Next action, target and decision
I looked out the window to find a building standing solely on its own.it wasn't as large as Mr Dean's building but it was big enough to contain an entire family.
"Let's go,they must be waiting inside for us" Luna said stepping out of the car
They? weren't we supposed to go home what are we doing here and where are we?
"Carmela hurry,it's almost time for dinner" she said pulling me towards the door of the building just to be welcomed by a lady who seemed to be in her late thirties and early fourties with a stern look on her face
"You're late girls" the lady said, staring intensely at us and I could see Luna suddenly staring at her feet.
Who is this lady? My question hung in the air not getting the chance to be heard nor an opportunity for a response
"We stopped by your favorite store and bought a bottle of your favorite campaign"Luna raised up the bag we got from the store we stopped by earlier with a wild smile
"Aww,so thoughtful of the both of you, now go freshen up quickly it's almost time for dinner and Nix would soon be here" the lady winked showing us a thumbs up while Luna pulled me into the house
"She's Ken's mum so you don't have to feel nervous" she suddenly spoke up as she led the way up the stairs "..although she's more of a mother figure to us,she behaves more like a friend than a mum" she smiled and I nodded trying to understand.
Even though I've never experienced the affection from my mother I'm sure the lady we just walked pass perfected her role as a mother figure to have others love and cherish her the way they do.
"Girls!" I heard Ken's voice as he approached the room we were in and knocked
"Mum's calling the both of you to come down for.."
"I was already on my way" Luna suddenly opened the door and took to her heels leaving me alone in the room
"Why is she in such a hurry it's just food" he said with a swollen face making me chuckle
'are you scared she'll steal your mum away' I quickly scribbled as I made my way towards him before passing the tab to him just to have him laugh
"My mum you say? Well i sometimes doubt that cause it feels like Luna is her only child.Ah! I can't even eat my favorite food in peace anymore because Luna is around" he placed his hand on his forehead acting dramatic which made me chuckle in sudden bewilderment.
"I heard your painting was given a spot" he said as he led the way downstairs while I nodded affirming his claim
"You should trust your big brothers words more than what other thinks more, didn't I tell you that yours would be picked because you're talented" he patted my hair making me smile "come to think of it since I'm your brother,my mum is also your mum and seeing the way mum love girls…I'm surely going to receive lesser love from her" he sighed and I joking poked my tounge at him
"You better shut your mouth before I bath you with my plate of food!"I heard Luna's voice as we approached the dinning room
"Ah really? Aunt do you see what you're precious girl is about to do,she always loved resulting to violence" Xavier pointed at the plate before Luna and then Luna with wild eyes
"Come on kids no fighting at the dinning table"
"You can just throw them out if they don't keep quite"Mr Dean said not paying them attention
Damn! Are they seriously always like this?
I looked across the dinning table to find the twins exchanging glances,Mr Dean completely engrossed with his work and Ken's mum busy setting up the dinning
"I'm not throwing any one out and neither is anyone resulting to violence,I invited you all to know what you'll be getting me for my birthday not to fight"
Birthday? Is today actually her birthday,if only I knew I would have gotten her something seeing how sweet she is.
"I'll get you a new car,the latest brand at that" Xavier winked
"I'll get you the most expensive and latest accessories"
"I'll get you an entire island" Mr Dean said not looking up from his work and I could see a huge disappointment on her face.
An Island? Is it that easy to get one,the life of the wealthy must be really smooth going I thought as I got closer to the dinning table and pulled out a chair
"No island from you,no car and no assesories.
I really just want all of you to spend time with me nothing much,and Carmela come over here"she waved with a smile "I've heard alot about you and I couldn't wait to meet you" she said pulling me into a hug
"Since you're here let's have dinner" she pulled out the chair close to her making me seat
"And what about me?"Ken questioned pouting just to receive a death stare from Nix which made his mum giggle as she took a seat beside me
"Oh no I forgot to bring the soup,and it must be cold damn!" Xavier said with a sigh
"I'll go get it.."Ken mum said about to stand to her feet but I held her back
"I'll get it" I spoke up soflty suddenly getting the confidence to speak out of no where.
She smiled and gave me a slight node before showing me the direction where the kitchen was located and for some reason I was super excited about going to the kitchen.
In the wake of my grandmother's passing, who steadfastly discouraged my presence in the kitchen, asserting that my desires could be fulfilled without venturing into that domain, I now find myself questioning the validity of her advice, given my current circumstances. Once limited to wielding a paintbrush and pen, I have come to acknowledge the necessity of acquiring self-sufficiency.
Surveying the generously spacious kitchen, a smile graced my face as I approached the gas stove to warm up the soup. In the moments before disaster struck, a profound sense of empowerment washed over me. However, that fleeting triumph was abruptly extinguished by a colossal explosion, knocking off my glasses as I was propelled across the kitchen. My heart raced, and fear enveloped me as flames danced menacingly, rendering me immobile.
In the aftermath, I gingerly sat up, drawing my feet closer to my chest and tightly embracing my knees. Rendered speechless and bewildered, tears streamed down my face, accompanied by the thunderous palpitations of my heart against my rib cage.
The urgent call of my name, "Carmela!" reached my ears, and through tear-blurred vision, I discerned a blurred figure rushing towards me amidst the fiery chaos.
"Mum, help me!" I screamed, clinging to the hope of rescue as darkness encroached upon my surroundings.
...
Nix appeared engrossed in his work at the dining table not caring about his surroundings,but his eyes desperately scanned the room for Carmela, who had just arrived. An almost imperceptible smile played on his lips as he watched her offer to go to the kitchen. His gaze remained fixated on her until she disappeared from sight. Sighing, he attempted to refocus on his work, only to be jolted by a deafening explosion from the kitchen.
"Carmela!" Luna's scream echoed, prompting both of them to rush towards the source of the disturbance. The kitchen was engulfed in flames, and panic set in as Nix called out for Carmela, unable to locate her amidst the chaos. Her desperate cry for help pierced through the tumult, compelling him to leap into action, disregarding his own safety as he plunged into the fire to rescue her.
Upon finding Carmela unconscious, a strange pain gripped Nix's chest. He scooped her up, heedless of the flames licking at his skin, and carried her out of the inferno. "Get the car key!" he barked, determined to get her to safety.
At the hospital, Carmela was rushed into the ER, leaving Nix anxiously pacing outside the room. Ken's mother handed him an ice pack, concern etched across her face. "Are you okay?"
Nix nodded, his attention fixated on his phone, as if anticipating urgent news. "I've never encountered such an incident before. I just hope she's okay."
As the suspenseful atmosphere lingered, the hospital corridor seemed to close in around Nix. Each passing moment intensified the uncertainty, and he couldn't shake the feeling that the fate of someone precious hung in the balance. The incessant beeping of machines and hushed conversations only heightened the tension, leaving Nix anxiously awaiting news that would determine his next target,action and decision.