Chapter 75: Peacocks

Nelly’s lips parted in surprise as she saw the man’s face. He was smiling and mumbling about kebabs, contrary to the drop of tear rolling down his cheek. It’s the first time she’s seen him as vulnerable, the side he hid under all the dramatic and energetic font he wore like a badge, bringing joy to those around him.

She used to think of him as someone who would never be bothered with anything. He looked so carefree. Wherever he was, and no matter the occasion, he was always making jokes. She would never think that he’s actually encountered any hardships or huge problems in his life.

Seeing him, realization hit her hard. ‘He’s always taking care of me. He’s always looking out for everyone. He always tries to bring up the mood,’ she thought, ‘the question is, is he happy all those times he was trying to be the sunshine of the room?’

A foreign feeling tugged at her heart. The lines of her face softened. Gone were her former agitation. She brought her hand to his face and wiped the tear away gently.

“You are allowed to show it when something bothers you, you know,” she whispered, wiping beads of sweat away from his forehead.

‘If you only care for others, who will care for you?’ She kept the question in her heart.

He had stopped moving or mumbling. All he did was adjust his position on his “bolster” and “pillow” and go back to sleep. Nelly sat there in silence while time ticked by. She allowed herself to relax and feel the weight of Jack on her shoulder. Soon, her eyelids were as heavy and slowly, she drifted into a deep slumber.

Meanwhile, the trio who ran away from the workshop came to the kitchen. Stacy sat on the stool at the counter. She stretched and exclaimed, “I’m so hungry! Never thought so much time has passed.” Will smiled. “What would you like to eat? I’ll make it,” he was already wearing an apron, ready to get to work.

“Pasta with garlic butter sauce,” Chad replied as he grabbed two empty glasses.

Will narrowed his eyes. “I’m only cooking for Stacy. Cook your own pasta,” Will didn’t even glance at Chad. He kept his attention focused on Stacy.

Chad came back with the glasses filled with water, intentionally going between them and placing the glass in front of Stacy. “You have been working hard. Drink some water,” he said, voice unexpectedly gentle, a contrast to the nonchalant way he talked to Will. Stacy accepted the glass with a smile.

Will pushed Chad to the side as he placed himself right in front of Stacy. “Ready to take your order!” He said with a lopsided smile. Chad placed his hand on Will’s shoulder as he claimed his former place. “The order has been taken. Get to work, Mr. Ready-to-take-order.” Stacy watched them with amusement.

Not willing to back down, Will puffed out his chest and draped his arm around Chad’s shoulder in a commanding stance. “I believe I’m talking to the lady, Mr. Pasta-with-garlic-butter-sauce,” he echoed.

Neil walked in and paused. Everyone turned around to look at him. Neil being Neil, he was quick to dismiss the tension in the air. He walked in and sat beside Stacy. “Are you making dinner?” His voice was cheerful, as if he was a part of the plan. The question was directed to Will, seeing that he’s wearing an apron.

Tension was still in the air. The men’s eyes landed on Neil, seeing that he’s sitting beside Stacy. “What?” He shrugged, looking innocent.

“You do you,” Chad rounded the counter and sat on the stool on her other side. He intentionally brought his stool nearer to her as he watched Will with challenge clearly in his eyes. Will couldn’t do anything but gritted his teeth.

He immediately cheered up when his attention was back to Stacy. “Well? Anything you feel like eating today?” He couldn’t help but zoom in on Chad’s elbow on the counter, so near to Stacy they almost touched.

“I’m not sure..,” Stacy turned to Chad beside her. “I guess pasta with garlic butter sauce sounds good,” she beamed at Will, “thanks, Will.”

Chad gave him the smug look. “Ooh! Sounds great. Count me in,” Neil exclaimed. Will narrowed his eyes at him. “Make your own,” his tone was flat as he turned around to start cooking. Neil looked so confused, Stacy couldn’t help but cover her mouth as she giggled. A small smile tugged on Chad’s lips as he watched her.

“Fine,” Neil said with a shrug. “By the way, did anyone see Nelly? She said she will spend time with you,” he gaze landed on Stacy at the end. Stacy opened her mouth to answer but Chad beat her to it. “Oh, she’s at the..” In her panic, Stacy kicked him.

That shut him up immediately. “The last I saw her, she’s starting on a new book. You know how she is. Let’s not disturb her for now,” Stacy answered quickly.

Neil nodded. Standing up, he announced, “I’m going to eat out today.” Stacy gave him a small wave paired with a smile. “See you around,” he replied instead. Just like that, he was gone.

The moment Neil was out of hearing range, Stacy immediately grabbed Chad’s arm. “Did I kick too hard? I’m sorry.. I panicked,” she gushed. “It’s alright. I know you have your reasons to stop Neil from interrupting them,” he replied, “and I don’t mind. You can beat me up if you want.”

Will rolled his eyes so hard, they might be able to hear it even though his back was to them. “Peacock,” he mumbled as he turned around with the meal. Almost immediately, his eyes narrowed at Stacy’s hand on Chad’s arm.

That made her self-conscious. She retreated her hand and reached for her glass. She took a few sips while Will placed the plate in front of her.

“This smells amazing! Thanks, Will,” she gave him her best smile. “Anything for you. Tell me if there’s anything else you want,” he said, causing Chad to roll his eyes. “Peacock.”