36. Never back down

**Isabel**

I wake up as early as I can. Today, I am planning on preparing a special breakfast for Jared. And the mark - I simply tie a scarf around my neck to hide it from the eyes of people. I don’t think that the best time has arrived to tell everyone about it, it will be better if it is kept a secret until things clear off.

Back to my cooking - I think of the easiest meal to prepare. I’m not a good cook and I am merely brushing up because I spend most of my mornings in the kitchen and watching Stephanie cook. The best meal to prepare without having to burn down the whole pack house is pasta and I intend to prepare that.

I start with making the ingredients ready and then boiling my pasta. Midway through the cooking, Stephanie comes into the kitchen.

“Good morning, Stephanie.” I greet her cheerily.

“Morning, Isabel. Don’t tell me that you are preparing a meal for Jared?” She asks even when my answer is obvious.

“Yes I am. I have been wanting to do this for a very long time and now th