?


    After noticing Lucy sitting on the couch in the living room, a flicker of worry crossed Reba''s mind as she wondered if Lucy was the one who had turned on the bathroom light earlier.


    Her presence surprised her, as she hadn''t expected to see Lucy at this hour.


    A mix of emotions flooded through Reba—concern, curiosity, and a hint of worry. She approached Lucy with a warm smile, trying to gauge Lucy''s mood. As she drew closer, she noticed a slightly somber expression on Lucy''s face.


    "Hey, Lucy," Reba greeted softly, her voice filled with a tender warmth. "Is everything alright?"


    Lucy looked up, her eyes meeting Reba''s with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Oh, hey Mom," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of confusion. "Yeah, everything''s fine. Just lost in my thoughts."


    Relieved that Lucy didn''t seem upset or distressed, Reba couldn''t help but let out a sigh of relief. She took a seat beside Lucy, her worry melting away.


    Lucy bit her lips as she hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice soft and hesitant. "Mom, can we talk?"


    Reba''s heart skipped a beat, sensing the weight behind Lucy''s words. All kinds of negative thoughts crossed her mind, but she managed to stayposed in front of Lucy.


    ."Of course, darling. You know you can talk to me about anything. What''s on your mind?"


    "I am sorry I didn''t inform you aboutst night."


    "..." Reba''s face turned pale. ''Don''t tell me she had returnedst night when Rudy and I were… no, Rudy would have noticed it. But… we were so indulged in pleasuring each other that…''


    "Umm… what are you referring to?"


    "That I didn''te homest night. I forgot to inform you that I was staying at my friend''s ce."


    "Oh!" Reba eximed and released a sigh. "Don''t worry about it. Rudy already informed me."


    Still, Reba couldn''t shake the feeling that something was wrong. She couldn''t help but think that Lucy had seen her, but she couldn''t ask her either.


    "When did youe home? Late at night? And Did you happen to turn on the bathroom light earlier?"


    Lucy blinked, a hint of surprise crossing her features. "Oh, no, Mom. I just arrived a few minutes ago when you were in the bathroom.. I''ve been in the living room the whole time," she rified, shaking her head.


    Reba''s concern eased further, realizing that her worries were unfounded. She smiled warmly at Lucy, grateful for the reassurance. "I''m d to hear that, Lucy. I must have been mistaken. Sometimes our minds y tricks on us."


    Lucy''s expression softened, a yful glint dancing in her eyes. "I know what you mean, Mom. Our imaginations can run wild sometimes."


    ''She could be lying, but why would she do that? What would she gain from hiding my secret that she could easily use to ckmail me? I should forget about it and put my worries to rest. Wait..''


    Reba turned to Lucy and asked, "Did you go upstairs?"


    "Huh? No. Why? Should I wake Rudy up?"


    "No!" She identally shouted in panic. "I mean…" Sheughed nervously. "He came hometest night, so let him sleep a little more. It''s Sunday. I will wake him up when breakfast is ready."


    Had Lucy gone to Rudy''s room, she would have realized that something had happened on the bedst night.


    Sure, Reba had zipped Rudy''s pants, but the bedsheet was stained with their love juice.


    "Oh… okay…"


    Reba chuckled, a sense of lightness returning to her spirit. "Indeed, they can, sweetheart. But it''s good to know that everything is alright. Is there anything on your mind? You seem lost in thought. Is there anything I can help you with?"


    Lucy nodded, her gaze drifting momentarily before meeting her mother''s eyes again. "Just thinking about school and the uing projects. Sometimes it feels overwhelming, you know?"


    Understanding washed over Reba as she empathized with Lucy''s concerns. She reached out, gently cing a hand on Lucy''s shoulder. "I understand. I have been through that. School can be challenging, but I haveplete faith in your abilities. Remember, you''re capable of great things, and I''m here to support you every step of the way."


    Lucy smiled gratefully, her worries beginning to dissipate. "Thanks, Mom. Your words mean a lot to me."


    Reba squeezed Lucy''s shoulder affectionately. "You''re wee, sweetheart. Never forget that you have a strong support system in our family. We''re here for you, through the ups and downs.


    And you also have Rudy. Don''t tell him I said this, but he is the most reliable man you will ever find. You both are in the same year, so feel free to ask him for academic help. He is my son and your brother. Don''t forget that."


    "I know… mom." Lucy smiled distantly and uttered, "I want to have the same kind of rtionship with him that you have with him."


    After saying that, she got up and said, "I will take a quick shower and then help you with breakfast."


    "..." Reba watched Lucy leave, but a question raised in her mind.


    ''What did she mean by that?''


    Reba left the living room and made her way to the kitchen, a determined smile on her face. She knew that preparing Rudy''s favorite meal for breakfast would be a sweet gesture, a way to show her love to him.


    As she stepped into the familiar warmth of the kitchen, Reba''s mind shifted to the task at hand. She pulled out the ingredients, letting the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fill the air. Her hands moved with practiced ease as she chopped vegetables, sizzling them in a pan with a hint of fragrant herbs.


    The kitchen came alive with the sizzle and crackle of the cooking, a symphony of vors and scents that danced around Reba. She nced at the clock, noting the time, ensuring that everything would be ready when Rudy and Lucy joined her for breakfast.


    As the delicious aroma wafted through the air, drawing Lucy''s attention from the living room, a smile tugged at her lips. The anticipation of a home-cooked meal brought a spark of excitement to the morning.


    Reba set the table, arranging the tes with care and adding a vibrant ssh of color with a bouquet of freshly picked flowers from the garden. Each touch reflected her love and attention to detail, creating an inviting space for her family to gather.


    With the final touches in ce, Reba stepped back and admired her handiwork. The table was set with steaming tes of Rudy''s favorite breakfast, a savorybination of vors that would surely make his taste buds dance with delight. She couldn''t help but feel a swell of anticipation, eager to see the joy on their faces.


    As the sound of footsteps approached the kitchen, Reba turned, her heart fluttering with a mixture of love and excitement. Rudy entered, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the breakfast spread before him.


    Lucy followed close behind, a curious grin on her face.


    "Good morning," Reba greeted, her voice filled with warmth and affection. "I thought we could all enjoy Rudy''s favorite breakfast together."


    "It''s my favorite too~"


    Lucy rushed to grab her seat, But Rudy managed to get there before her by pushing her to the side.