Chapter 26

"You're already here?" I smile when I open the door for Jason and invite him inside. He came quite early to pick me up. "Do you want a toast?" I ask, buttering one for myself.

"If that makes you happy." Jason winks at me and my face heats up. Is he openly flirting with me?

"O-okay." I say, turning around to place a slice of bread into the toaster.

A loud yawn makes me glance at the door. "Huh? Why are you here?" Seb asks, rubbing his eyes as he stares at Jason.

"To pick Eva up." He replies nonchalantly.

I purse my lips and turn back to pull out the bread from the toaster. Why is there a tense atmosphere surrounding us all of a sudden? I feel like if I step a toe into the invisible firing line between them, I might actually get killed.

"Eva can drive. Why do you need to come?"

"She can drive but her car is at the nursery so I will drop her off to work." Jason says.

"You can go back home. She already has me to drop her off at work." Seb says coldly.

I take my time buttering the toast, my back still turned. I don't want to get involved in their tiff.

"Eva already made plans with me last night to take her." Jason says in a quiet but steely tone.

"Since you're inside my house, I'm the one who calls the shots." Seb argues.

My head is ready to explode. Finally turning around, I glare at Seb. "Don't be petty and childish Seb. Jason already came here to pick me up. It doesn't make a difference whom I go with anyway." I say, sternly.

"Uh... I think you should put the knife down first Eva." Jason says softly.

Glancing down at my hand, I realise that I am still holding the butter knife. "Ah, sorry." I say, quickly putting it away. "Here's your toast." I hand it over to Jason who smiles gratefully.

"Come with me Eva." Seb says in an icy tone, grabbing my wrist.

"What do you want?" I mutter, glaring at him angrily. Why is he acting out like this today? Is he on his man period?

We are inside his room so Jason can't hear us. I stare at my best friend. Why is he in a foul mood?

"You didn't tell me you left your car." He says, staring at me with an unfathomable expression. "Let me give you a ride to work."

I frown up at him. "Jason is already here. I'll feel bad if I don't go with him."

Seb's eyes suddenly brighten, "Is that it? Is that the only reason you're going with him?"

Confused at his excited tone, I scrunch my eyebrows, "Yes, why?"

"Nevermind. That's fine then." He seems happier all of a sudden. "Let's have a feast at home tonight to celebrate since we couldn't yesterday."

"Celebrate what?"

Seb grins and lightly thumps my head with his fist, "Your new job silly."

My lips turn up and I nod, "That's a date. But it's on you."

He smiles, "Of course. I don't expect you to pay."

Rolling my eyes, I glance at the door, "Jason is probably waiting. I'm leaving. Take care."

Before I can walk away to get Miracle, I gasp as he swoops down and I feel his lips on my cheek. Lifting my hand, I touch the place he kissed and stare at him with wide eyes.

"Don't think too much. It's my good luck charm for you." He says casually.

Stunned, I nod silently and leave the room. My heart is threatening to escape out of my body. I fumble around with Miracle's warm coat, my mind is still dazed.

"Something bothering you?"

I turn to Jason who is waiting in the driver's seat and shake my head as I place Miracle inside his baby seat in the back of the car.

"Let's go. I don't want your sister to be angry with me on my proper first day." I say, pulling the seatbelt over myself.

"Is your head all better?" Jason asks gently glancing at me.

I smile, "It's completely healed. It hurts sometimes but otherwise I am as healthy as a horse."

Jason chuckles, "If you say it like that, you must be saying the truth."

"Why would I lie to you?" I say with a pout, making him laugh harder. "Be careful." I say, as we turn a corner.

"Sorry, you never fail to make me laugh." He says, straightening himself up and focusing on the road.

"Is that a compliment or not?" I mumble to myself. Does he mean he laughs at me or with me?

***

Fortunately, I manage to drive my car back home. Miracle is already asleep in his baby seat by the time I reach the house. He seems to be heavier recently but according to the parental books, that means he is growing at a healthy pace. The first year is always the time when babies grow faster.

"I'm home!" I announce, entering a dark house. Why are no lights on? Didn't Seb say we were going to celebrate tonight? Did he forget and not return home?

Confused, I flick the switch but the light doesn't appear. Has the fuse broken down or has the electricity been cut? What should I do now? I don't even have candles.

Switching on the torch on my mobile phone, I make my way to my room and place Miracle in his cot. I'll feed him his milk later when he wakes up.

Time to search for some matches or candles which Seb may have stashed somewhere. As I step out of my room, a figure passes me in the dark and I jump in fright. A thief?!

I grab the closest thing I can which happens to be Miracle's baby seat. It's a good thing I brought it inside. Holding it in front of me with both hands, I try not to pay attention to the slight tremble in my arms.

"Don't run, I've already called the police." I lie, trying to steady my voice. I can't see the person at all.

Something touches my mouth, and my eyes widen as I feel a hand over my mouth. Am I going to be abducted?!