Tired of Waiting

Chapter 12

I woke up cuddled in Kristopher's chest. His arms were around my waist and mine were laid on his. The light shone in behind us and it was terribly bright. I gently moved Kristopher's arms from my waist so he could stay asleep while I got up. I walked into the washroom and rinsed my face with the cold water left on the counter. I went to the small sundial on the windowsill and read that it was about six-thirty in the morning. I slid on my boots and walked into the hallway.

Lilliana typically woke up around six, so I meandered about the inn in search of her. She was in the kitchen cooking something when I got there and had her back turned to me.

"Good morning," I mumbled drowsily.

She turned around quickly, startled by my silent appearance, "Oh hey, Cindy. You startled me."

I smiled groggily and rubbed my eyes. "Need any help?" I asked, walking over to see what she was making. There is a small pot of oatmeal with dried fruits and spices swirled within set on the stove.

She smiled and continued stirring the mush. "If you could grab the sugar from the pantry, that would be wonderful."

I bring her the sugar and she spoons two heaping piles into the oatmeal. She stirs it once more, and seemingly satisfied, hands me the spoon to taste. I grab it, lick off a small chunk at the very tip, and hand her back the spoon. The cinnamon and fruits combine well, and what seemed like a lot of sugar at the time turns out to be the perfect amount. I moan with contentment.

"I'm not typically a fan of oatmeal, but you seem to have a magic touch when it comes to food." I praised.

She snickered and shook her head, "I'm glad. I figured you needed a nice home meal after such a rough day yesterday."

I smiled gratefully and pulled out some bowls and spoons. I placed them on the counter next to the oven and Lilliana scooped two big globs into each bowl. We both grabbed one and sat at the table to eat. I took my time eating, not particularly wanting to do anything today. By the time Lilliana had finished with her bowl, mine was only half gone. She cleaned her bowl and spoon and set them on a towel to dry.

"When you're done, will you bring a bowl down to Kristopher?" she asked.

I nodded and she squeezed my shoulder as she walked out the door. That was probably my favorite thing about Lilliana; her maternal ways. Ever since I met her, she has acted like a mother to me and, to be honest, it felt kind of nice.

I finished my oatmeal and cleaned my bowl, placing it on the towel next to Lilliana's. Then I grabbed the bowl of oatmeal prepared for Kristopher and walked out of the kitchen. I walked towards the bedrooms and heard faint music emanating down the halls. I walked into my room first, and upon not finding Kristopher, walked down to his room. He wasn't there either. As I ventured farther down the hallway, I recognized the music to be from the piano. As I rounded the corner, I saw Lilliana sitting on the bench, playing a song with practiced fluidity. Kristopher sat watching beside her. I walked in and placed the bowl on Kristopher's head, balancing it with my hands. He puts his hands on mine to take the bowl and I let his hands stay on mine for a few extra seconds. Lilliana smiled at Kristopher and I, and Kristopher was grinning like a fool. I couldn't help but smile too.

Lilliana finished her song and Kristopher happily ate his oatmeal next to her on the bench. I caught myself watching him, and when he looked up, I didn't take my eyes off his hazel ones. Feeling in a better mood than I had been since...Greyson...I gave him a quick kiss on the nose. I blushed realizing that I was acting like a teenager. Kristopher laughed and quirked his head in confused amusement. He stood up and put his bowl on the bench where he had just been sitting. At first I was confused as to what he was doing, but soon became frozen in place as he grabbed my face and pressed his lips against mine with a passionate fierceness. My eyes were stuck open in shock. I gave a quick chuckle through his lips and kissed him back, closing my eyes to enjoy the feeling. I was surprised at how soft his mouth was. Lilliana stood up and walked out, leaving us to our privacy.