Twelve

Eshika handed Tama a piece of paper with a shopping list. Not only does she list the items, but she also lists the amount for each item. And the name of the replacement item in case Tama doesn't find it. A record that is absolutely perfect for the high school category. However, being born as an only daughter with a mother who works as a lecturer with a high teaching schedule, as well as frequent flights to various cities for seminars and other scientific meetings, has made Eshika learn many things over the years. Including by compiling a shopping list that is very useful when she goes shopping. Well, some kind of tactic to control the amount of spending. Don't buy things that aren't on your grocery list.

Tama took the grocery list, skimmed through it and was instantly horrified. "Are you seriously asking me to do this shopping?" asked Tama horror. "You're not the one joking are you? That's right. When I was told to spend this much? Don't be serious, Esh."

"Who doesn't want to give me money for shopping, who is it?" Eshika sneered in reply to Tama. "And now that I think about it, it's better for you to shop for your daily needs. So that you as a boy understand how much household expenses are every day."

Tama let out a long breath. Continue reading the grocery list.

"What is this? Two servings of fried chicken? For dinner tonight?"

Eshika nodded. "Or do you want to buy something else? The thing is, you will definitely finish shopping last night. I won't have time to cook. So, it's better for us if you buy dinner out."

"Great!"

Eshika laughed. "Come on! Go!"

Inevitably Tama was finally gone too. Leaving Eshika alone in the apartment unit.and then Eshika remembered the task given by Mrs. Wati. The English assignment. Immediately Eshika went back to her room and opened her school bag.

Mrs. Wati's task is actually not too difficult, but certainly a lot. Just be clear. Because many test scores dropped yesterday, like it or not, Mrs. Wati had to look for tactics to cover up their lack of marks. Yes, by giving assignments.

Of the many English assignments, perhaps the most time-consuming is the translating part. Mainly because the paragraph that must be translated is not a paragraph that contains only three or four sentences. Almost a long paragraph. Eshika immediately remembered about the TOEFL question when she saw the assignment given by Mrs. Wati.

Around seven o'clock in the evening, Eshika heard a noise from the front. Immediately he ran out of the room and found Tama who looked annoyed and tired carrying several plastic bags of groceries.

The boy looked furious with beads of sweat streaming down his face.

"You did it on purpose, didn't you? Do you want to do me?"

Came and came, immediately pointed at Eshika with accusing questions, until Eshika sneered at Tama.

"Who's doing it?" Eshika avoided. "You're the one who wants to shop, so you don't have to give me money."

Tama drags steps to the sofa. Sitting down. There are four large plastic ones that Tama brought. And Eshika was forced to hold back her amused smile. That must be really heavy.

Eshika took the groceries one by one to the kitchen. Put it on the kitchen island and remove the contents. The girl immediately arranged the shopping. Put each of the groceries in their proper places. Until then she realized something. She turned to Tama who came into the kitchen. Opened the fridge door and grabbed a bottle of mineral water. Open the cap and drink straight from the bottle.

"Tam," called Eshika. "Where's the fried chicken?"

Tama is still sipping her drinking water. Then wiped the remnants of water around his mouth before answering innocently. "Forget."

"Forget?"

"You don't think so, Esh. How can I still remember all kinds of fried chicken if I carry this many things with me?" asked Tom. "Look!" He pointed to the refrigerator and stove table which had been tidied up by the things he had bought earlier. "This kitchen is so full."

"Yes, but we need some time to eat, Tam."

"You cook, Esh. I have already bought kitchen ingredients too!" cursed Tama.

"I'm still working on Mrs. Wati's assignment," replied Eshika. "You go down and try to buy something to eat."

"Hoho. Are you brave now? Do you really want to give a dead rat in a bag?"

Eshika shrank.

Tama immediately took out her wallet. Take out a hundred thousand. Inwardly, Eshika wondered.

During the two days of our wedding, how much money did Tama spend?

"Here! You go downstairs. How many meters do you see there is a fast food restaurant outlet?"

Eshika pouted. But, still take the money. She briefly entered the room. She took her jacket and then, without a word he left.

I don't want get starving, she thought.

Lifting the jacket hoodie to cover her head, Eshika entered the elevator. Go down and smile briefly at the security guard who greets her. When she came out, Eshika immediately saw the signboard for the fast food restaurant that Tama was referring to. Without wasting any time, Eshika went there.

"What menu do you want?"

Eshika took a quick glance before mentioning her order. "Two packets of chicken rice, french fries, mango float, and…" Eshika recalled. "Mocha floats."

