CoLaur - The Home Chillin' Life

"Are you sure Emily won't kill Jae for trapping her?" Colin asked. He stood by the stove with a circular pan in his hand. The tinfoil on top started to balloon as the pan heated up. "I might need to rent a tux for his funeral."

"Relax. She's not that dramatic," Lauren assured him. She sat by the kitchen counter and ate from a tub of ice cream.

Both of them wore soft pants and t-shirts. The kitchen had pastel yellow walls and white cabinets. The sun seeped through the backdoor window and illuminated the apricot floor. Colin had pulled the blinds for the window near the stove.

He glanced over his shoulder for a second. "Are you sure about that? Didn't she almost stab him once?"

Lauren paused, her spoon still in the chocolate ice cream. "I'm sure the exhibit will catch her attention more. Jae would just stay out of the way while watching over her."

"So how would he get her to the upper floor then?"

"Faith, trust and pixie dust."

Colin shook his head, chuckling at her response. The tin foil continued to grow. He felt the handle vibrate under his grip. The popping noise became more frequent. The smell of butter wafted in the air.

Hopping off the stool, Lauren threw the empty tub in the trash. She walked over to the stove and stood on her toes. Her eyes peeked over Colin's shoulder.

The tin foil ballooned even more.

He spared her glance.

"What are you thinking about?" He spoke in whispers.

Lauren moved to his side and leaned against the counter, crossing her arms over her chest. "I still can't believe that you asked dad's permission for us to hang out at his house."

"Last time I checked, it's also your house, missy," Colin reminded her with a tap of her nose. She scrunched in return. "Second, it's definitely better than sneaking around."

"Why can't it be at your house?" She whined. Since they arrived, countless people had knocked at the front door. Old ladies had come forward, claiming they hadn't spoken in so long—and that it was only right for them to check in every once in a while.

She'd never been more uncomfortable.

"Because that one is empty," Colin stated. He looked at the island counter. Tupperwares filled with food stacked on top of each other. "Over here, you have very caring neighbors that your dad trusts so they can keep an eye on us on his behalf."

"You mean nosy neighbors."

"Hey! They make really good casserole."

"Good point."

Colin turned off the stove and they headed for the living room. It had a couch and two armchairs as the sitting area. A glass coffee table stood on the carpet in between them. The TV was an old model with a bulky frame. It sat on a TV cabinet where it was surrounded by two columns of pictures and figurines.

He chose the armchairs that faced away from the windows. It had armrests that separated the two of them in case her father suddenly came home. It was also hidden from the front door so it gave them some time to prepare if it opened.

Lauren crouched in front of the TV. A DVD player rested under it. She pulled out a drawer and assessed their options. "So, do you want a princess movie or animated objects or… hmm, secret tearjerkers, cringe-y villains or talking animals?"

Rubbing his chin, Colin took his time thinking.

"All of the above?"

Lauren glared over her shoulder. He smiled cheekily. She immediately turned back to the drawer. If she had spent a second longer staring at his face, her heart might completely stop. Her fingers brushed over the DVD spines. Each title she read to herself gave her an image of the movie.

"Oh! I think I have just the thing." She pulled out the DVD and inserted it in the player.

As it read the disc, she hopped onto the empty armchair and grabbed a handful of popcorn. The production company logo appeared on screen. She had only seen this movie once so her memory of it was vague.

This should be technically a first screening for both her and Colin.

"These are burnt!" She choked, chewing through the popcorn. Her tongue stuck out of her mouth after swallowing them. She snatched a juice bottle from the coffee table. The aftertaste wouldn't leave her throat.

Colin lifted a perfectly cooked kernel and popped it into his mouth. "That's what happens when you don't look at what you're eating. You should know better than that, Lauren."

She shook from the memory of the burnt taste. It was gone but it left a lasting impression that it seemed like it was still there. Slamming the bottle on the table, her eyes squinted in his direction and darkened with revenge.

"I'll burn whatever I cook for you in the future."

Unfazed, Colin winked at her before shifting his attention back on the TV. "I'd still eat anything you cook or me.��

"It could make you sick."

"Oh, I know you wouldn't mean it."

Lauren frowned. Outsiders might think his words were romantic and/or sweet. But to her, they sounded a lot different. She nudged his arm, pushing him with all her might. "Stop guilt tripping me on something I haven't done!"

She huffed and put her feet up. The crease lines on her forehead hadn't disappeared. The movie played out with the voice of the narrator. ``Get your popcorn ready, folks! This is gonna be one hell of a ride. Enjoy!``

Was this movie mocking her?

Colin muffled a laugh. He set the popcorn down. Most of what was left had been charred anyway. He took out a grocery bag filled with chips, taking one out and shaking it. "I'm sorry for making you feel that way. Singles?"

The potato crisps came in a long tub, stacked to the rim.

"Is it sour cream?"

"Of course."

Lauren grabbed the can without looking. Apart from munching on junk food, the pair proceeded to watch the movie in silence. The sound system picked up the music as if converting it to real life. Each stomp, crash and thud bounced off the walls, sending tremors.

The story followed POVs of a kitty, a rabbit and a beaver. Their unlikely companionship had led them to different adventures. A blue robot chased them for violating the rules in his territory. In times of imminent danger, they seeked shelter from a mermaid. Their bond grew stronger as if they were family.

But then, a Rainbow Cookie Overlord persuaded the kitty to his side.

Rabbit-san and Beaver-kun had no choice but to obey in order to keep their feline sister safe from madness. Their stomachs became stuffed with cookies, making them sick. They endured the suffering and prayed for a miracle.

Would their wishes be answered?

"What kind of movie is this?" Colin asked out of the blue.

Lauren shrugged. "Looks like something a mouse would write when bored."

Keys rattled outside the front door. Lauren raised her legs and used them to pull herself up. She licked off the seasoning on her fingertips. The doorknob had turned halfway by the time she reached it.

Stars blanketed the night sky outside.

Were they watching for that long?

"Lauren!" Will exclaimed, wiping his shoes on the door mat. She tightened her lips but gave him a small smile. He stepped inside while she locked the door. "Did Colin—"

"Good evening, Officer Williams." Colin nodded in greeting and extended his hand. "Thank you for letting us stay here. How is Woodlands these days? Crime rate still low?"

"It's certainly a lot more peaceful than the big cities," Will replied while shaking his hand. They moved to the living room and sat across from each other. "I heard Arboreal had a fire in one of its secluded areas. It managed to burn half a warehouse."

Lauren crouched low, walking in between them.

She turned off the TV and took out the DVD.

Her father spotted it right away. He stood up and stuck a thumb over his shoulder. "If you kids are watching a movie, don't let me interrupt. I'll just be in the kitchen."

"It's alright, sir." Colin also rose to his feet. Shaking his hand in front of him, he said, "I was just about to leave. Please enjoy your night."

"Nah, stay," Will countered. "Dinner will be ready soon. Join us."

Lauren perked up at the invitation. "Can you?"

Colin exhaled sharply. His gaze lingered on her. Her movements hadn't escaped his perception. The moment her father came home, her limbs became stiff. This was the first time she seemed like her usual self.

He wasn't the only one who noticed the change.

"See? Lauren wants you to stay. Remember what I told you about making her sad." Will made his escape. He scanned the tupperwares for what they could eat for dinner. He was surprised to see double the usual amount.

Was there a party he wasn't aware of?

Colin walked up to Lauren and took the DVD case.

"I'll stay," he whispered, Then, he pointed the case at her. "But you need to talk to your father more. I can't be the only trying to keep a conversation alive."