Chapter 25.2- Scarlette in Kitchenland

Cecilia Scarlette Locke’s Point of View

 

“Cecilia, what are you doing?” Kinsey asked me in an amused manner as I intently sliced the garlic after peeling the skin from it. “You don’t have to cut it so precisely.” He even added when I was not responding. Nice tip, but I like what I am doing. I’m too engrossed to even say that, though. 

 

I’m trying to focus here, and Kinsey decided it’s just right to keep nagging me as if that would make me work faster. 

 

“Hush. I’m trying to concentrate here.” I muttered before making sure to slice the little piece equally, but ended up curving badly. I hissed.

 

“Oh, dear. It seems like lunch would be our dinner. Especially if we are going to keep it at that pace. “

 

I glanced at him with a glare. “If you keep badmouthing me, I’ll make sure our lunch becomes breakfast for tomorrow.” I said like a knife threat. As expected though, that didn’t faze Kinsey. He even laughs at it while shaking his head.

 

“How come the sous chef became the one making orders now?” He continued to be amused with the situation as he just went ahead and focused on his own thing. 

 

Doing that garlic was not such an easy task as I expected, but I didn’t know the real battle starts with the onions. As soon as I began peeling its skin, there’s a strong aroma coming from it that stings my eyes a little. With that, I placed it down and made face. “Okay… Cut it in half and then- ah!”

 

Did the onion just invisibly attack me?

 

“What’s wrong? Did you cut yourself?” Before I knew it, Kinsey was already standing beside me and checking in on my fingers. 

 

“No. No, I am cautious enough not to do that.” I replied as I withdrew my hand from him. “I am fine.” I confirmed before working back unto the onion with all the concentration that I have. I didn’t even notice Kinsey smiling and walking back to his station, checking me back once in a while. 

 

I started slicing the onion, and that’s when a much greater struggle has occurred. “W-wha-” I breathed out as I stood up straight. I let out a shaky breath before I continued slicing the purple bulb. My eyes hurt. It feels like swelling. Is this normal? I am not even halfway done yet with this. I feel like I am in a fierce battle with a poison-breathing dragon. Although, I could not let Kinsey down. This is the only work he had assigned to me, the only job he entrusted me off. 

 

I do not wish to fail anyone again. Not just as a Locke, but as a person myself. I’ve had enough failures within this week.

 

“Cecilia? Are your eyes burning already?” Kinsey suddenly popped over beside me yet again. He always seems to know when I need him, and I appreciate him doing that. I am not really the person to ask for help, but having Kinsey show me how it’s done, makes me think that it’s not so bad after all. “I told you that it’s alright not to chop them so precisely. Especially in chopping the onions. Look you’re already in tears.” Kinsey said as if he is scolding a toddler. “Here. Watch me how I do it.” He smiles taking over a little. 

 

I couldn’t be good at everything, but to be at least knowledgeable, one should know how to ask for help and assistance. 

 

Kinsey helped me a couple of times already since we met, and he proved again and again how it does not hurt to have someone you could depend on. If only I could apply it in. 

 

“I-it’s not like I want to be dependent and all that!” I burst in out of the blue.

 

Kinsey looked at me in a surprised expression, making me blink back at him as well. I couldn’t handle the mental embarrassment that’s why I had said it out loud. The result turned out to be a greater embarrassment. Nice going, Scarlette. 

 

Kinsey recovered first before letting out a soft cackle. “Of course, you aren’t, but it’s not bad to ask for help. Come on. Watch me how I do it now, so you could do it too.” He said. “Wipe your tears too… Do you want to rinse your face first?”

 

I sniffle before quickly nodding and running over towards the sink. The water was too cold, but it was enough to shake me up a little. I wipe my face with a handkerchief and return to Kinsey’s side. He instructed me to still slice it slowly since I was not used to holding a knife yet, but my face should be leveled and not too close to the onion. On top of that, I had to stay a certain distance even if I surrender the precision of its portions since it’s not that important as he say. 

