepish look. "It's a long story, daddy." Frank let out a breath, already knowing the reason even if his son is being vague and dodgy with his answer. "Aur and Andy?" The little boy looked at his sister and his sister’s former lover, the both of them looking at him expectantly. They weren’t expecting much from the little boy, but there’s nothing particularly wrong with hoping that he would come through for them, right? Eventually, however, Aurora saw the apology written all over her little brother’s eyes, and that was all she needed to see in order for her to know what her brother is about to do. With his eyes still trained on the two adults he was making breakfast with, Theo nodded his head as he wrapped his arms around his mother, who instantly cradled him in her arms. Aurora and Alexander let out a sigh simultaneously. "Damn it, kiddo." Alexander muttered under his breath. "When you were kids, both of you always ended up being in trouble. When you were teenagers, both of you still ended up being in trouble. Even when you're both adults now, you still end up in trouble." The exasperation in his tone of voice was not left unnoticed to either party—nor to Sally, who is looking at the exchange silently, nor to Theo, who still kept his eyes on them. "What am I going to do with the both of you?" Aurora opened her mouth to answer but Frank beat her to it, not allowing her to speak even one word. "Don't answer that." "Honey, calm down." Sally put a hand on her husband's arm. Aurora rolled her eyes at that, feeling conflicted about whether she should be grateful for her stepmother’s attempt to help her, or be irritated by the fact that Sally could see that she needed help. "Why don't we just clean this whole mess and get it over with?" Aurora’s action wasn’t something that escaped Alexander’s attention. After all, he was still silently observing how she acts around her stepmother. If one part of his plans is going to work, he needs all the information he can gather so he can sit at home and take note of it, as well as how to make use of such information. He doubts it would do much, but this part of his plan could help his former lover with the one thing that she has been mulling over for a very long time now. He doubted at first whether that certain thought was still present in her, but with what he has seen for the past few days, he could safely deduce that it is indeed still on her mind. "No. I still stand by what I said when I told them to clean the kitchen." Frank‘s words brought Alexander back from the reverie he was previously engrossed in. "The both of you better be done before we leave for our honeymoon." — • — • — With a broom on her hand, she let out a sigh as she continued cleaning the disastrous kitchen that was the result of her and Alexander’s combined stupidity. Her eyes glanced at her companion fleetingly, trying to see how he’s faring with his side of things. Alexander stood across from her, wiping the countertops with a dry towel, the scowl on his face never wavering. She has seen that scowl in his face for the past few minutes or so, and she honestly can’t imagine how he could ever maintain that look for a very long time. It must be tiring keeping that upset look, but she guesses that he must be used to it since he’s doing it with so little effort. After all, the guy had all his life to do just that. "I'm so hungry." Alexander said, his words and his voice slightly startling Aurora in her place. "You know, this is all your fault. You really shouldn't have cooked when you have no skill nor talent for it." "Who told you to come here anyway? You could have always just said no when my brother asked you to come." She glared at him, intent on not losing to yet another banter that he’s slowly starting to open up. "I could, but I don't want to disappoint your brother." He told her, responding to the glare that she threw his way. "His cute voice got me the instant we talked on the phone." Aurora scoffed. "Right because yo—" The ringing from her phone interrupted her from whatever retort she was about to make. She let out a big sigh before she put the broom on the side and got out her phone to see who was calling. She could feel Alexander's gaze never leaving her, but she merely ignored it. The fact that he was trying to rile her up a moment ago is all she needed to know that him keeping his gaze on her is yet another one of his ways to try and rile her up more. However, she knows not to let it get to her. Alexander looked at her curiously when a big grin took over her lips, silently wondering who could be calling her that would put such a look on her face. He had a rough guess about who it could be, but he’s not entirely sure if his guess is accurate. If he wanted to find out, then he just has to wait for Aurora to answer the call and hope that she would put the call on speaker—which he doubts is something she would do. After all, the woman treasures her privacy just as much as he does. "Hey." Aurora said as she positioned the phone in front of her, now coming face to face with a smiling Dexter. "Hey Aur." Alexander instantly perked up on his place. He knows that voice anywhere. So he was partly right about his guess after