TIP-TOEING AWAY

"Stop teasing her." Mother Smith snapped, "don't worry, Jessica. He will not tease you from now on. If he does just tell me I will see him." The whole table was filled with laughter as they threatened Steve for bullying Jessica. This sweetness also bought a smile to her face.

'It has been long since someone ought for me. Thanks, dad to do at least a good thing in my life.' She looked up at the smiling face of the person next to her and her curve became curvier now reaching her ears. Steve looked up and gave her the same big smile. Their actions were small but heartwarming. The family looked at the couple and exchanged meaningful glances. The couple, however, was not aware of the plan that was being cooked up by the people around them.

..........

The sun was about to set and the family moved indoors. They sat in the living room watching shows and laughing their hearts out. The atmosphere was quite harmonious.

Mother Smith and Jessica got up at around seven to cook dinner. They both chatted while cooking for the family. It was the first time Jessica was cooking for anyone that is not her friend back in the USA.

The thought of her friends bought a smile to her face as memories flooded in her mind. When she had left she was dipped in the pain and agony of losing her loved one. She was living a roaming dead body that would fall anytime. She was lifeless and had even forgotten how to smile. That was until she met them. They were near perfect and revived her body and brain. The years she spent there was like she was reborn. If they were by her side, she could even fight a storm.

Thinking back, if she would not have met them she would have long killed herself. But they taught her humor, love, care, and happiness. Not only the good side they also formed a bad side for her, which was only known to them. This side was her darkest secret. If it exposed people would fear her and that was for sure.

"Jessica?" Mother Smith's voice bought Jessica out of her train of thought. She looked at the lady who was expertly cutting the veges. "From now on you should call me 'mom'. I know it would be odd but I have already excepted you as my daughter. I hope you could do this little favor for me." In the end, the lady had already stopped chopping and turned to the stove.

"Mother." The sudden voice made Mother Smith go stiff. She turned to see the smiling face of Jessica who suddenly wrapped her arms around the stiff mother Smith.

She sobbed while saying, "I always miss my mother…*sob* I know she is never going to come back… Why when I cry people tell me to be strong and show their sympathy…..*sob*sob* They don't understand that it hurts…*sob*… I just miss her, but now when you said I could call you mom…..*sob* It felt like she was back to me… She is here… Accompanying me through my journey…*sob*sob* Thank you, mom… I love you so much."

Mother Smith could feel the pain that Jessica was suffering. After all, she was still young when her mother died. Mother Smith comforted her until she finally calmed down. Giving her a glass of water, Mother Smith cracked a joke which lighted the mood. Jessica finally smiled and they busied themselves in making food unaware of the man who was observing them closely from behind the door.

Steve was eavesdropping on his mom and would-be-wife when he heard their emotional interaction. He was touched by the words of his mom. He felt happy for the reason that he was able to provide Jessica with a loving family. He was sure that soon Jessica will overcome her grief and live life more freely.

*Ding*

His phone screen lit up as a new notification showed up. It was from his close friend, who was also a good hacker and a partner. He read the message and dialed a number before going to the balcony next to the kitchen.

"Hello?" His deep voice was mesmerizing and also mysterious.

"Hi there. Did you see the message?" Asked a cheerful voice from the other end of the phone.

"Yes, I have. Why do we have a meeting again."

"It's because all the members are coming back… except Mr. Zero."

"When is it that he is present for a meeting. I have never even heard his voice. I wonder what he looks like."

"It is said that by the end of next month we will have a video conference with him."

"That's good."

"I heard you are getting married." The man on the other end sounded more and more cheeky. It was clear he was laughing.

On the mention of Jessica Steve smiled as he replied, "Yes."

The man on the other end laughed even harder. Steve frowned before he cut off the line.

After a while, Steve walked towards the living room. Jessica and his mother were setting the table with various dishes while his father helped them and grandfather sat on his chair with a hearty smile on his face.

Steve walked over and took his seat. He stared at the quiet and comfy atmosphere. NO one uttered a word still the place looked at peace and heart-warming. Once all settled they started to eat, no one was willing to break the peaceful silence.

After dinner, the dishes were washed by the male members as Jessica and Mother Smith went out for a short stroll. They walked slowly and steadily enjoying the light breeze under the moonlight.

"Are you feeling better now?" Mother Smith asked.

"Yes" came an instant reply.

"Let me give you advice. May I?"

"Sure mom"

"Let the memories remain in the past and focus on your present. After all, a person once said that every moment is a thief, tip-toeing away with more than it bought. So just treasure this very moment instead of being bothered about the moment that just left. You should learn this simple rule. I learned it the hard way and I don't wish you to pass through that." Mother Smith said and her face had a bitter smile. She had gone through a lot and wholeheartedly wished Jessica to learn well.