 

“Okay… I think I could do it.” I said, trying to take the knife from him.

 

“Alright. I’ll check on the noodles. I will be back real quick.” 

 

I pursed my lips together and positioned myself. As I replicate what Kinsey had been doing before me, I could not help but also keep repeating the shame that I brought upon myself. Why does Kinsey always have to witness all of my shortcomings? Since we crossed paths again, all I showcase are my downfalls. It must be one of the reasons why he suddenly dislikes marrying me. I won’t blame him for that. 

 

…

 

“That was a nice meal, don’t you think?” Kinsey seemed to be really pleased as he said that before taking a sip of his water. As we dine over the round wooden table, I could not help but feel the sense of relief after everything. Although I doubt that I actually helped at all, I am at least a bit tad glad that I’ve tried helping Kinsey out. If I happen to chop onion and garlic every time Kinsey cooks, then I will eventually improve my skill and master it.

 

“Hmm? Why are you smiling like that?” I blinked back when I heard a question coming out from him.

 

I tilted my head to the side and as quickly as I could straightened my lips. “Huh? What? Smiling? What are you talking about?” I questioned as I subtly run my hand through my hair.

 

Kinsey straightened his posture and leaned against the table for rebuttal. It’s as if he was cheated of some sort. “ You were! Just a moment ago.” He exclaimed in protest. I tried to match his gaze, but the bloke smirk soon after with the hit of amusement now on his eyes. 

 

I swear, I could never read the sudden shift of his mood and the motivation behind it. 

 

“Ah. I see. You’ve taken a great liking to my carbonara, huh? Well, I’ll be going to cook it for you whenever you ask for it, so don’t worry.” He laughs. His laugh is like any other laugh, but someone he glows, emitting waves of heat and comfort that I’ve learned to like so much whether it’s for his display of happiness or for the fact that he is teasing me. Whatever it is behind it, I like seeing him do so. 

 

“Happiness suits you very much, Kinsey.” I commented, feeling my face soften. 

 

I guess the statement coming from me caught him off guard, but I won’t blame him. It’s not me to be sentimental. Not at all. Not until I’ve gone stray to that little town where he resides. 

 

Kinsey smiles goofily before leaning in over the table more. His elbows rest upon the table while his chin does so against the palm of his hands. He looks at me with blinking eyes and a creepy smile plastered upon his face. 

 

I waited for him to stop, but it never came, so I had no choice but to bring up the question of “What the hell are you doing?”

 

His smile fades into a pout. “You said you like it when I am happy. I am trying to give you the puppy face. Don’t I look cute?”

 

“I swear, puppies don’t look that ridiculous.” I replied enough to make him pout even more. I raised a brow in response as a way of telling him that I am clueless about what he is doing or trying to do right now. It’s just doesn’t make sense. If he wanted to tell me something then he should’ve just said so. This is why many people miscommunicate everything.

 

Kinsey gave up with a shrug. “Anyway, I think you have a little something in your face, though.” My eyes widen a little as I quickly try to look for my handkerchief to wipe upon.

 

“We have been talking for a while, and you only to bring it up now.” I protested as I cup my every pocket.

 

“Here. I’ll get it for you.” 

 

When I felt warmth against my cheek, I looked up and it happened to be Kinsey’s large hand. He then proceeded to swipe the food crumb or the sauce- whatever it was, with his thumb. If my eyes could go any wider, it did. 

 

He then flashed me his soft smile. It’s like the sky has opened to shower me with good luck and hope so that I could finally turn things around. Ha. If only it was true. 

 

“Happiness would suit you too, Cecilia.” He whispered before pulling himself away and returning back to his seat. “Try it sometimes.” 

 

I could only continue staring at his figure. 

 

“Eat some more. I’ll get you second serving, kay?” 

 

“O… Okay.”