Chapter 122: A touch of home

"Nina, why did you sneak inside Penny’s room? What did you do in there?"

Nina’s entire body froze while holding Atlas’s gaze with wide eyes.

Why was Atlas in here?

Did he hear her screams?

Or was he following her from the start?

The corner of Atlas’s lips curved down while thinking about how he got in there.

Minutes ago, Atlas was so disturbed by the contest happening in the garden that he found himself leaving the library. He was curious about who would win between Penny and Mouse. It was silly of him, but he wouldn’t be able to study with how loud the children were, anyway.

On his way down, he saw Nina acting a little suspicious. He wouldn’t bother with it normally, but his gut feeling told him he should follow her. Following her led him to Penny’s room. Everyone’s bedroom was a private place. It was rude to enter without permission. Only his siblings would barge into his room without asking permission, but Atlas had never done that.

Hence, he waited outside.

Even when he heard her screaming inside, he stayed in the same spot. Well, Nina snuck inside someone else’s private space. Considering Penny has a few pets, even getting bitten by one wouldn’t be Penny’s fault, but the intruder’s.

"Nina, care to explain?" Atlas spoke again, snapping Nina back from her trance. "What did you do inside Penny’s room?"

Nina opened and closed her mouth before she forced a smile. "Brother Atlas, I was just... I was..." she trailed off, watching the first brother arch a brow. "I borrowed Penny’s notes since I couldn’t finish it during class."

"Borrow Penny’s notes?" Atlas frowned. "Nina, are you neglecting your studies now?"

"Huh?"

"It doesn’t mean that you’re not in here anymore, you will neglect your studies. If Penny was able to finish the notes, then you should’ve finished yours too," Atlas lectured, not pleased because he perceived it as Nina slacking. "Did you get it?"

"Wha — what?"

"The note." Atlas’s tone sounded slightly irritated, seeing that Nina wasn’t bringing anything. "Did you get her notes?"

Nina froze once more. "No — no. Her frog scared me off."

"Tsk." Atlas sighed. "Just ask her later, but remember Nina, don’t neglect your studies. It’s not nice for you to rely on others too much — you’re not a kid anymore."

"Yes..." she lowered her head, hiding the bitterness in her eyes.

"Let’s go."

Having said that, Atlas turned around and strode off. Nina followed closely, knowing Atlas wouldn’t leave her alone in here again.

Nina secretly ground her teeth, thinking about the broken piece she left in side Penny’s drawer. She was so close, but because of that frog, she had to leave without taking the evidence with her.

’That frog...’ Nina clasped her hands, eyes glinting malevolently, as if another evil plan crossed her mind.

********

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Allison watched Jessa unwrap all the packed lunches and dishes she was bringing on the kitchen counter. There was this different mix of aroma in the air while Jessa arranged everything carefully.

"What is that smell?" Allison inquired, making Jessa frown deeply.

Her question reminded her of Nina’s bratty attitude. But when Jessa gazed up at Allison, she realized that question came from pure curiosity.

Jessa calmed down a bit. "It’s a fermented dish that I made..." she explained casually, resting her hands on the edge of the counter. "Don’t tell me you rich people hadn’t eaten something like this?"

"Ha ha..." Allison massaged her nape, sporting a conflicted look. "Can I try it?"

"You want to try it?" Jessa raised her eyebrow even higher, skeptical.

"Well, it’s what you cook for Penny. Isn’t it better for me to know some dishes she likes?"

Jessa squinted. Despite being suspicious, she nodded. "Sure, go ahead."

Allison’s face brightened up and quickly went to Jessa’s side. The latter rolled her eyes and let the other woman have a taste of her cooking.

"Oh." Allison covered her lips while she chewed, looking up at Jessa with an indescribable look.

"What?" Jessa frowned, assuming Allison didn’t like it. What did she expect? "If you don’t like it, spit it out —"

But then Allison swallowed it all.

"It’s... good," she said, a bit surprised that the taste wasn’t as bad as its strong odor.

"Hah?"

Allison’s lips curled up while her eyes twinkled. "How did you made this?"

"Well..." Taken aback, Jessa cleared her throat and raised her chin. "It’s simple."

"Can you teach me how?"

This time, Jessa took another moment to answer. "You want to learn it?"

"Yes."

"From me?"

"If it’s okay with you."

"Alright, that’s it!" Jessa faced Allison, hands on her hips. "Do you think I am a fool that I don’t see what you’re trying to do?"

Deep lines appeared between Allison’s brows. "I’m not trying to do anything."

"Hah! Do you think by complimenting my food, you and I can be friends? Come on. I wasn’t born yesterday not to see through your ploy," Jessa smirked. "I am Jessa Cortez for a reason, and I don’t fall for simple praises like the ones you’ve been spewing."

For a moment, Jessa’s voice echoed in the kitchen as silence followed her remarks.

"Don’t you... believe you’re good at cooking?" Allison inquired, which was something Jessa didn’t expect.

"Huh?"

"I complimented the food because it’s good," she explained calmly with a tinge of puzzlement. "And I want to learn it because I think it’s something my husband and I will enjoy with Penny. I’m not sure about my boys, but I’m sure everyone else in the household will like it."

"It’s the same as complimenting the chef because you liked the dish, but that doesn’t mean you’re trying to be friends with them," she continued, hoping her argument made sense. "I’m sorry if I came across the wrong way, but I am not trying to force us into a friendship. Being civil is fine for the children’s sake."

Another gentle smile turned up on Allison’s face before she secretly sighed. Jessa, on the other hand, raised a brow in surprise.

For the first time, Jessa found herself rendered speechless, for she didn’t think Allison would bear such an honest intention.

"Ahem!" Jessa recomposed herself. "I’ll teach you next time. You have my phone number, so I’ll text you what you need to prepare next time."

"Really?"

"Gosh! You’re not a kid, but yes, really."

Allison grinned from ear to ear, pleased when Jessa offered her some other dishes to try. With this, Allison finally realized why Penny had such a good appetite. It didn’t look like it, but Jessa was genuinely a good cook because all of her dishes had this touch of... home.