Shortly after, Evans freshened up. The pains in his arm had disappeared after bathing. He stepped out of the shower and stared at his reflection in the mirror.
His posture was back to normal, but the scenes that had occurred earlier that day were still fresh in his mind. What if he was hallucinating? He shook his head then heaved a sigh.
He shouldn't be bothered.
He had wrongly accused his mother, and this was the time to make her feel better. She was right, he's all she has and this is not the right time to make her feel disturbed.
He changed into simple clothing and then headed to the kitchen. He found Jane still preparing dinner.
"Do you need help with anything?" He asked calmly.
"No, I'm fine." She replied.
"I am sorry." He let out after clearing his throat. "I knew I shouldn't have approached you like that. I just suddenly thought of dad and I became curious...I have not been making bad friends, Mom. I'm sorry for everything I've done that has hurt you and I'm ready to make up for it."
Jane exhaled and then turned to look at him. "I am not offended, Evans. Both of us have been going through a lot. I should have just stayed behind instead of working and spending more time with you...
"Don't say that, Mom." Evans cut in calmly. "You shouldn't be stuck in the same place with me because...because I have been pondering unreasonable things. I'd go for therapy or even meditate if you want but don't blame yourself."
Jane stared at him for a moment then her expression softened. "I should freshen you. The food should be ready before I'm done. Just stay and watch it."
Evans nodded his head then watched as Jane walked out. If he does not get in trouble with Edward and the group again and avoids the mysterious girl and ignores the shadow's presence, he'd be able to live a normal life with Jane.
He leaned against the counter and fixed his gaze on the pot Jane had left on the electric cooker. The steady bubbling filled the silence and the scent of spices hung in the air. He let out a slow breath then walked to the pot. As he stirred the soup, his mind wandered off to Edward and his group.
What state would they be in?
Would they still have the courage to bully him after the mysterious girl had warned them?
He shook the thoughts off as he continued stirring the soup gently. Soon the soup was ready and he turned off the cooker.
Jane arrived, clad in a light dress that dropped to her knees. She leaned against the doorway and crossed her arms.
"I can see you are already preparing the meal." She declared softly.
Evans' focus remained on the soup. "You should go and relax. I'd serve dinner neatly."
Jane scoffed. "You barely enter the kitchen. How will you serve?"
"Just watch and relax."
Jane stood there for a moment then nodded. "Let's see how you've been observing Mom over the years. Moreover, don't spill the soup."
"I won't."
Jane went to the dining space while Evans prepared the meal he wanted to serve. He then carried the two hot bowls in his hands to the dining space where Jane was waiting for him. The bowls were extremely hot but he didn't bother about it. He knew it would heal in a few minutes.
"Aren't you supposed to use a tray? Why would you carry hot food like that?" She asked, her tone laced with concern as she stood up.
Evans placed the bowls on the table and then looked at Jane. "I told you you could do it...now it's still water, right?"
She nodded then her gaze went to his hands. "Are you not hurt? Is it because you can heal faster that's why you carried the bowls like that?"
Evans smirked. "One should do things like this sometimes. I'll be back."
He went to the kitchen and brought a jug of water and two glass cups. After pouring water into each cup, he settled down. The soft clinking of cutlery filled the silence as they started eating.
"How was school today?" She asked, breaking the silence.
Evans raised his gaze and it landed on hers. "It was fine"
A lie but he had to, for now.
She nodded. "That's good. You have always been hardworking,I hope we do not encounter any troubles again."
Evans felt guilt stuck in his throat. Life has been hard for his mother too. She lost her dear ones and she's still holding on to life. She is still strong and facing whatever comes their way...the least he could do is support her.
"Mom," he began. "I am sorry for the hurtful words I've said to you. I know life has been hard on both of us, you especially and I've been letting it get to my head. I've been pondering about it a lot recently..but overall, I'm sorry and I promise to be a better son."
Jane paused briefly then smiled faintly. "I am also sorry for lashing out. I just get exhausted sometimes but I have to keep going, just for you. You are the only one who is keeping me going so I have to beg you to stay out of trouble and continue studying. If I gather enough money, we'd move out of this neighborhood...
Evans shook his head. "You don't have to worry about that. I'm...getting used to this place so I'd appreciate it if you don't stress."
"Oh, Evans...Thank you!"
"I made a few notes I need to study later, after that I'm going to bed."
"Now that's the Evans I know! You're going to great places in life, sweetheart. I just know it." She declared calmly.
After dinner, Evans attempted to clear the used plates but Jane stopped him and urged him to study. He obeyed and went to his room. After closing the door behind him, his gaze turned to the open window.
He knitted his brows ,he had closed it before leaving the room.
Was he forgetting things?