Fire Meets Ice

Chapter 30: Coping With Him

While the girls continue to dwell in their relaxed, girly time near the spa, the tranquility was momentarily interrupted by the ringing of Alexa's phone. When she answered, it was her boyfriend Marcus on the other end, informing her that he and Oscar had just finished their basketball practice.

Marcus: Hey, kitty. Me and Oscar had just finished practice.

Marcus: Are you almost done with your classes in the afternoon?

Alexa: Yup, I finished hours ago, fireball. Right now I'm near the Vastermalm spa with Anya.

Alexa: If you know where that is.

Marcus: Of course, I do. You girls stay right there. We'll be there in 40 minutes to pick you both up.

Marcus: I was thinking we'd go someplace to eat and chill. I'm so hungry I can eat a horse.

Alexa: Haha, me too. Me and Anya both still haven't eaten yet either.

Marcus: Well, I'm about to head in my car and take off. See you soon and love you, kitty.

Alexa: Love you too, fireball.

After Marcus hung up, he and Oscar wasted no time. They hopped into the car, started the engine, and in just 40 minutes, they arrived at the designated spa. Eager to see their girlfriends, Marcus and Oscar approached with smiles, ready to embrace them lovingly. The guys greeted them with hugs and playful swirls.

Marcus: How's my kitty doing today? Amazed to know you came here with Anya...

Marcus: He joked. Knowing she's not the type to come here without her personal fireball wanting to take her out on an adventure.

Alexa: Doing magnificent, my sarcastic fireball. I also did my nails with Anya...

Alexa: She laid her hands out for him to see. Like them?

Marcus: I'd say it suits you all the way. I always imagined you with clear transparent nails of any color.

Marcus: He joked again. I wouldn't mind if you try stabbing me with them.

Alexa: Haha, never would've thought you'd find the feeling of my new nails satisfying.

Marcus: Why, of course. There's nothing unsatisfying about my kitty.

He bent down and they both kissed.

Oscar: So you took little Alexa to your favorite spa, babe? I heard Marcus saying you got her to like it.

Anya: Trust me, babe. She'll never get disappointed by anything I suggest for her.

Anya: As her bold sexy friend, I must open her up to a world of possibilities.

Oscar: Ahh, I knew you were the one for me when I laid my eyes on you 9 years ago.

Oscar: Also, it feels good carrying that busty feminine body of yours. babe.

Oscar: I enjoy seeing my princess spoiling herself and not feeling guilty.

Anya: Absolutely. Gorgeous girls never feel guilty about fulfilling themselves.

As the couples reunited, they hopped into Marcus's car to head to Gamla Stan Hof, a steakhouse restaurant in Stockholm. Upon arrival, they noticed a few customers waiting in line for a reserved seat. Patiently waiting their turn, Marcus, Oscar, Alexa, and Anya discussed their expectations for the evening. When their time was up, the host turned her attention towards the group.

Host: Welcome to Gramla Stan Hof and sorry for keeping y'all waiting! How many people in your party?

Marcus: Hey, there's 4 of us.

Host: Ok, party of 4. Follow me.

Following the host to their booth in front of the bar tables, the group settled into their seats at the restaurant. With menus in hand, Marcus, who had been to the restaurant before, had a clear idea of what to order. On the other hand, Alexa took a couple of minutes to peruse the menu before deciding on a simple yet savory appetizer. When the food arrived, Marcus wasted no time diving into his venison burgers, savoring each bite with gusto. He washed it down with sips of his Falcon beer. Oscar, equally hungry, followed suit, enjoying the flavors of his chosen dish. The girls, on the other hand, savored their meal while eating at a moderate pace. While eating, Alexa casually checked the latest news on her phone during the meal, an unexpected headline caught her attention. The news article bore a chilling headline: "24-year-old serving a 40-year-old prison sentence for assaulting his girlfriend Bonnie Wiggins of 10 months." Intrigued and somewhat shocked, she clicked on the article to read more. The screen revealed a mugshot of her ex-boyfriend Hayden in an orange jumpsuit.

Alexa: On the inside. Wait...you don't say. Is that Hayden?

Alexa: On the inside. And a 40-year-old prison sentence?! Is this true?

Marcus then noticed her checking the news on her phone after indulging in some fries dipped in ketchup. Observing her focused expression and sensing that something might have caught her attention, he decided to ask.

Marcus: Hey, kitty. Aren't you gonna eat?

Marcus: Saw something interesting on your phone?

Alexa: It's Hayden...My last ex. He's in jail for abusing his new girl that I don't know about.

Alexa: They say he's going to be locked up for 40 years.

Marcus: 40 years? Sounds a bit too light in my opinion. He should have his ass rotted there for life.

Alexa: Exactly my thoughts. Well, at least he got what he deserved.

Marcus: He should've been arrested the first time he ever laid his hands on a girl. That way he wouldn't meet and dare to move "mountains" for you, kitty.

Anya: The police sound useless like dogshit in Colorado. But whoever spoke up, I'd say he's a hero.

Anya: But you're fine now, Alexa. He won't be able to hurt girls anymore.

Marcus: I guess I can make my Instagram public again since I doubt the bastard is allowed to have his phone in prison.

Alexa was both shocked, but relieved upon learning her nasty ex was getting the taste of medicine he always deserved. Meanwhile, in Denver, Emil demonstrated his support for Bonnie by offering to move in and help her cope with her damaged mental health. Aware of the challenges she faced, Emil decided to contribute positively to her life. That morning, Emil took charge of the kitchen, opting to cook a comforting and delicious breakfast for Bonnie. He prepared fresh omelets with large slices of bacon and toasted bread accompanied by strawberry jam.

Emil: Bon appétit! Food is ready. Let me know how it tastes.

As Bonnie cut a piece of the delicious omelet and brought it to her mouth, Emil observed her lack of excitement or visible reaction. Concerned, he could sense that, despite Hayden being in prison, the trauma of the abuse lingered, and Bonnie still couldn't forget how much she suffered. Setting aside his own enjoyment of the breakfast he prepared, Emil decided to address the underlying issue.

Emil: Bonnie, are you okay? Do you not like the food?

Bonnie: No, I'm okay. The food was good.

Bonnie: It's a lot fresher compared to how I make them.

Emil: Don't be so humble. I'm pretty sure you cook really well on your own too.

Emil: You should eat more though. It hurts to see a pretty girl looking so thin and anxious most of the time.

Bonnie: I will...Thanks for worrying. I often eat this in the morning.

Emil: I do too. But are you still shaken up by what happened?

Bonnie: Yeah, but I cannot thank you enough for protecting me from that monster, Emil.

Bonnie: I was mortified to know he was your older brother. Must've been difficult growing up with him.

Emil: Yeah, we were completely different. Even though Pops wasn't good to us when he was younger.

Emil: He used to be a gangbanger and was in prison for a few years, but got out early.