Abandoned Tracks

Chapter Twenty Three: Unspoken Tensions

Later that night, everyone gathered around the dining table for dinner. The table was filled with an array of delicious dishes: roasted chicken seasoned with herbs, creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, fresh garden salad, and warm, crusty bread. There were also smaller plates of pickled vegetables, olives, and a variety of cheeses. For dessert, there was a rich chocolate cake and a platter of fresh fruit. The aroma of the food filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

As everyone began to eat, conversations flowed naturally. However, Alex seemed distracted, lost in thoughts about Adrian's death. Ethan noticed his distant expression and leaned in, asking softly, "Alex, what's wrong?"

Before Alex could respond, Sarah called Ethan's name. Both Ethan and Alex turned to look at her. She smiled and announced, "Arianna is going to visit us."

Ethan's reaction was quick but controlled. "Oh, is that so?" he replied, then turned back to Alex with concern in his eyes. Alex was curious about this woman and why her visit seemed to matter.

Ethan asked Alex again, "Are you sure you're okay? You look a bit unwell."

Alex nodded, trying to reassure him. "I'm fine, just feeling a bit off. Maybe it's the new environment."

Ethan's concern deepened. "How about we go rest now?" he suggested.

Alex smiled slightly, appreciating Ethan's care. "Let's finish dinner first."

Ethan quickly finished his meal, much to the amusement of everyone at the table. His mother laughed, "Slow down, Ethan! There's plenty of food."

Ethan grinned, "It's just so delicious, Mom. But I'm full now." He stood up, taking Alex's hand. "We'll be upstairs if you need us."

The two of them made their way to Ethan's bedroom. Alex immediately headed for the bed, leaning against it with a sigh. Ethan closed the door behind them and approached Alex, touching his forehead gently.

"You don't seem to have a fever," Ethan said softly, their foreheads almost touching. The closeness made Alex's heart race.

"I'm really fine," Alex insisted, though he felt a strange warmth from Ethan's touch. "Just a bit off, that's all."

Ethan's eyes softened as he kissed Alex's forehead. "Here's your medicine," he said with a smile.

Alex felt a warmth spread through him, stronger than before. "You know what, Ethan? I think my love for you is growing every day."

Ethan's eyes sparkled with emotion. "I love you more, Alex." He leaned in, planting kisses on Alex's forehead, cheeks, and finally, a gentle kiss on his lips. Each kiss was tender, filled with affection.

Alex closed his eyes, savoring the moment. "You're my everything, Ethan."

Ethan held Alex close, feeling his heart swell with love. "And you're mine," he whispered, before they both settled into the bed, cuddling together until they drifted off to sleep.

Downstairs, Ethan's parents were having their own conversation. "Do you think Arianna and Ethan suit each other?" Ethan's mother asked.

His father replied thoughtfully, "It's up to them. Let them spend time together and see how they feel."

Ethan's mother nodded. "You're right. We'll see how it goes."

In their bedroom, Sarah and James were also discussing the situation. "Arianna likes Ethan," Sarah said. "I'd be very happy if they ended up together."

James agreed. "They do look good together. But we don't know what Ethan thinks."

Morning arrived. Alex and Ethan are still sleeping in each other’s embrace, their bodies entwined comfortably. Someone knocked on the door, but they didn't wake up.The knocking went on for a moment and Ethan finally woke up.He opened his to see Alex peacefully sleeping in his arms.He didn't want to get out of the bed but the knocking started again.

Alex slightly opened his eyes still half asleep."Someone's at the door," Alex murmured, still groggy.

Ethan carefully moved Alex from his embrace, making sure he was covered with the blanket before getting up to answer the door. Standing there was a woman about Ethan's age, with beautiful features and a confident demeanor. She had long, flowing hair, clear blue eyes, and wore a stylish outfit that highlighted her elegant figure.

"Good morning, Ethan," she greeted with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Arianna," Ethan replied, recognizing her.

"Aunt told me to call you for breakfast," Arianna said. Ethan said, "i want to sleep a bit more. I'll have the breakfast later". Arianna said, peeking inside , "What about your friend?"

"He's still sleeping," Ethan explained. "We'll have breakfast later."

Arianna nodded and left, and Ethan returned to the bed, slipping back under the covers and pulling Alex close. Alex asked, " who was that?" . "That was Arianna, Sarah's sister," he explained.

Alex was suddenly wide awake, recalling Adrian's diary where it mentioned that Sarah's sister and Ethan were likely to get engaged. He couldn't help but feel a pang of worry and confusion.

"Is everything okay?" Ethan asked, noticing Alex's expression.

"Yeah, just... thinking," Alex replied, though his mind was racing with thoughts of Adrian and the potential complications Arianna might bring.

After sometime Alex and Ethan finally woke up.They had a nice sleep. Alex said,  "good morning ", kissing Ethan on the cheek. Ethan replied,  "good morning ", kissing Alex's lips. When the kiss was about to go deeper,  Alex stopped him saying,  " we still haven't brushed our teeth". Ethan, with a slight grin on his face said, " fine then, let's continue after wd brush our teeth " , and immediately went to the bathroom and started brushing. Alex laughed to see Ethan getting excited in the morning.