Chapter 488 It's Snowing
Nicholas had been to markets like this before. Back in the suburbs of Horizon City, there were similar small markets, but they weren't as crowded or lively. He even saw people selling stuff he only had seen when in elementary school. Vendors were shouting, making the place buzz with activity.
Esme led the way, buying a ton of stuff, while Rachel and Nicholas trailed behind carrying the bags. It was a warm, harmonious scene. After a while, both Rachel and Nicholas were loaded down with bags, especially Nicholas, whose hands were full.
They'd bought almost all the food they needed. Carrying everything back on foot was out of the question, so after they finished shopping, Esme took them back in a down-to-earth little utility cart. The cart's door shut tight, keeping the wind out. Rachel had ridden in one before, so it wasn't new to her, but it was Nicholas's first time in such a covered cart, and he found it pretty cool.
Once they got back, Esme started prepping ingredients for the next day and hurried to make dinner, but Rachel stopped her. "Mom, take a break tonight. We'll cook dinner."
Nicholas chimed in, "Yeah, Mrs. Ximena, you should rest tonight. We got this."
"How can that be? I haven't done much. I'm not tired at all," Esme said, taking off her apron and heading to the kitchen.
Rachel snatched the apron from her mother's hand, and Nicholas naturally took it and put it on.
"Mom, just relax for a bit and try Nicholas's cooking, okay?" Rachel said, holding Esme's arm playfully.
Esme looked at Rachel, then at Nicholas, who seemed ready with the apron on. She finally smiled and said, "Alright, I'll leave the kitchen to you two tonight."
She sat in the living room watching the news while Nicholas and Rachel prepared dinner in the kitchen. One was cooking, and the other was washing vegetables, working together smoothly.
She occasionally glanced at the kitchen, watching Nicholas and Rachel's backs, her smile growing as she became more satisfied with Nicholas.
Rachel and Nicholas worked together and quickly whipped up a sumptuous dinner.
Esme kept praising Nicholas's dishes, saying each one was delicious. "Nicholas, your cooking is great. I'll be at ease with you taking care of Rachel."
Nicholas looked up at Esme and said seriously, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of Rachel."
Rachel, sitting beside them, rarely acted playfully. "Mom, I contributed half to this meal. Praise me too."
Esme pretended to think seriously and pointed to a plate of potatoes. "These potatoes are cut nicely, much better than before."
"Of course," Rachel said with a proud expression, making Esme happy.
Nicholas watched her lively expressions, feeling like he had discovered a new side of her. Each smile tugged at his heart.
After dinner, Esme suggested Rachel take Nicholas for a walk around the neighborhood, insisting they leave the dishes.
Rachel couldn't refuse, so she grabbed their down jackets and took Nicholas out.
They walked hand in hand through the small town. Since it was winter, people were bundled up and walking quickly, trying their best not to stay in the chill for too long. Street vendors were still at their stalls, waiting for customers.
Nicholas stopped and asked, "Want some roasted corn?"
Rachel's eyes lit up. She had smelled the roasted corn from afar and wanted some, but she had just finished dinner and couldn't eat a whole one. She nodded and smiled. "Sure, let's share one."
"Okay." Nicholas smiled and patted her head. He walked to the stall and bought an ear of roasted corn. It was still hot from the grill, so he asked for an extra bag, broke the corn in half, and handed one half to Rachel. "Careful, it's hot."
Rachel smiled as she took it. It was indeed still hot, so she blew on it before eagerly taking a bite. "It's so good, sweet and sticky, just like what I ate when I was a kid."
Nicholas watched her eat happily and took a bite himself. "So sweet."
He kept his eyes on Rachel. It was unclear whether he was talking about the corn or her.
Rachel felt a bit embarrassed being stared at by him, and even the vendor gave them a knowing look.
She quickly pulled Nicholas forward.
It was cold, so they didn't walk too far way. After a round in the town and sharing the corn, they headed back.
When they returned, Esme saw them and handed each a cup of cocoa. "If I had known it would turn so cold, I wouldn't have let you go out."
She looked out the window. "It might snow. You should wash up and rest early."
Rachel went to the bathroom first and placed the new towel and toothbrush Esme had prepared for Nicholas on the rack. She turned and saw Nicholas coming over, smiling. "Nicholas, you take a shower first."
Nicholas, clad in his pajamas, descended the stairs and looked at Rachel with a soft expression. "Alright," he said.
Esme had already retired to her room, leaving just the two of them in the hallway. Rachel felt her cheeks flush and she averted her gaze. "You go on ahead. I'll head upstairs."
With a quick stride, she hurried up the stairs, leaving Nicholas to watch her retreat with a fond smile until she vanished at the top landing. He then turned and made his way towards the bathroom.
Rachel ran upstairs, into her room, and threw herself onto the bed. The thick quilt, soft and comfortable, made her feel like she was sinking into it. Her cheeks were still flushed. After lying on the bed for a while, she got up and looked out the window, surprised to see snowflakes dancing in the air. It was beautiful.
It was really snowing.
The snow was falling heavily, and by morning, the ground would be covered in white. She couldn't wait to play in the snow.
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