Give Me Love

Chapter Two

(Pic to side is Matthew)

ENJOY

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I woke up to the chirping of birds outside my window. I stretched before standing from my bed and looking in the mirror. My brown hair was sticking up in different directions, my brown eyes were slightly sleepy and my shirt was rumpled from my sleep. I slipped out of the door and down the hallway, locking myself into the bathroom. I didn't want any unwelcome visitors.

I peed, washed my hands, brushed my teeth and ran a hand through my hair. I'd shower later.

I looked up to the clock to find that it was only half seven, I was used to getting up this early so that I could go for my run, a chance to clear my head. I'd have to have a look around the area later.

I quietly made my way downstairs and into the kitchen, hoping for a glass of water. But to my surprise I found Alicia making toast. Whilst dancing. She swayed side to side and hummed her own tune. She grabbed a knife and spread some butter and Nutella onto the toast, before chucking it into the sink. She brought the bread to her mouth, still humming and turned. On account of seeing me, however, she let it drop before it could reach her lips.

"Wh- what ar-" she cleared her throat. "What are you doing up so early?" she mumbled, her cheeks reddening just slightly and avoiding my eye.

"I always get up early. I think the real question is, why are you dancing while making toast?" I asked, smiling but trying to suppress a laugh.

She frowned and crossed her arms, "Well why not? Everyone else is asleep so I might aswell pass the time somehow, problem?" she raised an eyebrow at me.

I was surprised. Did she just answer back? Retaliate? I smiled, shaking my head. This made her curious.

"What's so funny?" she asked, huffing and picking up her dirty toast.

"Oh, nothing. Just... thinking." I decided, pouring myself a glass of water.

She threw her toast into the bin and did the same as me, "You owe me some toast." She demanded, taking a sip.

I chuckled, "We'll see..."

She glared and raised her eyebrow again, questioning me silently.

I ran a hand through my hair just as Catherine arrived through the door. She looked willing and eager to get to work at breakfast, as she was already tying up her apron. For some reason though, I couldn't help but think that it would be cold by the time anyone woke up.

"Ah, good morning you two! Good nights sleep?" she smiled, tying her hair up into a ponytail.

"Yes thanks, you?" I asked politely, Alicia nodding instead.

"Oh just fine, just fine! How are you settling in Matthew? Any problems you have?" she asked, busying herself with pots and pans.

I was going to remind her that I had only arrived yesterday evening, meaning it would be hard to get any problems between dinner and bedtime. But Alicia seemed to have read my mind and was shaking her head discreetly.

"It's been fine, no problems so far. Although I think I might have a look around the area later." I said, sitting at the table.

"Oh I'm sure one of the others would be happy to give you a tour! I'll ask them at breakfast okay?" she grinned.

I smiled back, as did Alicia. This woman seemed bent on the idea to fix any problems before they arose.

An hour later, I had showered, dressed, had breakfast, brushed my teeth again, and had a look around The Nook again. But the only person that had awoken was Jack. Alicia had stayed in the kitchen to help Cat cook, but Jack had sat with me in the large living room.