The Bet

Chapter 11

Emilia's POV

"What made you join the team?" I asked breaking the silence in the car. It felt weird to be the first one to open a conversation. It was not like me at all.

"I just want to contribute to our school." I raised a brow at her to show her that I don't believe her.

"Okay." If she doesn't want to tell then I wouldn't pry. "So... I looked at your grades and you seemed to be failing at most of them... so I really don't know where to start. You got any idea?"

"That's because I hated all of them... but then... I think let's start with physics." She replied as she kept her eyes on the road as we communicate.

"So... do you fancy to cook or you wanna get a take out? "

I then answered her question with another question. "What do you prefer?"

"Honestly? I love your cooking... but if you're tired, we can always just get a take out."

"I'll cook then." I replied. It was such kind of her to think about my well being. For the last two days, I greatly felt rejuvenated. Nicole had never allowed me to even clean the condo since it's part of the condo's service. She did let me cook but other than that, all I did was rest and it felt so great.

For the first time in years, I didn't feel like a mother, but a high school student.

Nicole's POV

"Here we are!" I said as I parked my truck. We both got out of the car and went directly to the second floor where the day care was situated. We left little Madeleine before we both went to school.

"Em! Nick!" The little girl squealed in delight upon seeing us. "I missed you!" She said as she clung into me.

"Did you have fun?" I asked.

She nodded her head. "Yes! Ms. Rose was so kind and taught me so many things."

"That's great!"

"Nick! You stink!" Maddy said as she covered her nose.

"Sorry princess, I wasn't able to take a shower after the game. Now, why don't we head to our unit so I could shower, Em could cook and you could play?"

"Cool!"

I'm really beginning to like this scenario, from a stranger's point of view, we could pass as a lovely family even if both Em and I looked too young. Since Maddy was only four, then we could had her when I was fifteen.

Not all people knew about this but I was at least one year older than the rest of my schoolmates because I was held back a year due to lazyness. It's a good thing though because I get be in the same class as Emilia.

My best friend Jane was also held back because she was my partner in crime. We met Tin, Brad, Tony and James on freshman year. Little did we know that our parents were business partners or rival at one point or another. We came from different middle schools since our prestigious school only caters high school.

"I'll just take a shower." I said as I retreated back to my room.

"I'll cook dinner." Em replied.

Emilia's POV

"Hmmm... smells good!" Nick said as she walked towards the island table where we usually eat. "Just the smell of it can make you feel full already." I'm not sure if she was just teasing or complementing but it was still good to hear. "What are you cooking?"

"Spaghetti with meatballs and roasted chicken." I responded while stirring the sauce. The pasta has been boiled already and just waiting for the sauce. "Can you help with the plate?"

"Okay." She then took the plates from the cupboard together with the utensils then sat again after doing her task. Our scenario brought back old memories when my family was still intact. My mom would cook while I set the table then we will wait for my father to come home. "Hey are you okay?"

"Huh?" I asked.

"I asked if you are okay. You suddenly fell silent. You can tell me anything, what's wrong?" She must have sense the change in my aura.

"Nothing." I'm still not ready to diverge my past to her or to anyone. "I just remembered something."

"Em, just always remember that I'm here for you." She said in a soft voice and then gave me a kiss to the forehead. A gesture that surprised us both. "Ah... s-sorry..."

"It's okay. Thank you but I'm really okay." I turned around so that I could look at her eyes that was pure of sincerity. "In fact, I have never been better for a long time." I gave her a smile... a real one.

Our little moment was interrupted when someone knocked at the door. "Are you expecting someone?" I asked.

"No." She shook her head. "Just wait here I'll go and check."

Nicole's POV

I looked at the peep hole and saw two familiar figure. My heart started to beat faster due to worriness that something might have happened. "Hello detectives, what can I do for you?"

"Ms. Porter?" Detective Torres said.

"Ah... yes... that's me... is this about Emilia's mom?" I inquired. Based on their reaction, then they were here for a different reason. "Come in please."

"Who is it?" Emilia asked as she walked towards us. "Oh... detectives... what are you doing here? Something happened to my mother?"

"Ms. Brennan... Ms. Porter... we are sorry for the confusion but we are not here for your case, in fact we didn't even know that you live here." Detective Simmons started. "We were just canvasing this floor in order to get some background information about the Coulsons."

"The couple that lived at 702?" He nodded yes. "So... the husband finally killed her wife then shot himself?"

Both detectives remained calm and collected, if I hit a spot then they were good at hiding it. "How can you say that? Did you do it yourself?"

I laughed. Do they really think I'm that stupid. "You're both homicide detectives for crying out loud. Of course, somebody died."

"Nick..." Em warned as if I crossed the line.

"It's okay Ms.Brennan, she's correct. The couple was found dead in their hotel room this morning so we were canvassing this area for leads." Detective Torres answered. "How did you managed to theorized their deaths?"

"Well... Mrs. Coulson would bring different men in their unit everytime Mr. Coulson was out on business. The woman was a real B with an extreme itch. Different guys per night. I don't remember seeing her with the same guy everytime we crossed paths. As per Mr. Coulson, his car was parked near mine and he always brings his car with him so if his car was missing, meaning he's on a trip. And those days were the same time that the woman would brought a guy." I explained.

"Well... great input and theory. You got some good deducting skills, any thoughts in going to the academy?" I shook my head no. In fact, I have no idea what to do in my life. "Thank you for your time." He completed.

As the detectives stood up, I stopped them. "Do you have any updates on her mother?"

"It's still an on going investigation, so I'll just suggest for you two to visit her and talk to her lawyer." Em and I nodded in understanding and just let the detectives walk their way out.

"So Em... are we not going to discuss about your mother?"

She just shook her head. "I may look like cruel, but I thinks it's better for Maddy and I if she stays there. It's also for her own good... free logding and food plus no alcohol."

"Okay. Just let me know if you need a good lawyer."

"Don't worry I will." She then took a deep breath. "Let's eat! The food's getting cold."

We both dropped the topic about her mother and proceed to eat our dinner.