My fucking heart

Chapter 31

Ana

Once again, a new week started, and I am placed like usual in my desk chair at work. When I arrived at home yesterday afternoon from my weekend trip, the day proved to be rather uneventful. I put my things away in my closet and did my laundry. Not quite fun but it needed to be done.

When I checked my phone for the first time since Saturday morning, I saw a few missed calls and messages. Most of it were chat messages from Jasmin or other colleagues, nothing urgent. But what caught my eye immediately was the fact that Raphael tried to call me three times. Twice on Saturday and once on Sunday.

As soon as I read his name on my screen, that stabbing sensation in my chest and my sickening stomach returned. After some consideration, I decided to not call him back because I didn't even know what to say to him. If he wants to tell me something, he will try to call me again. Probably.

Right now, I was in my office with Mr. Stanis's files in my hands. Mr. Stanis was quite satisfied with my first drafts for the project, but he insisted on sending me several suggestions and references, which made it quite difficult for me to carry it out, as it meant that the concept I had already planned was no longer of any use.

I tried to implement everything my customers wanted as best as I could, so I got back to work.

...

After several hours of focused and intensive work, I turned off my computer and found myself at home in my apartment just half an hour later. I decided to do a cleaning day today because firstly I didn't have anything else to do anyway and secondly it kept me busy. Plus another chore on my to-do-list would be accomplished as well.

I quickly changed into simple all-day clothes since I'll probably get dirty and wet throughout the cleaning. Beige comfortable shorts and one of my plain crop tops.

The day is still young, so I gathered all various utensils I needed and set everything to engross the oven in my kitchen first. After that the bathroom got it's turn as well today. In the living room, I connected my phone to my stereo so I could listen to some music while I cleaned. Doing chores with music is way more bearable than doing it in silence.

As I was putting on my gloves to spray my bathtub with various harsh substances, my doorbell suddenly rang. I furrowed my eyebrows. Did anyone mention to stop by today?

Without thinking much about it, I rushed to the door and opened it in one fell swoop. For a moment I felt like as if all the air was escaping my lungs. I was taken aback to see who was standing right in front of me.

Raphael.

My eyes automatically drifted off over his figure. He looked as good as ever. His dark outfit flattered his toned arms and body and the cap on his head protected his eyes from the sun. He stood tall in front of me and looked down at me as I sense nervousness creeping up my back. Suddenly I felt a bit overwhelmed by his handsomeness.

But I also couldn't help but feel a little pang when I looked up into his face the first time since our fight. He doesn't even need to say a word for me to feel my pumping heart in my chest. Surprised to see him standing at my door in the middle of the day I didn't know what to say, but gladly he was the one who took the lead. His gaze was on me, he somehow didn't seem quite as confident as he usually does.

"Hey Ana, can we talk?" he suddenly asked. Although he has a very rough voice, it sounded quite gentle at the moment. My heart did strange things when I heard his voice again. His deep, calm voice. I couldn't help but look at his face for a moment. He seemed tense, as if he was worried about what my answer to his question might be.

Of course I wanted to talk to him, but I didn't know if I really wanted to hear what he had to tell me. But I am aware that I need to know. So when I looked away from him, I nodded slightly and opened the door to my apartment for him to enter.