132 Growing Frustration (2/2)
Women loves that. My mother certainly do.
And with everything I know about my mother, I can take an extremely accurate guess to what she will do in certain situation along with what she will be thinking.
I am also aware of the devastating heartbreak Stephanie will have to go through in the upcoming days thanks to my grand plan for this alternate reality, but she will cherish our relationship more if she has to struggle for it
People cherish things that they have paid dearly to gain.
Honestly, I can still remember the very first dollar I had work my ass off to earn. The small paper note feels so heavy within my palm.
In contrast, all the money and material things in the world mean squat to me right now.
They couldn't even compare to that first dollar I have earned with sweats and tears.
”I am sorry for falling asleep while we are talking, Max. I didn't mean to.”Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click for visiting.
Stephanie apologizes guilty. It is not her fault.
”Don't worry about it, Stephanie. I honestly don't think any worse of you for doing so since you were exhausted, unlike someone who think otherwise after she gets to sleep very soundly in a warm bed.”
I response, taking a playful jab at her guiltiness.
It is fun.
And the resulting expression on her face makes me smile.
There will be a lot more chances to capture that cute expression.
”How about you make it up to me over breakfast? We have some leftovers from dinner yesterday, so let me go and heat those right up.”
I get off the floor and ready to go and do what I have stated.
”Wait, Max.”
Stephanie hurries out of the bed to stop me from leaving and making breakfast. I honestly have done so much for her already, so it should be her turn to do so.
Unfortunately, Stephanie couldn't see where she is going and accidently crashes into me instead. She also lets out a cute yelp.
Of course, I stop her fall and hold her up while her hands grab onto my supportive arms and shoulders.
”Are you alright, Stephanie?”
I ask softly.
And when I am this close to her face, she could feel my breath and body heat intermingling with hers.
She slowly looks up at me and tries to make out my facial features.
”Max. Do… do you…”
My mother begins, but someone interrupt us by knocking and opening the door leading into the room.
It isn't locked. And it isn't because I have forgotten to lock it.
”Stephanie. Are you in here?”
Grandfather stands at the doorway and narrows his eyes into the room.
Due to the incredibly well-lit corridor, his eyes shouldn't be able to adjust themselves to the darkness of the bedroom just yet. But Stephanie pulls away from me and straightens herself.
Before she speaks up, I step backwards and play ninja by obscuring myself in the shadow of the room.
It would be very awkward to explain what we are doing in here alone and in the dark. I could make up some plausible explanation, but not being caught in the first place is better.
”Yes, dad. I'm in here.”
Stephanie responses. She also assures her father that she is in here alone, sleeping alone. She places great emphasis on being alone.
No else is here. Certainly not me.
John is wondering where I am currently, but there are several rooms that he hasn't check yet, including the study room.
Joshua and Misha is still snoozing in the other bedroom. Considering that they both think that this is their own home, they would be for a while. That also mean the Connors won't be leaving to today, at least not this morning.
Not that I mind. In fact, I want them to stay.
I have plenty of ways to get them to stay.
When grandfather heads off to look for me, I emerge from the shadow.
”Phew. That is a close one. Well, I should be going too, Stephanie. I wouldn't want your father hunting around the bunker for me all morning. Come and have breakfast when you are ready.”
I speak up and head towards the door.
My mother reaches out a hand towards me, but she stops herself. She obviously wants to ask whether I have anyone important in my life, but she didn't have to courage to know the answer.
She just watches me exit the bedroom and heads off before collapsing back onto the bed and kicking herself mentally.
”What are you doing, Steph? Why don't you just ask him already?”
My mother tells herself and then rolls around on the bed. She is frustrated. Incredibly frustrated. She would continue to be frustrated as I play hard to get while grandfather interrupting us at all the good moments.
By the third day, the Connors are packed up and ready to leave.
”You know, you can stay for as long as you want, right?”
I point out.
Joshua and Misha didn't want to leave. At least not until they satisfy their addiction.
My mother is the same, but for a different reason. Throughout the whole time staying here, Stephanie is unable to tell me how she is feeling.
”No. I think we have intrude long enough, Max. Thank you for everything.”
My grandfather tells me.
I nod in understanding and power up the elevator for them to return to the surface.
However, the bunker rumbles and the entire complex shakes heavily. It feels like something incredibly massive just crashes into the earth without any restrain.
”Earthquake! Everyone on the floor! Hurry!”
I call out and duck onto the ground. Everyone did the same and cover the head as dust descends from the ceiling.
”Max…”
Stephanie calls out, wanting to tell me something since this might be the end.
Luckily, the earthquake comes and goes very quickly.
Honestly, even a fusion bomb of the 31st century shouldn't able to make a dent in this place.
And somehow, the television switches itself on.
Alright. Not somehow. I did it wirelessly.
”Oh my god! The alien ship just fire! The alien ship just fire!”
The pretty lady reporting the news shouts in utter panic and tries to get away from the billowing dusts and smokes along with everyone else.
And just like my grandfather, I head into the living room to see what had happened.
Stage one of the plan is about to begin.
From the camera on the helicopter, a black obelisk reveals itself as the dust and smoke begin to settle. And it isn't the only one. More than a thousand of them are planted on the planet.
One of them is right outside the bunker as shown on the camera.
From its ominous appearance with red lines constantly running up its pitch black body and pulsating, the Connors aren't going anywhere soon.
Mum is more happy to stay.