18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 113

"Actions speak louder than words," Stella thought, deciding to treat her friends to a special meal. It was a perfect excuse to do something nice. "I have some frozen fish. How about some grilled fish?"

They also had some pork belly and rabbit stew that could go with it.

Grilled fish? The trio's mouth watered instantly. "No problem at all!"

Cody's face lit up with admiration. "Stella, you sure know how to stock up."

Stella rolled her eyes at him. "Isn't it obvious? While you guys were busy enjoying your beer and steaks, Cooper and I were eating bread and veggies, always holding back from indulging."

"Woof!" The dog looked hurt. He had been surviving on bread for days, and he was getting skinny.

Lukas defended himself. "We didn't hide the fact we were eating meat from you."

They were like family. Who could hide anything from anybody? Stella smirked, "Are you sure you two didn't sneak off to have a drink?"

Both men seemed surprised, "No, no, we didn't."

What was wrong with a man having a drink when he felt low? They didn't have much, just a few sips and a bite of jerky every now and then.

Lukas, desperate to prove his innocence, turned to Angela, "Honey, I swear I didn't. Please, believe me."

The noise at the door alerted them, and out came Jasper from his apartment.

"Right," Stella nodded. "What do you and Rosie like to eat? I'm not only hosting but cooking as well."

"I'm not picky," Jasper replied. "You're a good cook, so anything will do."

The trio exchanged knowing glances. While it was known that Jasper was a disaster in the kitchen, it didn't stop him from having high standards.

Despite Cody's excellent archery skills, he never received any praise from Jasper.

Stella hadn't even started cooking, and he was already singing her praises. His double standards were glaring.

But what could they do? Opposites attract.

Flattered by Jasper's praise, Stella blushed, "Well, as long as you're not picky." What was there to be picky about? In a post-apocalyptic world, having a meal was a blessing.

Stella headed back to her apartment to prepare the food. She picked a decent-sized fish from her stock, got the home-reared rabbit ready, and cut about four pounds of pork belly.

She prepared the fish and meat. Without any barbeque sauce, she made do with some leftover spicy soup mix.

A box of exquisite chocolates was also set aside.

After putting everything back in the apartment, she went over to room 1803 to start cooking.

Cody and Lukas took the grill to the balcony for the fish, while Jasper followed Stella into the kitchen, "I can make the pork belly. You just guide me."

Stella agreed cheerfully, "No problem." With the cold weather outside, she was more than happy to let Jasper take over.

While Jasper was not a natural cook, he knew the steps. With Stella supervising, the pork belly was quickly prepared and left to slow-cook over the stove. The enticing aroma nearly had everyone drooling.

The rabbit was stir-fried, and before adding the spicy sauce, Stella set aside a small portion for Cooper and Rosie.

Finally, it was time to grill the fish. After charring it over the fire, she placed it in a pot with the spicy soup mix, adding mushrooms and other side dishes. The pot was then placed over the charcoal stove to simmer slowly.

Meanwhile, Rosie was nestled on the couch, sketching, while Cooper sat next to her, supervising. Stella looked at Rosie's drawing and something seemed off. "Rosie, what did you draw?"

The drawing was a mix of circles and crosses, somewhat abstract, but one couldn't expect too much from a five-year-old. Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

Rosie explained, "This is my brother, this is you, this is me, and this is Cooper. We're all holding hands, living happily in our house."

Stella was surprised. Why did Rosie draw her and Jasper together, living in the same house, and raising two pets?

But Stella didn't show her surprise, "Rosie, your drawing is wonderful. I love it."

Rosie was overjoyed by the praise, her smile as bright as a blooming flower.

Cody couldn't resist asking, "Rosie, why did you only draw Jasper and Stella? Where are we?"

Rosie seemed confused. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Cody, I'll draw you guys later."

"Rosie, you're the best. We're all one big family."

Rosie looked at Cody, then at her brother. She felt something was off, but she couldn't figure out what.

Jasper called out, "It's time to eat."

Everyone gathered around the table. The leftover liquor from their last gathering was brought out, "Here's to Stella. May she always have meat to eat, stay young and beautiful forever."

Thus, Stella made a wish, hoping that everyone in their group would survive till the end of the calamity. She raised her glass in toast, "It's all in this drink."

The grilled fish was delicious. The pork belly was savory, and the spicy rabbit stew was flavorful.

As they ate, they chatted about their childhood, fighting in their short pants. Cody and Lukas still traumatized from the beatings they received from Stella.

Stella apologized, "I won't hit you guys anymore."

Angela also shared her childhood memories, "I was always taller and stronger than the boys. I was always teased for eating too much, even by my own brothers. After school, they would throw mud at me."

But one day, she fought back, beating up a dozen boys. The feeling of triumph was unforgettable.

From that day forward, Angela loved fighting. She became the undefeated champion of her village, with even the dogs hiding at her sight. Later, she was spotted by a coach and started her career in martial arts.

Then, all eyes turned to Jasper.

To the people in the group, Jasper's past was a mystery. They were curious but didn't dare to ask.