Page 44 of Fervency Love

“To be honest, I’m learning on the fly…” he says and kisses my wet hair.

“If that’s the case, you’re doing great.”

I’m peckish, so I suggest we check what’s in the fridge.

“Not much. Is cereal okay?”

“Sure,” he replies.

I toss some chocolate and cinnamon cereal into a bowl, pour in milk, and heat it all up in a microwave. It’ll make the chocolate melt and change the taste of the dish. I place two bowls on the table.

“Bon appétit, kitty cat.”

I shoot a furtive glance at him. Each time we spend time together, he seems so different from the image of the bad boy he has built for himself, the mask evaporating like morninghaze with the rising sun. Maybe I’m his sun. He’s facing me, so boyish, so happy now. His eyes glint like never before. If what they say is true and the eyes are the mirrors of the soul, his soul is currently soaring with the stars. I guess mine and his are up there together.

I’m snapped out of my reverie by a sudden sound coming from my room. A crack and a sharp stink.

“The candle!” I cry out and jump to my feet, dashing out of the kitchen.

I barge into the bedroom. I nearly burned down the apartment. The nightstand is blackened in one place.

“Our energy stoked the fire of that candle,” I say, making Ve burst out laughing. Fortunately, we’re able to put out the fire. The nightstand doesn’t look too bad. I hide the burnt spot.

“An eventful night, right?” he says.

“You got that right.”

“What about your fire? Does it still require quenching?” he jokes.

“Not sure it’s possible to put it out if you’re around. You keep on stoking it.”

“You’re divine, baby.” He takes my hand and leads me to bed, softly pushing me onto the mattress and lying next to me. He takes me in his arms, mutters something, and quickly falls asleep.

My Ve—who would have thought? I tried avoiding him for so long! Soon after, I too drift away.

I wake up, sensing movement.

“What’s going on?” I ask, sleepy, eyes still closed.

“I’ve got to go,” Ve replies.

“Where?” Now not only do my eyes snap wide open, but I’m suddenly fully awake and on edge.

“Home, Abbs. I live with my parents. They’ll start asking where I’ve been all this time.”

“And you wanted to leave without saying goodbye? Make a French exit?” The thought causes some considerable discomfort.

“No, my angel, I wanted to let you sleep a while longer and only wake you up at the last moment. Besides, I wouldn’t have left you asleep with the door unlocked.”

A weight lifts from my heart. What was I afraid of? That he’d leave me?

“Catch you later?” I ask hesitantly.

“Sure thing.” He kisses me on the cheek.

The door closes, and I’m all alone. I go to the kitchen to get some tea, then wait in the window for the water to boil. I watch on as Ve walks across the yard and disappears around a corner.

I’m left with the memories of last night.You love him,my subconscious offers. Perhaps. Something’s definitely happening between us because I would love to have him by my side all the time.

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