all. Honestly, he doesn’t know how he feels about that. It bothered him as well what would be the reason why he would call this early, but dismissed the thought afterward—who was he to tell her who can and can't call her at six in the morning? He has no right to do that anyway and he knows for a fact that she would only hate him even more if he tries to say anything. As he leaned on the countertop he was just cleaning, he crossed his arms and let his gaze lock on the woman standing in front of him. He was aware that he was just exuding negativity right now, but he’s also aware of the fact that the woman is oblivious to that. Thank God she’s usually easy to be grasped by whatever it is she’s doing, or she would have definitely noticed the aura surrounding him. "What made you call this early?" Aurora asked, her tone lacing in nothing but curiosity. Dexter shrugged, his back leaning against the cushioned headboard. "I was just checking in. How are you?" Alexander rolled his eyes. I was just checking in? Seriously?, he thought. What a completely cheesy thing to say. "I'm fine." She looked at Alexander with a glare. "Apart from the constant tortures my co-worker is giving me, I'm fine." Alexander gave her a sardonic salute. She rolled her eyes before looking back at Dexter. "What about you?" "Missing you." Alexander seethed in his place. Maybe it's time to greet his old friend after all. It might do some good for both parties to finally see the other after a long time. Although, how he could ever have it in him to act normal despite his silent fury bubbling inside of him, he has no idea. But he’s had years of practice with that certain aspect, so he’s confident that he would be able to pull it off with no worries. He just hopes that his acting is still up to par that even his closest friends wouldn’t be able to tell, because it would just be horrible if he would be found out faster than he would like. He regained his composure and breathed in slowly before he walked towards Aurora with a smirk, throwing an arm around her right after. "Oh Dex. What a surprise." He grinned, his eyes intensely trained on the guy on the screen. "How are you?" Dexter could only blink in surprise as he looked at the pair in front of him, all the while pushing aside the instant hurt of his heart when he saw how comfortable the two of them are together—how they’re still comfortable with each other. Aurora might complain with all her might and tell them that Alexander is nothing but a leech that she would like to throw out, but her words and actions usually don’t quite match when it comes to the one and only Alexander Giovanni. It also didn’t escape Dexter’s attention how Alexander seemed to be over at the Crovers' at six in the morning, something that he doubts Aurora would allow if she truly hated the guy with every bit of her.  Clearing his throat in an attempt to get himself together, he gave his friend a smile and said, "Oh, Alex, hey. I'm fine. I heard you just got back a few days ago. I can’t believe you’re actually back.” “Well, you better believe it.” Alexander replied. “It’s great to see you again, Dex.” “Yeah well, it’s been so long. It’s really great to see you too.” And Dexter really meant it when he uttered those words. No matter how hurt he feels about the whole Aurora thing, Alexander is still his friend first and foremost. Of course he would feel glad about being able to see him again. The only thing he doesn’t feel glad about, is how the guy is yet another step ahead of him when it comes to making progress with the woman in question. Aurora rolled her eyes and nudged Alexander's arm away before facing the guy beside her. "What are you doing?" He grinned at her. "Greeting a friend." "What a horrible way to greet a friend." She said. "Who puts all their weight on the person they call a friend?" "Oh I didn't mean you." Alexander chortled as he took in the glare Aurora was sending his way. Teasing her like this is definitely one of the best things in life. The mirth it brings him never disappoints and he’s certain that it would stay that way for a long time. The woman just looks so adorable whenever he does all those things that he always ends up doing it over and over again. "I meant Dexter. Who said we were friends anyway? I thought I was your enemy s***h friend s***h past lover?" "Well, if you wish to stay that way, then sure." She replied, rolling her eyes once more at the guy beside her. Every memory, every moment, every pain, every heartache resurfaced in Dexter's mind when he saw once again how the two of them were together. It’s been so long since he’s seen them like this, and he totally forgot how that certain sight made him feel. But with that playing in his eyes yet again, he was able to experience all those emotions once more. It broke his heart of course, but he can't exactly say anything—not when he saw that gleam in her eyes that has been long gone for the past three years. So with a forced smile on his lips, he let out a silent chuckle and said, "I guess some things never change, huh?" Alexander looked at him with a wicked gleam in his eyes and a smirk on his face, his possessive nature slowly making it's show. "Oh never."