16 Morning Hijinks (2/2)

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Jane was in deep thought when she traipsed down the stairs. There was something off about her son, and she was h.e.l.lbent on finding what it was. Admittedly, his odd and mystic behavior - not to mention changes - was foolproof evidence that something was going on. Her sixth sense was tingling in worry.

He was exhausted, the poor thing. There were dark circles under his eyes; an evident hint of his fatigue. Thankfully, his body didn't seem to be under any other distress aside from a wanton need of energy. She also took notice of his bulkier frame, his muscles had certainly gained more ma.s.s. Was he working out?

... she may have stared at him for longer than necessary, but that was a worthless slip-up that she conceded herself, nothing to fret over.

Even so, he should have not been so out of it. His eyes were garnished by a vast array of blood-red veins that slithered around his green irises. She hoped a fresh shower would reinvigorate him, otherwise, it would have not been a problem making him skip a day or two of school.

What did cause his wooziness though?

Jane went through a slew of possibilities inside her head. He was physically drained, and from the looks of it, mentally worn out as well.

Did he get himself a girlfriend?

She stopped in her tracks, an almost unnoticeable frown marring her features. Was that truly the answer? A girl? Didn't seem like it... but he was of that age where the discharge of hormones in their bodies could literally drown a whale.

Under that point of view, the possibility of it being true climbed higher and higher. Jane hummed as she stepped into the kitchen, the food wholly lined up on the table and awaiting her skillful hands to prepare a sumptuous morning meal for her children.

And... if that was the case, should she investigate the ident.i.ty of the wench that allegedly stole her son's heart? Should she give him some tips on how to treat a maiden? But Jered wouldn't hurt a fly...

Maybe she should just ask him and be done with it. However, she was also aware that youngsters were quite privy about their love life, and she didn't want him to think she was too intrusive, despite her having all the rights to be as such.

She wondered if Jasmine knew anything about it.

”Mom?”

Speak of the devil...

”Yes, sweetheart?” the clacking of the knife in her hand came to a halt as she glanced at her daughter.

”Hasn't Jered came down already?” she flopped down on a chair, ”We're gonna be late if he doesn't hurry up.”

”Hmm... he should be done showering, he must be dressing up as we spe--”

”No need to worry, I'm ready.” Jered announced loudly as he clambered down the stairs and into the kitchen, ”Oh boy... I'm ravenous, is it ready yet mom?” he parked himself next to Jasmine who scrunched her nose indignantly at him.

”What?”

”You've been showering for a quite a while haven't you?” she eyed him up and down suspiciously, ”What have you been up to in there?”

He snorted, ”Certainly not what you are usually up to in there...”

Jane stifled back a chortle as her daughter huffed in reply, ”Okay... here, stop bickering and start eating.” she placed a batch of plates filled with delicious-looking food in front of them, before sitting down herself.

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