His Bet

Chapter Sixty Four

Ace

I can't sleep. I was laying on this bed staring at the wall beside me. I took a glance at my back and saw him sleeping on the single couch. There was that faint smile on his lips as he sleep. Turning my head back on the wall again I bit my lip to avoid a small smile to escape but I failed. I feel so much courage to step forward because of what happened earlier. I thought he was mad at me but he made me feel like he can't be ever mad at me.

I didn't know what had gotten in my mind to let him touch me like that. Well, literally he didn't. He just caged me with his warmth. He feel so warm, so homey and welcoming. I saw how his eyes darkened with something I couldn't identify yet, how he lock his jaw and groaned like he's frustrated; that just shows how much effect I have on him. I saw how cautious he was with what he's going to do next or what he's going to say and I'm grateful that he always put my interests first. He was so gentle and very understanding on my condition.

How I wish he won't ever loose that patience with me.

But I know better than that. People tend to break that patience they have if it was taken for granted. So I agreed a while ago. I know he's not going to hurt me intentionally so I gave it a try.

The L word might still be scaring me but he's not pressing it to me right? He's not asking for me to answer. He just say it and I just have to hear it. All of this was so foreign that I don't even know how to react. Most of the time, when we're having that kind of exchange I'm just silent. Processing what he's doing and saying. Dumbfounded, shocked, amused.. that's the only thing I do. I try so hard to at least give him something but it felt like he told me a Shakespearean poem but what I just told him was "Shit." Trash right? I sigh. I wish I know how to respond in those kind of situation.

Baby steps, Ace. You took one step for today.

I smiled.

Then drift off to sleep.

The morning was silent as we get downstairs. No, as I get downstairs. The boys were no where to be found. Even Max and Cross-who took a sleep over here and decided just to come home the next day- were not even upstairs. The whole house was in a full blast of silence that it almost rang in my ears. Usually I will hear the boys talking, laughing and yelling like a mad man but today I have no sign even just one of them.

As my brows narrowed with question I slowly pace towards the living room and still. No one. Feeling a bit uncomfortable and nervous I walk over to the dining room and kitchen still none. Aside from Granma cooking breakfast.

"Goodmorning Ace." She greeted me with a warm morning smile as she transfer the bacon she cooked on a plate above the island counter. Returning back the smile I took a sit on the high chair and bother to ask.

"Ah.. Where's the boys m-ma?" I nervously asked. I don't know if it is about the boys were gone or if it is because I'm allowed to call her Ma.

"Oh. They were out. First thing in the morning, I just don't know where they are going. Just told me it's a boy thing so I let them. They might miss each other that much." She filled me in with a small laugh on her face.

They left me.

Why do I feel sad right now?

Brix didn't even tell me about this last night. Why's that?

"Don't worry too much darling. They'll be back soon." Granma gave me that assuring smile so I smiled back at her.