One Hundred and Thirty Two

CHAPTER 132

Alicia came down from her room and met Nicholas in the living room. The aroma of meat grilled medium rare with mushroom marinade greeted Alicia's sense of smell as she approached everyone. She smiled when she saw Emma setting the steaks on the table.

"Wow, that smells delicious!"

Alicia's compliment made Emma turn her head. The woman in her knee-length purple leisure suit smiled. She put her arm around Alicia and said, "You're ready for dinner, aren't you?"

Alicia nodded in agreement. "Did you make all this?"

"Of course. You can see the men busy grilling the meat outside, Alicia." Emma moved her face forward, she spoke in a whisper. "They should be kept busy so that they don't bother us women."

At this, Alicia laughed. They laughed together until Nicholas and Alan came into the living room. At the family table they sat like family, eating and laughing together. Small talk warmed the atmosphere. Simple conversations that made Alicia forget for a moment the sadness of her parents' death, and gave Nicholas a break from thinking about other people's problems.

The wound on Nicholas' leg had healed, although it had left a mark. He was recovering well and it was helping him to carry on as usual.

"Thank you for the meal, Emma," Alicia said, ending their dinner.

Emma was clearing away the dirty dishes, when Alicia thanked her while lifting the empty glass left on the table. Emma's face took on a curious look as she finally opened her mouth. "You're welcome, darling. But I want to know about you and Nic. Are you guys serious about this relationship?"

Alicia walked after Emma who was carrying all the dirty dishes into the kitchen. Alicia helped Emma rinse the dishes and stood next to Emma who was busy soaping and scrubbing the entire surface of the dishes.

"I think I'm interested in him, but... there are still a lot of things I need to think about, Emma."

"Are you guys getting married?"

Alicia looked at Emma with a surprised expression. Of all the questions, why would Emma ask something like that

The sun set below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the kitchen window as Alicia pondered Emma's unexpected question. The clatter of dishes filled the air, punctuated by the soft hum of conversation.

"I... I haven't thought that far ahead," Alicia admitted, her mind drifting to the complexities of her young relationship with Nicholas. "It's still new, you know?"

Emma nodded understandingly, her hands methodically rinsing the remaining dinner plates. "New love is a complicated thing, my dear. It takes time to understand where it's going."

Alicia's mind wandered back to the whirlwind love story she shared with Nicholas. A chance meeting during a storm, the fabric of their lives amidst chaos and uncertainty. She sighed softly. "I think we're both figuring it out as we go along."

Emma smiled, setting aside the last dish. "That's the beauty of it, darling. Finding each other, unraveling the mysteries of your hearts."

As they dried their hands, Emma turned to Alicia, her eyes filled with a mix of wisdom and warmth. "Remember, love is not a destination, but a journey. It blooms, grows, and transforms."

Alicia nodded, a newfound sense of reassurance settling inside her. "Thank you, Emma. For everything."

And Emma put her arm around Alicia's shoulder as she whispered, "You're welcome, darling. You're like family, and we hope... God bless you in all good things."

The sound of Nicholas' footsteps made Alicia and Emma turn around. The man's presence in the doorway made Alicia and Emma cover their mouths, not wanting to continue the conversation they were having. Nicholas leaned his arm on the wall and looked suspiciously at the two women standing next to each other.

"What are you talking about here?" Nicholas made a confident face. "You're talking about me, hm?"

Alicia walked up to Nicholas, then pinched the man's cheek boldly. "Don't even think about it! Let's talk outside."

"Okay." Nicholas waved to Emma. "I'll talk to Alicia, Mom."

"Okay."

Alicia led Nicholas outside, the cool night air bringing calm to the tense atmosphere. She turned to Nicholas, with a cheerful glint in her eyes. "You're not as sneaky as you think, trying to eavesdrop on our conversation, um?"

Nicholas grinned, a mixture of embarrassment and amusement dancing across his face. "I couldn't help it. You two seem to be talking about something serious. Should I be worried?"

He shook his head, a small laugh escaping his mouth. "Not at all. Just sharing time with Emma. She's always full of wisdom."

Leaning against the porch railing, Nicholas' expression softened. "I like her. She reminds me of a grandmother character on television, she's wise and caring."

Alicia nodded, her gaze fixed on the starry sky above. "She's been through a lot. Her advice, it's like a compass, you know? It helps navigate the storm."

Nicholas stepped closer, his fingers intertwining with hers. "Speaking of storms, our meeting during that storm feels like fate now."

He squeezed her hand gently. "Funny how life gives us these unexpected moments."

She tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "What do you mean we're in the middle of one of those unexpected moments?"

Alicia laughed, her voice audible in the quiet night. "Maybe. But isn't that what makes life interesting?"

They stood there, enveloped in a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The night breeze whispered between the trees, bringing with it a sense of promise and adventure.

Nicholas broke the silence, with a note of curiosity in his voice. "So, what exactly were you and Emma talking about?"

Alicia grinned, there was a cheerful glint in her eyes. "It's a secret. If I tell you, I'll have to take you to dinner tomorrow to keep my mouth shut."

She pretended to gasp dramatically. "Blackmail? I might have to reconsider this relationship!"

He nudged her lightly, laughter bubbling up between them. "You wouldn't dare. Now, let's get back before Emma starts thinking we're up to something."

And so the two of them went inside the house after enjoying the cold and snowy night air.