To Infinity and Beyond

Misplaced

Alice's POV

It was Sunday afternoon, and tonight I had to attend Jake and Emma's special occasion. Following my plan to do some grocery shopping, I walked down two streets to the nearest store as my car decided to ditch me this morning. It had been pending service for weeks now, and being too deep in my head, I forgot to do the needful.

The sun was at its peak, and my stomach was growling in hunger by the end of my shopping list. Nevertheless, I made up my mind to cook and eat at home. No point dining outside when you are alone and bored.

Almost half a day later, I reached my apartment. I unclocked the door and placed my shopping bags on the entrance console. I shut the door and went inside, only to hear the doorbell ring again. I peeped through the hole and found Chris standing with a bunch of bags in his hands.

"Hey, Chris! What a pleasant surprise! You are early. I didn't expect you to be here until 7?"

"Hey, Alice! Mom baked your favourite pastries and pasta, and she ordered me to deliver them to you right away. She couldn't wait." He gave me his signature smile and handed me the small bag from his left hand while using his right side to engulf me in a warm hug. Such a saviour! So much so for having hunger bouts, the aroma itself was so tempting.

"Isn't Catherine a sweetheart? Come have a seat, I will put them in the fridge."

"What can I say? She adores you." He stated matter-of-factly and slumped on my couch.

"I am sorry you had to be my delivery boy on your only off day. And thanks for offering me a ride to the party tonight. I know how busy you usually are!" I walked back to the living room with a glass of water for him, which he gulped in one go.

"Anything for you Alice! You are like family to us." His eyes twinkled as he smiled ear to ear.

Soon after, we both dug into the food that Catherine prepared for us and started binge-watching our favourite show.

Time flew by whenever I was in his company. Chris had been there for me in the past weeks, in more ways than I could count. Deep down, I was immensely grateful to have him in my life.

It was around five in the evening when I heard soft snores coming from my shoulder. Chris dozed off with his mouth half-open while we were on the last episode of our short series marathon. I couldn't help but smile at how peaceful he looked. I carefully untangled myself from him, while he adjusted himself comfortably on my couch, still sleeping soundly. I bought a duvet from my room to cover him, switched off the television and tiptoed to the washroom to take a long shower.

It was close to six-thirty when I decided to wake him up.

"Chris, wake up!" I nudged him softly. He moved in his sleep but didn't budge.

"Hey, sleepyhead! Wake up now." This time I shook him harder. He opened one eye and peeped at me.
"Oh, Ghosh! I slept." He straightened himself and with wide eyes muttered under his breath, "wow".

"You are looking beautiful, Alice." His eyes slowly travelled from my head to toe in admiration. My cheeks blushed red in response, I had dressed up for the party. I decided to keep it simple yet elegant in a light peach dress that just reached my knees. I kept my hair open and completed the look with a pair of pearl earrings and a bracelet.