As Derek slowly turned to face Aunt Caroline, his gaze met mine and I widened my eyes, my lips moving as I tried to pass a message across to him. My aunt continued dicing the carrots with the knife and when she moved closer to empty the diced carrots in the pot, I took that chance to mouth a word to Derek, slurring each syllable.
"Just-. Mention - that - I - went - to - sleep… while you were watching the movie.."
Derek creased his brows and I'm sure he didn't understand what I was trying to say. I'm sure he didn't hear me clearly. He raised his thick brows and widened his eyes, wanting me to repeat my words.
"I said.. Tell her I went to sleep while you were watching the movie. That was the same thing I said to her when she asked me.."
I mouthed slowly, ensuring each word was pronounced properly and when he furrowed his brow, I smacked my forehead lightly and heaved silently. I'm sure he still didn't get what I was saying.
My aunt turned backwards to face Derek and I retraced immediately by hiding behind the wall so she wouldn't notice I was around.
"So how was the movie last night? Did you and Isabel get to watch something else?" She asked over the deep fried chicken she was making while Derek itched his nape gently, probably thinking of an answer to give..
My chest rose slowly and my breath hung in my throat. I pressed my lips together and clasped my hands, my heart racing as I pondered on what he would say..
If he says something different completely, then my aunt would surely get suspicious..
"Urmm.. I watched a few action movies… thrillers, and horrors. I'll admit that i watched them till midnight,"
Derek replied as he whipped a liquid on a plate. Neither of them maintained eye contact while they discussed as they only busied themselves with what they were cooking…
"Interesting! Do you mean Isabel watched horrors with you? I know she's not a fan of horror movies.." My aunt bantered and chuckled, her gaze fixed on the chicken she was deep-frying. She moved backwards a bit so she wouldn't get splashed with the hot oil.
Derek smiled briefly and I turned to face him with raised brows, my lips pinching as I wriggled my toes on the cold floor.
"Urmm.. She's quite an early sleeper. She slept after the first movie. She didn't stay up to watch the others…She left for her room,"
I heaved a deep sigh of relief after hearing Derek's statement, my two hands clutching my chest tightly.
"I. Knew it. Isabel doesn't stay up late.. You'll tell me those movies you watched, Derek. I'm a fan of action, thrillers and horror movies. There's absolutely nothing I can't watch, you know?" Aunt Caroline mumbled while Derek smirked before nodding slightly in agreement. They both cooked and chuckled lightly at each other's jokes. A smile pulled at the corners of my lips as I watched them with keen interest. They seem to be getting along quite well. My aunt loves Derek's personality. I'm sure about that..
Derek is not only cool but he's also likable and amiable. He's humorous, understanding, and slow to anger. He has never even gotten angry with me before. My mate is just so perfect.. I can never let him go..
"I wonder why Isabel is taking so much time in her room.." My aunt muttered through gritted teeth as she chopped the vegetables, making so much noise with the knife as it hit the chopping board continuously. Derek smiled faintly and turned to stare at me. I flashed him a warm smile before setting my foot in the kitchen.
I placed a finger on my lips, motioning for Derek to keep shut and I slowly tiptoed closer to my aunt's direction, not wanting her to be aware of my presence.
While she was still mumbling and saying some things about me, I roared behind her and she flinched immediately, her face covered in freight.
Her chest heaved and she clutched it tightly before staring at me with wide eyes and dropped jaw.
"Isabel… You scared me!" She screamed as she tried to catch her breath while Derek and I ended up chuckling…
Monday morning ~
My mom and dad still weren't back from their honeymoon so my aunt was still around with us. With sleepy weary eyes, she served us our breakfast and dunked on the sofa, yawning and stretching her two arms.
"You shouldn't have forced yourself to cook for us, you know…You could have just continued sleeping.." I said to my aunt before taking a bite of the french toast. She twitched her lips and sneered at me before sinking her fingers into her dirty blonde hair.
"I had to cook cos I didn't want to bother you guys on a Monday morning.. Eat up and go to school so I can rest all day.."
My aunt said lazily, resting her head on the arms of the chair. Derek and I chuckled as we ate, watching her eyelids shut slowly.
She suddenly flustered her eyes and she turned to face us both with narrowed eyes. With her gaze flicking between Derek and I, she decided to ask, "How is the french toast? Does it taste good?"
"Yeah! Your meals are great. It's yummy," I mumbled as I chewed on my food, my hands clutching the slice of bread with me..
"How about you, Derek?" She asked with raised brows while Derek nodded before giving her a thumbs up.
She smiled sweetly and I'm sure she loved Derek's compliment more than mine. Not only does she love Derek because he's a new family member but she loves him because he's handsome and sweet.
Not quite long, we grabbed our bags and bid her before scurrying off to school. When we got to the pavement, Derek's phone beeped and he brought it out to stare at the screen. He read the message with curious eyes and I shifted my gaze at him, wondering what it was.
He slipped the phone back into his pocket and ended up sighing.. My brows cringed as I walked alongside with him, hoping he'd tell me what it is.
"It's Hayley.." Derek revealed.
"Hayley?"
"Yeah… She wants us to go on a date.." He added and my eyes went round. I've forgotten she took his number when we played the truth or dare game at Bonnie's apartment. She had a huge crush on Derek but I won't let her go on a date with him.. He's mine!
"When?" I asked with raised brows.
Derek hesitated before replying… "This evening… After school hours.."
If I stop Derek from going, she'd suspect that something is up between us. She felt I can't have Derek for myself since he's my stepbrother. It hurts that I can't even reveal our status as mates to her…. Not just to her but everyone..
I remembered how she gave him a French kiss during the game. It still irks me till now. What if she tries to take advantage of him during the date? What if she woos him and lures him into sleeping with her?
I won't accept this.. I can't share my mate with anyone.
I held Derek's hand and fondled it softly. With my eyes searching his face, I asked, "Will you go? Will you really go on a date with Hayley?"