Chapter 28 : Afternoon Tea Time (1)

My wrists and back were sore after 2 hours of writing. I stretched out my back to loosen the rigid muscle, and there was a cracking sound coming from it. I glanced at the clock on the wall as I rotated my wrists around. It was almost lunchtime. I was too engrossed in what I was doing, I didn't notice the time flew so fast.

I threw the pen in my hand, intending to take a break. What should I make for lunch? Shall I make a quick lunch, or should I try the new recipes I have found recently?

I made my way downstairs as I contemplated my options. At that time, my phone suddenly rang, interrupting my thought. I pulled out my phone apprehensively. Don't tell me it's Carla again. Couldn't she let me have my weekend peacefully?

I glanced at the caller ID and squinted when a series of unknown numbers appeared on it. I often got prank calls or advertising calls, so I was sure it was one of those two again. With a sluggish move, I pressed the answer button.

"Hello?" I said after picking up the call, expecting a rant of product promotion or a ridiculing voice from the other side. However, I didn't expect a youthful and feminine voice to greet me.

"Hello? Big sister Eirlys?"

My eyes widened in a pleasant surprise. It's been a while since I heard her voice. My initial restlessness was swapped away in an instant. "Charlie?"

"Yes! You still remember me!" said Charlie cheerfully. Her light and chirpy voice sounded melodious in my ear.

My mouth curled up in a smile. "Of course I remember you. I thought it would be a prank call or advertising call."

"Actually, I was also worried you would think that and reject my call, but thankfully you picked it up! This is my personal number. You have to save it!"

"Alright. What brings you to call me today, though?"

"It's because you didn't call me even after a few days! You promised me you would bake me cookies!" Charlie huffed sulkily. The sound of her pout was adorable as always.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to leave you hanging. It's just that I have been busy with school these days." I said in a coaxing manner.

"Hehe, I forgive you, big sister! I know my big sister was too shy to contact me through big brother!" teased Charlie. There was a hint of mischievousness in her voice.

That was not the reason, though. I was truly preoccupied with everything that happened lately, to the point I forgot to contact her. However, since I couldn't explain what matters stole my attention so much, I just nodded along with her.

"That's right. I felt awkward if I tried to contact you through Alex. He must be busy and I don't want to bother."

"I knew it. Big sister is too polite. Big brother Alex will be happy if you call him, so don't be afraid."

"Haha, now that I got your number, I could just contact you directly next time."

"I will wait for your call then, big sister!" After saying that, Charlie paused a bit. There were sounds of people arguing behind. At first, the sound was pretty clear, but later it sounded far away.

"Charlie?"

"Yes! It's okay now! Sorry about that, my big brothers were arguing again so I moved to another place."

"Your brothers? You mean Alex and your other brothers?"

"Haha, no. Big brother Alex is in the office right now. The ones arguing were my other brothers. The two idiots."

There was a distinct difference between how bright Charlie's voice was when mentioning Alex and how fed up she was when mentioning her other brothers. So, Charlie liked Alex the most among her brothers. I made a mental note of that.

"Your brothers were arguing? Is everything alright between them?"

"Haha don't worry, big sister. They were not fighting or anything, it's just the usual things. They argue almost every day for mundane reasons. I am so sick of it already!" Charlie vented her frustration.

Her complaining voice sounded so cute I couldn't help but giggle. "Then, do you want to come over today? We can bake some cookies, and you can spend some time away from your brothers."

"That is actually my purpose for calling you, big sister! I am so tired of those two. It will be good to have a healing time together with you. The weather is nice too. I will bring a good tea to drink with the cookies." said Charlie energetically. I could hear loud footsteps from the other side too.

"Then I will prepare the ingredients. See you later, Charlie."

"Yes! See you in a moment, big sister!"

Hearing her energetic voice made my mood increasingly better. I glanced upstairs and decided to leave my work for now. I would continue it later at night.

With light steps, I made my way to the refrigerator and was relieved I got the ingredients I needed inside. I took out butter and eggs from the refrigerator, then put them on top of the kitchen table. Next, I rummaged through the cabinet and took out a bag of flour, sugar, and choco chips.

Then, I picked the necessary utensils like a measuring cup, a rubber spatula, a big stainless steel bowl, etcetera. I lined them up neatly next to the ingredients.

After waiting for another twenty minutes, my ears caught the sound of a car engine from the yard. I walked briskly to the door. The second I opened the door, a little figure suddenly came forward and pounced on me with crisp laughter.

"Big sister! I miss you so much!" said Charlie as she buried her face on my belly. Her arms were wrapped around my waist.

I chuckled at this pleasant surprise. My heart couldn't help but melt at her affectionate gesture. I wrapped my arms around her tiny back. "I miss you too, Charlie."

She raised her head and gazed at me cheerfully. Her eyes sparkled as if they hid the most brilliant stars inside. "I am so happy I can spend some time with you again! Look!" She rummaged through her bag and pulled out a metal jar and showed it in front of me. "This is the rose tea that my second brother bought on his trip. I sneaked it out from the kitchen for us to enjoy today."

"Would that be okay though?" I asked worriedly after hearing the word 'sneaked it out.

Charlie waved her hand as she invited herself inside with much vigor. "Don't worry. Aside from big brother Alex, those idiots won't notice even if the whole kitchen is gone."

Her answer didn't reassure me even a little bit. However, Charlie's energetic vibes infected me, so I didn't bother to think too deeply about it.

"Then, shall we start our afternoon activities?"

"Yes! It will be my first baking experience. Please guide me well, big sister!"

We chatted happily as we made our way to the kitchen. Before starting, I reminded her to wash her hand and help her to put on an apron. It was the only girlish apron in the house. Grandpa bought it for me once since the one he had was too old and dreary for a young girl.

The pink-colored apron had a red and yellow flower pattern on it, and Charlie twirled happily after putting it on. The size was a little bit big for her but she seemed so content I just let her do as she pleased.

We had so much fun mixing the ingredients and shaping the cookie dough into various shapes using the cookie cutters. Even when Grandpa was still here, I never had so much fun like this. Of course, Grandpa occasionally helped me prepare the dishes, but we never baked cookies together.

Aside from that, there was just something different about preparing this with another girl. It satisfied my girl sensibilities, and I felt like a normal girl for once. That afternoon, the sun shone through the window, giving the room a warm atmosphere. I don't think I could ever forget this feeling for a long time.

After lining the shaped dough neatly on the baking pan, I put it in the oven and baked it. While waiting, I tried brewing the rose tea Charlie brought as per instructions on the jar. It was my first attempt at brewing tea, but I think I did pretty well if I could say so.

When the cookies were finished, I placed them on a plate. Charlie and I spent our quality afternoon tea time together in peace. The rose fragrance from the rose tea wafted into my nostril. The smell was a bit strong but not too overpowering, reminding me once again how expensive this tea must be.

Nevertheless, the rose fragrance was very charming and relaxing. I took a sip and immediately smelled the floral scent that exploded within my mouth. The flavor was light and subtle. It had a mild sweetness and a slightly fruity aftertaste. The taste somehow felt extravagant and made me feel like a princess.

For once, I think I understood the reason why those rich people liked to drink tea so much.