'You look beautiful in that white dress. Too bad your boyfriend is not here to feast his eyes!' The message on my phone read.
My head whipped up, and I looked around frantically. Sweat dripped my face even in the cold weather. He was here?
'Na ah! D...
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Should I or should I not go out. The thought kept running in my mind. I walked towards the room door and placed my hand on the knob for the 87th time. I twisted it but let go of it and sat back on the bed. It was 9.47 am according to Sam's phone. She snored and rolled from one end of the bed to the other. The pillow on the edge saved her from falling down.
My stomach grumbled and the noise kept getting louder. I could bear it no more. I slowly walked out of the room and closed the door behind me. The next room was closed. Is he inside or not? I could open the door and see for myself. What if he was inside when I open the door? What will I tell him? Before I could process the thought, my hands rattled the door knob. It didn't open. He must be still sleeping. Phew! No disturbances.
I stepped down the stairs and walked to the kitchen. If Daniel lives here, there must be something to eat. I opened the lower dark cupboard. It had strange things which hardly looked like edibles. The cupboard on the top wouldn't open. I placed one feet on the lower cupboard for support and pulled the door with all my strength. It popped open and I went off balance. My body fell backwards but someone caught me in their hands. It was Daniel.
"Are you okay?" He lifted me up.
"I'm fine." I nodded and straighten the ruffles on my skirt. "I thought you were sleeping."
"Nope. Went out for groceries." He pointed to the big paper bags on the white counter.
"Ooh.." I rubbed my neck. " I'll head to my room then." I smiled and began to walk out of the kitchen.
"I'm making hot chocolate. Do you want some?" Daniel took a box from the cupboard and walked to the stove beside it. I stood there for a second. "Feels really good in the cold", he turned back and leaned against the slab. Yes or no? He raised his eyebrows, waiting for an answer. Hunger vs fear? Hunger always wins.
"Okay." I nodded. He smiled and motioned me to the stools in front of the counter, "Be my guest." I sat on one of it. He took some things from the paper bag and turned to the stove.
"I think we didn't get properly introduced yesterday. So hi, I'm Daniel d'silva. And you are?" He turned and held out his hand from across the counter.
"Catherine La...", I shrieked my eyes and banged my hand against my forehead. "It's... Just Catherine." He narrowed his eyes and stared for a minute. He then turned back and poured the hot chocolate from the pan to the two black mugs. He placed the mugs on the counter and sat on the stool across me.
"Where are you from?" He sipped his drink.
"India."
"So what brings you here?"
I blinked and opened my mouth but words struggled to come out. I lifted the mug and sipped the drink instead. The warmth of the chocolate soothed my cold mouth. The drink moved in slow, smooth motion through my throat. I closed my eyes and inhaled the deep aroma. A smile crept on my lips. I opened my eyes. Daniel smiled at me.
