Reunions, Secrets, and Sparks
Monday morning arrived with a sky painted in soft pastels, the kind of light that made the world feel like it was holding its breath. Eliora sat at the breakfast table, quietly stirring her tea, her mind restless. She had been messaging Ann over the weekend, but now the reality was closer—her best friend would be home tonight.
Her heart skipped at the thought. The two of them hadn't spoken as often lately; school, work, and life had pulled them apart. But the messages Ann's signature "my tata❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"had reminded her that some bonds never faded.
Alexander sat across from her, watching her with that intense, unreadable gaze. Even over breakfast, he seemed to notice everything the tension in her shoulders, the way her eyes softened when she smiled at her phone, the way her hand lingered on the cup longer than necessary.
"Thinking about someone?" he asked, voice low, teasing but curious.
Eliora blushed faintly but didn't look up. "Just… Ann. She's coming back tonight."
Alexander's expression darkened for just a moment—not with jealousy, but with something heavier, protective. "Ann," he repeated slowly. "You've missed her, haven't you?"
"Yes," she admitted. "More than I realized. She's… been my anchor."
He nodded, silent for a long moment. Then he leaned closer, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Then I'll let her anchor you," he said softly. "Just don't forget… I'm not letting go either."
Eliora's chest tightened at the words, and she could feel her pulse quicken in a way that made even the morning sunlight seem insufficient.
By evening, the house hummed with excitement. Mia had been bouncing around all day, trying to guess what surprises awaited, while Eliora's mother bustled in the kitchen, putting the final touches on a special dinner. Alexander had ensured the house was prepared: fresh flowers in every vase, snacks laid out for Mia, and a small welcome gift for Ann—a personalized journal she had admired months ago.
When the doorbell rang, Eliora's heart leapt. She opened it to find Ann standing there, her backpack slung over one shoulder, face glowing with joy.
"My tata!!!" Ann cried, throwing her arms around Eliora in a tight, almost suffocating hug. Eliora laughed and hugged back fiercely, tears of happiness threatening to spill.
"I missed you so much!" Eliora whispered, laughing through the tears. "I can't believe you're here!"
Alexander, standing nearby, observed quietly, arms crossed but a small, approving smile on his face. He had met Ann once before and knew the bond they shared, but there was something almost magical about the way Ann's presence lit up Eliora's face.
"Don't crush her too hard!" Alexander teased gently, earning a mock glare from Ann.
"I'll crush her as much as I want," Ann shot back, laughing, before turning to look at him with a curious tilt of her head. "And you must be Alexander," she said, extending her hand. "I've heard a lot about you."
Alexander took it, his grip firm, his gaze steady. "All true," he said simply. "And I've heard a lot about you too, Ann. Good things."
Eliora blushed at the exchange, the room buzzing with warmth and laughter.
⸻
The dinner that followed was lively and full of conversation. Mia chattered about her favorite cartoons, her latest school adventures, and the ridiculous antics of her classmates. Ann shared stories from her time at school, filling the house with animated gestures and infectious laughter. Eliora's mother smiled at the sight, her eyes glinting with pride.
Alexander sat quietly at the edge of the conversation, watching Eliora. Each laugh, each smile, each shared glance between her and Ann reminded him just how precious she was. And he was painfully aware that he wanted to be a part of everything in her life—every laughter, every tear, every moment.
After dinner, Eliora and Ann moved to the living room to catch up more intimately. They sat side by side on the sofa, their knees brushing, as Eliora shared everything she could about the past few months—the work, Alexander, and even the emotional whirlwind she had been navigating.
"I… I feel like my world's changed," Eliora admitted, her voice soft, vulnerable. "And it's amazing and terrifying all at once."
Ann nodded, squeezing her hand. "I get it, tata. And I'm so happy for you. You deserve this. But… wow. Alex. He sounds intense."
"He is," Eliora said with a small laugh, the weight of her emotions still lingering. "But… he's different. I trust him."
Ann tilted her head, studying her friend. "I can see it. You glow when you talk about him."
Eliora's chest tightened. She had never realized how visible her feelings were. "I… I don't know what I'd do without him," she admitted. "Even with all the chaos, he makes me feel… alive."
Alexander, who had been silently observing from the corner, stepped closer, resting a protective hand lightly on her shoulder. "And you always will," he said quietly. "No matter what comes next, Eliora, I'm here."
Ann looked between them, the warmth of the moment settling in. She could see the unspoken promise in Alexander's gaze—the intensity, the devotion, the quiet obsession that she had once only seen glimpses of.
Eliora leaned against Alexander slightly, comforted by his presence. "I… I just want things to stay like this for a little while," she whispered, the exhaustion of the past weeks surfacing. "A night where everything is just… safe, and good, and home."
Alexander pressed a kiss gently to the top of her head. "Then we'll make it that way," he murmured. "For as long as you need."
The rest of the evening unfolded slowly, with laughter, whispered conversations, and small moments of intimacy between Eliora and Alexander. Mia fell asleep with her new teddy in her arms, Ann curled up on the sofa beside Eliora, and her mother finally relaxed, watching the people she loved most share joy and warmth.
Alexander and Eliora stole quiet moments together, brushing hands, sharing smiles, and lingering over glances that said everything their voices couldn't. Outside, the world continued its chaos but inside that home, for a few precious hours, everything was perfect.
Eliora realized, in that soft, glowing light, that life would never be simple but it could be beautiful. And with Alexander by her side, she felt ready to face anything even the storms Emilia had yet to bring.