Serving House Beneviento

4

I woke up to a heavy weight on my chest. My mind was blurry. I looked down at found Donna on my chest. The streaks of morning light fell through the window and dyed her pale skin gold. Donna was practically lifeless on top of me as she softly snored. I smiled as she nuzzled into my chest. I glanced around the room and half drank tea cups sat on the nightstand closest to the clock that ticked away for six a.m.. I took in a deep breath. It was time to start the day. I slipped out from underneath her. She curled into herself as I laid the blanket on top of her.

"Caiden..." she whimpered as she nuzzled further into the pillow. My heart pounded through my ears. Some part of me wanted to stay in bed all day with her, but I had work to do. I leaned down and kissed her temple before I left the room. I walked into my room and changed my clothes. I planned on another day in the garden, so I opted for trousers. I grabbed a tank top and threw that over my head. I took in a deep breath and walked down toward the kitchen. I looked around the kitchen and the pantry. She would not be up for another couple of hours on her own accord. I had no idea if Angie would have joined us this morning. I rubbed the back of my neck.

"Cinnamon rolls?" I asked myself. It took me a minute of silent deliberation and agreed on praline cinnamon rolls. A favorite treat of Donna's. I made the dough and had them in the oven while the praline sauce cooked on the stovetop. The scents drifted through the house. I took in a deep breath as I hummed along to a song in my head. The sounds of footsteps from upstairs as I pulled out the baked treats caused me to raise a brow. She was awake? Hurried steps thumped down the stairs as I whipped at some buttercream frosting. Donna stopped directly at the kitchen. Her hair was a tousled mess from the bun she slept in. Wild eye looked at me as her chest heaved in something similar to panic. I put my buttercream aside and walked over to her. She stared at me in disbelief.

"Are you alright?"

"Why didn't you wake me!?" She snapped. The sudden hostility shocked me, and I took a step back.

"I...thought you would have liked to sleep in. I was going to wake you when I was finished." I raised my hands to her. "Calm down, Donna. I did not leave." She took in a deep breath. I walked over to her and wrapped her in an embrace. "I'll wake you next time."

"I-It..." She steamed out and her head fell onto my shoulder. "So early."

"Well, sit down. I'll finish breakfast and go wake up Angie." She nodded with a sigh.

"I'm sorry."

"Everything is alright." I gently put my hand around her waist and turned her toward the dining room.

"I'll wake Angie," she mumbled as she rubbed her eye and walked away. I smirked as she trudged away. I turned back and finished my praline cinnamon rolls. I placed one on each plate and set them out with cups of tea. A few moments later Donna came back down fully dressed in her usual black gown and Angie in her hands.

"Well, well, well," Angie exclaimed excitedly. "Cinnamon rolls! Finally, something good for breakfast!" I irked internally at the comment. I shook my head as Donna smiled down at her plate and took her seat.

"Well, sleeping beauty, you were the one that was clocked out. Thought you could use the sugar." Angie hummed as she took her first few bites. Donna's shoulders shook in silent laughter as she grabbed her cinnamon roll and took a bite. "Enjoy." I walked back into the kitchen and started to place the leftover cinnamon rolls on a plate. I grabbed one for myself and bit into the sugary sweetness. I ate quickly and wiped my face before I walked back out to the dining room.

"Donna," I stated calmly. She hummed in reply, sweet cream traced on the corner of her mouth. "I'm going to be spending my time outside again today."