Chapter 4

The sun was setting as I pulled my car back into the garage. I checked my watch: 7pm. Well, Charlie won't be home in about an hour or so. I guess I could whip up something good for him. Would homemade pizza be palatable? Perhaps I should make curry chicken… but where would the chicken come from? We are almost out of supply. Our refrigerator only had a few good cabbages and a ham roll, plus some coke and beer. Well, that's pathetic, considering we only had ham with cabbages the last few days. Guess I can pop down to the supermarket to stock up supplies.

I revved the engines again and drove my way to the nearest super. Luckily, it took me only 5 minutes to reach there. I decided to stick with curry chicken. It would taste good I guess, and dad loves curry… who doesn't? I am a huge fan of curry as well. Perhaps it runs in the blood. But anything would be a good change from cabbage ham roll. That thing could make a rat feel sick.

I walked towards the entrance but stumbled a few times on the pebbles before I could make it. I gripped the door handle before I could collide my face against the floor.

"Well, look who's here! Clumsy bells! You never fail to make your entrance in the BEST possible way!" The cashier, Jassie laughed. I rolled my eyes and muttered an indignant 'thanks' before grabbing a shopping basket. I always feel that Jassie has something against me. She attended the same high school as me, same class too, but we were never close, but still close enough for her to make snide comments at me. Once I asked her what exactly her problem was and she replied the most idiotic answer ever.

"Your ghostly skin makes me feel sick! And don't try to win any sympathy with that sickly face of yours!"

I never bother to use my intellect to speak with her ever since.

Walking down the aisle, I searched for curry powder and then proceeded to the frozen products area to find some chicken. Should I buy half or whole? Better whole in case the fridge runs out again. Then, I grabbed some instant soup, some potatoes and vegetables, plus some ready made nuggets. I feel like a squirrel readying for hibernation.

Then, inevitably, I went to pay for my stuff. Giving Jassie a reluctant smile, I waited for her to scan my purchase. God! That woman is like a snail! Is she doing it on purpose?!

Finally, before I reached the point of tearing her hair out, she finished and held out her hand for money. I stuffed a cash card in her face.

After the long unbearable wait, I dragged my bags of food products out of the shop and towards my car. I dumped them in the back of my trunk and drove home, but not before showing the middle to Jassie who almost blew her top as she sees me driving away through the glass window. I love the transparent goodness of glass sometimes.

I let out a laugh. It's been so long since I can laugh from the bottom of my heart. I guess I have to thank Jassie for that! Nah…

Afterwards, I prepared dinner, helped myself to it and wait for Charlie to come home. At about 8pm, he finally came home from work.

"Hey bells! Smells good! What are we having for today?" He smiled, obviously glad to have a change in dinner instead of cabbage ham rolls.

"Curry chicken! Your one of the most favorites! How's work today?" I asked as he went to wash his hands for dinner. I frowned.

"Are you not intending to bathe first?"

"Aw! Let me eat Bella! I'm starved!"

"Your stomach would get bloated if you take a bath after dinner!"

"Stomach schmach…" He muttered.

"Dad…"

"Okay okay! Bath, first!" He sighed as he threw his hands up in defeat. I smirked.

"So how's work?" I repeated.

"Fine… but today was slower than usual." I heard a satisfying click of the bathroom door.

"Hmm…" That was our usual conversation for the day.

A few minutes later, he opened the bathroom door and stepped out.

"Have you heard from your mum?"

"Nope…"

"Humph! That woman! After I allowed her to continue with her beloved photography job, she just ran and fled like we were holding her in."

"You know how mum is. A huge kid. She would contact us soon."

He just gave a brief nod.

My mom really is a spoilt kid sometimes. Normally, I feel more like an adult than her. Renee really needs people to look after her most of the time. I was worried about her venturing to the outside world all by herself at first but realized that she has more self surviving instincts that I gave her credit for. She would come back soon enough once she had her fill.

I went to wash the dishes after Charlie finished his portion of the curry.

"You lie Bella!" I heard him shout from the living area.

"What?"

"You said I wouldn't feel bloated but I am. Stuffed to the brim."

"Good for you dad! At least you don't have to carry that stomach to bath. It would only triple in size."

"My daughter reminds me of my mom sometimes…" I heard him muttered under his breath.

I continued with the dishes before proceeding upstairs to end my day and get a good rest for tomorrow night.

"Tomorrow night…" I breathed out. I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach that something was going to happen tomorrow, but I did not know what it was.

"Must be the nerves."

I stripped to the undergarments and climbed into bed, like I usually did. And for once, I really feel that tomorrow might be a good day for me.

how how? i made an effort to update so please, pretty please... review!!! tyvm!

LoVEs,

the AuthOR D