-Tell me something Jerry?

-Hmm?

-When did you learn Kali? You know some may call it Eskrima...

-...Back when I was in college,- Even though his answer was delayed I couldn"t find any shallowness there.

-Wow, that"s interesting.

-...

-...

-...

-You"ve covered everything pretty well. I guess it suits you, being the barkeep.

-Thank you Ms. Inspector.

-Reminds me about our first encounter.

-Could you pa.s.s the sugar?

-...

-Mix these up, will you?

-...,- He pointed towards a bowl containing few very basic dairy products. "Say, are we doing some baking?"

-Layla, Jane both wanted to have something new. I have been thinking over it.

-Right, then let"s get to work; (signs)looks like I have taken someone"s place, again, doesn"t it?

-She was actually looking forward to your cooking, Jane too. Guess she couldn"t tell you huh after all?

-...no I guess.

-So, why not just grant her wish?

-What! Now?

-Surprise is always good after a hard day.

-Yeah that might have been sweet but you see..

-Sweet, right?

-Ugh, I don"t think..besides(sighs)..I"m not really flourished with ideas right now.

-Sure you are. And I"m your one and only a.s.sistant tonight.

-(Sighs)...I guess we can try. But what about your dish?

-Backup,- He gave me a little smile. It was understandable that it was nothing less than mockery.

.

.

.

20:34Selina Johnson

-White onions?

-Yeah, there should be some in the refrigerator. I"ll go check.

-Thanks.

-Have you thought of your guest?

-...,- Jerry was talking about my new cousin. He was made aware of the whole situation at my apartment by then. The honour was mine unfortunately.

-What are you going to do with him?

-I don"t know, maybe I will just report him to Dad.

-Hmm. Well, was he of any help at all? Did you get anything on him?

-Nothing helpful.

-Oh? So, you did find something. Didn"t you?

-I wouldn"t call it a finding but stupidity.

-Makes you mad?

-Ugh no, not mad. Annoyed.

-I would say it"s a decent opportunity. You could try and use his affection towards you as a tool.

-...,- I noticed that he had left a pair of those white onions. They were looking rather fresh despite being a few days old.

-This looks good! Smells tasty too. Great job Sel,- The lid was lifted and the beautiful aroma of chicken curry filled the room. The compliment that came from Jerry put a smile on my face. It had been quite some time since I was actually proud of myself. Although Jerry helped with the measurements the whole recipe was mine.

-Now, let"s give it some finishing touches by putting these onions over.

-Wow! Now that"s a sight.

-This was one of my mother"s favourite. I think, I would love to get back at cooking. Someday.

-You know Sel, I am starting to feel jealous about the guy who"s going to have you as his wife.

-Are you now?

-Well I know how it feels. Watching someone you love cooking, running and playing.

-Jerry?

-Yes?

-Thanks.