Chapter 47: 20 QUESTIONS
“Hey”
I turned my eyes away from the TV quickly enough to see Natasha tip-toeing behind me into the kitchen.... She sucks at being stealthy
“Hi” Shrugging, she waved awkwardly. The sight of Natasha after 8pm is worth millions. I have no idea where she gets her pajamas from but it's a whole collection of goofiness. Surprisingly, Lucy wears plain unicorn PJs but not her mother. She switches from ducks to fairies, kittens, and other cute illustrations. Of course, I won't point out how humorous it is. I value my life.
Sniffling my laughter, I gulped to prevent myself from chuckling. “I thought you were asleep.”
“Nah, I came out to get some cookies and milk now that Lucy is quiet and peaceful.” Not being any wiser, she responded shrugging.
“We have cookies?” The wicked grin crawled onto my face. No wonder she tried to tip-toe, but did she really think she could make it all the way to the kitchen and back to her bedroom without me realizing it? Bold move, for someone who can't even move stealthily to save her life.
“Yes, I baked a batch for Stacey.”
“How come I didn't know?” Shrugging, my brows arched. Here I was thinking that I had the best nose ever. The fake smile on Natasha's face disappeared noticing that I didn't comment about Stacey. She hasn't been here since the sleepover and I am more than grateful that she stayed away.
“Do you ever check the refrigerator?”
“Yes, if it involves ice cream. And I see this doesn't.”
“What are you watching?” Tilting her head to the side, a scene caught her eye. Since I called a truce, living with Natasha has been nothing but blissful. Especially now that I can have the screen to myself on certain days.
“Nothing that you would find interesting.”
“Hmmmm, how are you so sure?”
“Because Will Smith isn't starring in the movie.”
“Haha, I have nothing else to do so I might as well keep you company during your movie night.”
I batted my eyes, pouting “You are only eligible if you get me some cookies.”
“You know you can just walk to the refrigerator and get it yourself?” Gesturing to the kitchen, she shot a knowing look at me.
“The movie night hosts shouldn't carry out such tedious tasks.”
“You're unbelievable Jeremy.” Joining me on the couch, her voice sounded stern almost serious. Until she giggled.
“And so is my profound beauty.”
“Humor me.”
“I would like to but that would mean interrupting my movie.”
“It's boring, can't we change it to something better.”
“No.”
“Pretty please.”
“Go check the house rules on the refrigerator and tell me what it says.” Those rules had always worked in my favor. It riles up both mother and daughter on most occasions but I'm not complaining. Not one bit.
“I know what it says.” Of course, she does, we both made them.
“Great, just this one day out of an entire week. Just a single day and you want me to sit through it watching some irritating chick flick with you. No way.” Waving the remote in her face, I wiggled my brows smugly.
“Fine. What's the movie about anyway.”
“A gang of robbers has five days to break into five vaults in five different countries.”
“Why would they want to do that?”
“To protect their dignity. There is a new gang who runs the street claiming to be equally better so they plan to pull off a worthy stunt to uphold their reputation.”
“Won't the cops or FBI get them or something?”
“Not when they are always on the run.”
Huffing, her face was buried in her palm. “I don't see how you find this interesting.”
“You don't see me complaining about your taste in movies.”
“That's a lie, you complain all the time.”
Yes, yes I do.
“I should really put getting a television in my bedroom into consideration now.”
“Yes, it would be in favor of everyone.”
“Most importantly, you.”
“Most importantly, me.”
“Why don't you give Lucy a different bedroom.” An idea popped into my head that might end up working out for both of us. There was an extra bedroom upstairs originally built as an office, since it wasn't in use Lucy could have it. A little bit of tweaking here and there and it would be ready to go. Natasha can have her television after all.
“We have a spare room that can easily be converted into a bedroom with the right materials.”
“That's true, maybe I can get Quinn to help when next she comes over.”
Quinn was the housekeeper we hired after returning from my mum's. My discussion with Mike had its perks after all. I got the right motivation to keep the house tidy and clean. With the help of a hired keeper of course.
“See, I'm good at thinking.” I reached out to pat myself on the back.
“And also good at self-appraisal.” Clicking her tongue, her sarcastic voice whispered.
“Well, that's it. The movie is over.” I said as the movie credits rolled on the big screen.
“Yay, much to my delight.” Her eyes twinkled with delight, much to my despair.
“I was barely paying attention thanks to you.” I mean, how can I pay attention when she sits right here beside me. Chattering and distracting me.
“But did the good guys win?”
“They are robbers, how can they win!” In disbelief, I slapped my hand across my forehead.
“Oh, my bad. You can hand over the remote now.”
“No, the day still belongs to me. It isn't 12 yet.”
“How can you say no to these puppy dog eyes?”
“No”
“But I'm bored out of my mind.”
Then came my regular head pats. “Hang in there buddy, it's only an hour left.”
“Jeremy......” She trailed off whining
“Natasha......” I followed suit, amused.
“Please.....”
“Please you're disturbing my screen time. You know I only have an hour left. It shall be enjoyed to the fullest.”
“Sigh.”
“Did you just say sigh, trying to sigh?”
“Sigh.”
“You are not going to stop are you?”
“Sigh.”
“Fine. Let's play a game.”
“Anything but truth or dare or drinking games.” She pulled a strand of hair behind her ear, crossing her legs for comfort. I can't emphasize enough how wonderful it is living with someone who doesn't take alcohol, just like me.
“How about 20 questions.”
“Okay..... But there's a rule though” As there should be.
“Which is?”
“There are no follow-up questions. The answer to the question should be accepted and left alone. Understand?”
“Yes ma'am.”
“You're going first?”
“Yeah. So, are you a superstitious person?”
“Nope, not one bit. Although, some actions don't have a human reason or scientific knowledge that doesn't change anything. I strongly believe that there is a logical explanation for everything. Including the weirdest ones.”
“Firm believer of realism I see.” Taken aback, I blinked in surprise.
“Yup.” Shrugging, she hummed her response.
“Go ahead.”
“Do you like pets?”
“No, although this must have been obvious from my actions towards your not-so-wonderful dog. I can't just stand them! It irks me out. And I most certainly don't believe in the whole ‘A dog is a man's best friend thoery’ Of course, I believe that animals can be relatively cute but cute enough to share a house with me. ” Yeah, I'm one of those rare people who does not like dogs or children.
“Poor guy and I dragged Juveta along to live with us.”
“I guess the weirdness comes with the housemate then.”
“It really does.” And I've learned to go with it.