Love on Notes

51

It wasn't until two weeks later that the atmosphere calmed down and the danger seemed less imminent. Trevor hadn't intruded on our lives since the evening with Harry, so things were much more relaxed.

With my brother gone, Daniel and I returned to our little routine. While he worked during the day, I made progress on my articles. Having sent off the final version of my manuscript, I waited impatiently for Ingrid to get back to me. I was alone again, and not constantly watched over by my brother or Daniel, which I appreciated.

Cassiopee had visited us the previous weekend with several treats from her café. Daniel had trusted her enough to tell her about the issue, so she wanted to make sure I didn't miss out on anything. Although I didn't know her very well, she was so kind and thoughtful that I absolutely adored her. We spent a few evenings together while Daniel went off to work. I never thought I'd be able to get as close to someone as quickly as I did with Cassiopee.

After a video conference with Sibylline, Eve and the rest of the team, I made myself a milkshake before my morning yoga session. I'd been doing it for a week and it was as beneficial as everyone claimed. I was about to do the triangle position when someone knocked on the door. Aware of the potential danger, I rushed over to check who was behind it. Noticing Emmeline through the peephole, I relaxed and opened.

— Are you all right? I asked, seeing her frowning, one hand on her stomach.
— Yes, yes, just painful periods.
— Come in. Lie down on the sofa and I'll fill a hot water bottle for you.

She, who was so used to insisting on thanks and apologies, didn't have to be told twice. She took off her shoes and immediately sat down on the sofa. Judging by her drawn features, she must have been in a lot of pain. Having had painful menstruation myself, I knew exactly what she was going through.

After putting the water on to boil, I retrieved my blanket from the guest bedroom and put it over her.

— Thank you, she said, her eyes only half open.
— Why didn't you come sooner? I asked.
— I didn't want to disturb you and it's not professional.
— Em, how can you think of not wanting to bother me when you're suffering to this extent?

She was about to reply when a twitch of pain made her wince and tears formed in the corners of her eyes. Placing my hand on her shoulder, I tried to reassure her as best I could. To take her mind off things, I turned on the television and put on a film that was playing. From the look on her face, she seemed to be enjoying it.

My phone rang in the middle of the movie and I immediately went to the room where it was charging. It was Daniel. I picked up, smiling.

— Hi there!
— Hi, are you all right? he asked me.
— Yes, yes, Em's at home because she's got terrible cramps.
— Oh, dear. Shall I come home?
— No, no, don't worry. Tom and Theo are downstairs, so everything's fine.
— Great, let me know if there's any change. I hope you both just rest up. See you later, sweetheart.
— See you later honey.

Smiling, I joined Emmeline in the living room and saw her watching me.

— Is everything OK?
— Yes, yes. It was just Daniel checking up on us.
— He doesn't mind me being here?

I tilted my head and raised my eyebrows.

— He would have dealt with me if your presence bothered him. But no, on the contrary, he told us to rest.

She nodded, smiling slightly, before lying back on the sofa, putting a hand on the hot water bottle.

— Don't hesitate to ask me if there's anything else you'd like.
— You're sweet, Liz, but I'll be fine for now.

Then she started watching the film again.

— What's this guy up to now? I shouted at the television in the face of this absurd character.
— He's not very perceptive or nice. He's useless.

We both looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Time passed quickly, and it was already around two o'clock when Emmeline decided to join the boys.

— You know you can go home if you're still in pain, I said as I opened the door.
— Yes, yes, but don't worry, I'm much better. It was very kind of you to help me.
— That's normal, Em.

When the door closed, I put my yoga mat away and set to work on my article on Daniel's desktop computer. As I was writing about the impact of the winter season on our bodies, I realised once again that I was learning a lot through my professional activity. 

Suddenly, Daniel stormed into the room and I was startled.

— You scared me to death! he exclaimed.
— So did you! When did you get back?
— Just now. I looked for you in the living room and in the library, but you were nowhere to be found.
— I'm sorry, I replied, running into his arms.
— I can see that, but as long as you're fine, everything's fine.

He rested his chin on mine for a few seconds. I loved it when he did that, it made me feel so safe.

As I sat back down at his desk, I noticed that he was blinking a lot, clearly exhausted.

— Long day?
— Yes, I had quite a stressful case.
— But is everything all right now?
— Yes.

I was delighted to hear that, because when things ended badly, Daniel found it difficult to get through it for several days.

— I'm really pleased to hear that, I say before he undressed and slipped into the shower.

In the meantime, I finished my research and my draft for the day, satisfied with the work I'd done, and headed for the kitchen. Staring longingly at the contents of the fridge, I tried to work out what to make. We'd already prepared our favourite dishes for the last five days, so I was running out of ideas for tonight.

— So? asked Daniel, sitting down on one of the high chairs like a child. What's for dinner?
— Um, I don't know, there's only the leftovers from what we cooked this week.
— I'll go shopping tomorrow, he said.
— We'll go shopping.
— Are you afraid I'll use the same ingredients again for the coming week?
— Daniel, I know you're going to get identical groceries, I laugh, before closing the fridge to join him.

I held him close, my head on his shoulder. I took a deep breath and immediately felt his cologne tickle my nostrils, which made me feel happy. He rested his chin on top of my head and asked me if I wanted to have a pizza and movie night. It had been a month since we hadn't done that.

— It doesn't get any better than that, I said, turning my face towards him before planting a kiss on his lips.

I called the pizza place near Daniel's flat and placed our order. As I walked towards the television, Daniel remained sat on the chair, pensive.

— Is everything okay?

He got down from his chair and approached me.

— Yes, yes. I had my family on the phone today and they've invited you to lunch at their house on Saturday. Of course, you can say no if you think it's too soon, I'm not forcing you to do anything, but they'd like to meet you. I told them we wanted to take our time, but they can't wait to meet you, especially my little sister.

I was so pleased.

— Of course I'll meet them Daniel!

He raised his eyebrows immediately, probably not expecting such an enthusiastic reaction. Given Daniel's many qualities, I often wondered what his parents were like.

After settling down on the sofa, my legs on his thighs, I noticed that Daniel was staring at me with a huge smile. When I asked him about it, his smile got even bigger.

— My family is going to love you so much, Liz, I can't wait to see it.

I put my hand on his cheek, grateful that he was trying to reassure me.

— And Charlie and my mum will love you even more.

I smiled back at him and brought my face close to his.