Chapter 3

The night sky was now dark and quiet and they were busy cooking for dinner when the phone in the Crawford's house rang. Just as she was putting off the plates on the table, Mrs. Crawford spoke.

Desr, do you mind continuing to cut this potato? Just be careful not to cut your finger," the woman said.

"Yes, Ma'am," she replied and then afterwards took the slice of green mango and dipped it in salt to eat.

Earlier, when they arrived home, they put all of the stuff they bought from the grocery store into the kitchen ware of the house. They then change their clothes for work to home clothes before preparing dinner for the two of them.

Emmie found out not too long ago that her teacher loves to cook meals for people. She knows a lot of recipes and has tried different styles which made her eager to learn as well. Not only that, the old woman was also aware of how to bake pastries such as cakes and cupcakes which made her enthusiastic and in awe.

Truthfully, when she was just new in her household, she had no idea how she would settle in. Not only does it look like the place is owned by a rich person due to its two storey building size but it also has various rooms.

According to Mrs. Crawford, there are three bedrooms on the second floor. The first was for the unexpected guests, the second for her and her husband and the third would be for her son, Jamie.

Once she was finished cutting the potatoes, she stretched her arms into the thin air and managed to stare at the empty space of the table. Emmie has noticed that there are no traces of albums or photos of her husband and son throughout the house which makes her suspect what had happened. Although she had no idea why there were none found in their household, she ignored the idea, thinking it was none of her business.

Honestly, she does feel a little strange on why this person is giving her all the attention, needs and kindness to her since it feels as though she was keeping skeletons in her closet yet she didn't ponder much anymore due to fear and trust issues.

After all, what if she's wrong? What if she doesn't have any bad intentions to her? What if she was just basically a kind person?

There were lots of what ifs in her mind which stops her from thinking too much.

More over, she took a deep breathe and then after, looked at her stomach. She couldn't help but think more for the future of her child.

What would happen once she gives birth? To be a fatherless child and be mocked by other kids, fear overwhelmed her as she stroke the little life growing inside of her.

Aside from her being young and vulnerable, how would she provide for the two of them? She is supposedly just a student, and an orphan at that but now… she has to live for two people.

She could even only count on her own fingers as to how many people she can trust and follow.

Once she finished eating her green mango and put the potatoes onto a clean bowl, it just so happens that Mrs. Crawford finally came back.

"I'm sorry it took quite a while to talk with my husband and son," the old woman said as she entered the kitchen.

"It's alright, Ma'am," she replied. She let out a narrow smile before pointing at the potatoes and carrots at the table. "I've already cut all the vegetables needed," she added.

"That's great then," her homeroom teacher replied. "Once my husband and son comes and sees you, I'm sure they'd be so please to have you here with us!" she exclaimed which made her stop for a second.

What does that mean?

Emmie hesitantly opened her mouth to speak. "Ma'am, does your family even know about me living here?" she asked.

Mrs. Crawford's face lit up as though she was excited. "Nope, not yet, my dear," she responded. "I was planning to surprise them that's why I didn't inform them at all. They'll be coming home next month."

An awkward smile crept into her face. She doesn't really know how to respond to this sort of situation and so she just switched their topic.

Although, at the back of her head, she couldn't help but feel worried. What would her family think as soon as she sees her living with their wife and mother? Would they welcome her happily or would they get mad? What could be Mrs. Crawford's son's reaction be, especially since this woman introduced her to Zoren's mother as his fianceé? She even said she:d invite the two women into their wrdding which makes her feel a lot more comfortable.

Will she be in a lot of trouble?

Emmie tidied up the table after she ate the last slice of Mango. Meanwhile, Mrs. Crawford was busy cooking their dinner when her mobile phone beeps.

She took it out from her pocket thinking it was Oddette updating her of the house, only to see it was a message sent by the same unknown number.

"What the hell is this person's deal?" she thought to herself. Just as she was about to ignore it, her phone vibrates again. It was another message sent by the same contact.

"I'm sorry, please don't get mad at me," the message wrote.

"I know it's been two months since I last messaged you and have lost in contact of you but I'm genuinely concerned for you," it added.

Once she read those words, she found herself typing to reply to whoever this is.

"It's alright, you don't have to worry." Just as she sent the message towards the number, it just so happens that Mrs. Crawford have finally called for her to eat her dinner.

"Emmie, my dear, please prepare the table. I already cooked the chicken afritada so we'll have our dinner now," she says. "After a while, you should take some rest."

She only nodded her head before replying. "Yes Ma'am," she answered after she put her phone back to her pocket and started putting out some plates and cutlery for the two of them.

Not long after, they started eating their dinner. The chicken afritada she cooked was delicious, one as though she had a taste of her mother's cooking again. Just as she was about to get another spoonful of food onto her mouth, they suddenly heard a ring coming from the doorbell.

Emmie and Mrs. Crawford looked at each other before the old woman stood up to check who the person might be.

After a short while, she was about to eat again when several footsteps could be heard coming her way. When she lifted her gaze to look at the people, she saw Mrs. Crawford together with two police officers which somehow startled and scared her.

What would those people need from her? Is it about the gunshots heard inside her house earlier? Did a burglar came inside her apartment? How are Miranda and Alfred doing?

She couldn't help but be overwhelmed by her deep thoughts as she continued to stare at the two cops in front of her.

They were wearing theur uniform across their bodies with a police badge across their hand. On the other hand, you can notice their bodies; a man who looks round and another that looks muscular enough to deal with two men.

She gulped.

The unknown officers looked intimidating. Despite not having any part in ehat had happened, she still felt nervous and scared while staring at them.

Mrs. Crawford was the one to break the silence engulfing the whole room.

"Emmie, the policemen are here to ask uou some questions," the old woman mumbled.

She on the other hand was still lost for words not until she nodded her head.

"Alright, may I help you with anything?" she asked.