After ordering, Eshika busied herself with playing with her cellphone while waiting for her order to be finished.

"Ting!"

One message came into Eshika's cell phone. "Alex?"

Eshika opened the Whatsapp app and read the message.

[Alex]

[Esh....]

Eshika replied.

[Alex]

[ Yes? ]

It wasn't long before Alex replied to the message.

[Alex]

[ What are you doing? ]

Eshika frowned. Then answer honestly.

[Alex]

[ Buying food. Hehehe. Why? ]

Alex replied again.

[Alex ]

[Oh. Haven't had dinner yet? ]

Eshika took a deep breath and replied.

[Alex]

[ Unfortunately not yet. ]

"Here's your order."

The maid's voice caught Eshika's attention. She quickly put her phone back in her jacket pocket. Took the order and left from there.

About ten minutes later, Eshika had arrived at Tama's unit. She glanced into Tama's room door which was slightly ajar.

"Tam…, this is the food I bought. Eh?"

Eshika's head flicked back and forth. Looking for Tama's figure, but not there. Eshika's brow furrowed, but she still walked into the kitchen and prepared the food on the table. She took out her cellphone and put it on the dining table when a sudden call from nature asked him to go to the toilet immediately.

"Where's Tama?" asked Eshika to herself after washing her hands in the sink. "Did he go like that?"

Eshika stared at the dinner on the table. However, she chose not to worry about it. If Tama doesn't want to eat, it's none of her business. Instead of thinking that, Eshika chose to go to her room for a moment. To put down her jacket before she eats later.

Eshika opened the bedroom door and suddenly she immediately exclaimed in surprise.

"What are you doing in my room?!"

Eshika immediately approached Tama who was sitting at her study table.

"That's not very polite. Enter the girls' room---" Eshika's eyes narrowed when she saw what Tama did. "You copied my assignment?"

Not stopping the movement of his hand that was writing, Tama smirked. "That's great! Many tasks like this can be completed quickly with you." He glanced out of the corner of his eye. "Ckckckck. It's not in vain, Mom told you to go to school, Esh."

Eshika glared. "So? Your Mom and Dad must be in vain telling you to go to school if your only job is to copy other people's assignments!"

Tama just smirked. "Not everyone has to be smart at this lesson. You can't serve volleyball either, right?"

"Th-that…." Eshika pouted. This girl can't play sports. It's an open secret. But, suddenly she woke up. "Eh! But, that doesn't mean you can copy my assignment!" Eshika screamed as she tried to pick up the assignment book that was on the table.

Tama swiftly blocked Eshika with his big body. "Eitsss! Do you want to be a disobedient wife to your husband?"

Eshika extended her hands on each side of Tama's body. Try your best to get the book.

"As a husband, you should be the one teaching his wife!" Eshika replied. "It's the other way around."

Tama tries her best to block Eshika. Then, he realized something. Know exactly how to get rid of Eshika.

He straightened his back, paused for a moment the movement of his writing fingers and turned to the side.

"You're not using this as an excuse to be close to me, are you? So you can hug me right?"

Eshika's eyes bulged. She quickly pushed Tama's body who was laughing.

"Yes!" exclaimed Tama proud of his brilliant idea. And taking advantage of that, Tama immediately took a picture of Eshika's assignment using his cell phone. It didn't take long, maybe only about five seconds, so Tama's photograph of Eshika's task which consisted of four sheets was finished.

Eshika growled seeing it. "You cheat!"

"Ha ha ha." Tama put her cellphone in the pocket of the shorts she was wearing. Then tidy up the books and stationery. He rubbed his stomach with one hand. "Ouch! I became hungry." He turned to Eshika. "You bought some food, right?"

"You don't have!" Eshika lied while pouting.

Tama is still laughing.

"Already! Get out of my room!" said Eshika while pushing Tama's back as hard as she could until the boy came out of his room.

Eshika immediately locked the door to her room. Trying to hold back his annoyance until Tama's laughter disappeared a few moments later. She took a deep breath as she looked at her workbook. Then, save it. But, Eshika realized. It's no longer useful. After all, Tama had already taken the picture.

Eshika exhaled slowly as she hung her jacket back into the closet. Then, at that moment he realized something.

"Geez…, I haven't eaten yet."

Realizing that he had to meet Tama to fill his rumbling stomach made Eshika snort in annoyance.

After all, it looks like he really has to get used to it, doesn't it?

*

tbc ....