Chapter 12
"It's nice walking like this together," Mathieu said, as we walked leisurely on the street while admiring the orange sky.
"Yeah."
The cool breeze that's gently passing made me feel relaxed, clearing my jumbled thoughts that have been occupying my mind.
"Sid, let's stop at the convenience store."
"Okay."
We entered the convenience store, Mathieu took a basket with him and went directly to the food section. I went to the other side to get a toothbrush and an undergarment for me to use, since I didn't expect this sudden sleepover.
After picking up what I needed, I went to the food section where Mathieu is.
"Whoa, that's a lot," I exclaimed, seeing a full basket in his hand.
He shrugged, "We're going to eat this together, you know."
"Mn...but still, I think it's a little too much."
"It's fine, and it's our luck today," He grinned proudly and showed me the caramel pudding that he got.
Math and I like sweets, and caramel pudding is our favorite dessert.
"Lucky!" We arrived at the counter after we finished looking around the convenience store.
I took my wallet out to pay for it, but Mathieu refused. He told me that he'll be paying for it and I refused, that's why we ended up splitting the bill after I persistently insisted it.
He carried the plastic bag, and we left the store. We continued walking for about 10 minutes before we finally arrived at his house.
"We're home!" Mathieu said and opened the door, then suddenly, we heard footsteps running in our direction.
ARF! ARF! ARF!
My eyes went wide when a big white fluffy dog came and jumped at me. He was so heavy that I ended up falling on the floor.
"Popo!"
I couldn't help but to laugh when Popo started to lick my face. I hugged him and petted his soft fur.
"Haha... I missed you too, Popo. Haha, s-stop, it tickles!"
I tried to get up, but Popo wouldn't let me go. I guess he was thrilled to see me again, since it's been a while since I visited here.
Popo was a dog that
Mathieu and I found inside the garage bin three years ago. He was so tiny and frail and almost looked like he was dying. We never expected that he'll grow this big.
"Hey, I'm here too. Why are you only welcoming Sid? You never do that to me," Mathieu complained. "Here, let me help you."
He offered his hand to help me stand, but Popo growled at him, "What the—! Are you seriously growling at me? Jeez, Popo you should know that I'm the one taking care of you, and now you're hurting my feelings."
I couldn't help but to laugh, he was frowning because of Popo's betrayal. I was actually the one who took Popo when we found him. Furthermore, I nursed him back to health, but when I found out that dad was allergic to dogs, I had no choice but to give him up. Furthermore, I showed at Mathieu's house crying while holding Popo.
Mathieu was so worried back then, when I showed up bawling on his doorstep. He thought that Popo died, but relief came to him eventually, when I explained that I couldn't keep the dog because dad is allergic to him.
"By the way, where is aunt Jennie?" I asked as I pulled myself up from the floor.
"She's probably gone to the grocery store. She was so excited when I told her that you're going to stay over."
We went to the kitchen to get a bowl for our snacks. I opened the bag of chips and transferred it into the large bowl, while Mathieu took a liter of soda from the fridge and get cups for us.
After our brief stop in the kitchen, the three of us went directly to Mathieu's room. I sat down on the carpeted floor with Popo lying next to me.
"I already finished the volume 1 of the 'Surviving as the Trash Son of the Duke's Family'."
"So, how was it?"
"Had... it's so good. I couldn't explain how well it was written. I actually started reading the volume 2 right after I finished the first one."
"Right?" I feel elated knowing that he enjoyed the novel that I recommended to him. It was one of my top 5 favorite novels.
"The way the author describes every scenario is so vivid, making you feel that you're also one of the characters."
"Mn, that's what I thought, too. Plus, the world building was thoroughly explained and well-written."
"He, you'll be surprised and amazed by it the further you read," I said before putting a chip on my mouth. "By the way, who's your favorite character so far?"
"Hmm," He put a chip on his mouth while thinking, "...aside from Marc, I think his knight Alter is my favorite. He's a bit dumb in contrast of his stiff appearance, which is funny. But, I like how strong he is. He's also kind, loyal and always prioritized Marc's orders as well as his safety."
Mathieu chuckled, "How about you, Sid?"
"His butler Luth," I answered immediately, "I couldn't help but to laugh whenever he appeared on the story. He's so overdramatic and eccentric. I love how he is always dabbing his handkerchief on his eyes, whenever Marc made something great."
"Yeah, I get it. I also love his frequent banters with Alter. Plus the way he's shouting, 'Young Master! This Luth will follow you forever. Your greatness is truly unrivaled'." I laughed when Mathieu tried to imitate Luth's words with feelings.
"However, you can't deny that Luth is very efficient in his job. He can also rival Alter in terms of strength and had no mercy to those who tried to harm or defame Marc," I said. "By the way, I really like how he tried to pay with his life every time he made a mistake, whether it's trivial or not."
"Keogh... I apologized for my mistake, young master. This Luth with my life for disappointing you," I continued while copying his gesture that was described in the novel.
We both laughed together as we continued to spout the lines that we found funny in the novel. Time went by quickly as we spent our time watching anime.
We didn't even notice that aunt Jennie already arrived home, and she's now in the kitchen prepping for dinner.
"Utah...it's nearly seven p.m. now," I said in surprised after seeing the time on my phone.
"Eh, really? Then it's almost time for dad to arrive from work," He shrugged.
"And your mom's probably in the kitchen now. Shouldn't we go down and help her?"
We went down into the kitchen and saw Mathieu's mom busily making batter. I'm always baffled at aunt Jennie's appearance. She looks young compared to her age and that's why people always get shocked when they learned that she's a mom of a 17-year-old son.
"Hello auntie, what are you making for dinner?"
"Oh Sid!" She exclaimed happily when she saw me. "I am making tempura and chicken teriyaki for dinner."
"Nice. I feel hungry already," Mathieu commented.
"Uhm...can we help you with anything?"
Aunt Jennie smiled, "Yes. I need you guys to make the salad. Is that alright?"
"Okay," Mathieu replied,, and I nodded in agreement.
The ingredients were already laid on the countertop. Mathieu washed the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers. I started slicing the ingredients and put it in a big bowl, I also added olives and feta cheese cut into cubes.
Mathieu made the dressing for the salad which contains olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic cloves, dried oregano, and salt and pepper.
We were having fun in the kitchen that we didn't notice Uncle Carl's arrival.
"I'm home!"
"Eh? Dad?!" Mathieu exclaimed in surprise.
"Hello Uncle." I greeted him with a small smile.
"Sid!" He opened her arms and hugged me. Uncle Carl is my dad's closest friend, and he's a cool guy. When I was little, he always bought me toys and my favorite snacks whenever he visits our house.
He's actually the reason why I got myself into reading manga because believe it or not he's a secret take. He has a collection of manga, comics and figurines.
Uncle Carl is like the older version of Mathieu. The two of them really look alike, except for the hair color, since Math got his blonde hair from auntie Jennie.
"How are you?"
"I'm alright uncle."
"Are you sure? Your cheeks look thinner than before," he sounded sad as he pinched my cheeks.
I laughed and nodded my head.
"Now, now. You guys should go up and change before we eat dinner. I'll call you when dinner's ready. Okay?"
"Yes ma'am!" We said in unison before we burst into laughter.