The Heart Of The Lonely

CHAPTER 1

She laid down, facing his side of the bed. Her red curls framing her face, falling freely over her shoulders. Her eyes were shut, as she enjoyed her last few minutes of quiet and freedom. They had a routine and it was his turn to make breakfast. Even if the said routine was never respected.

He was always the one, getting up a couple of minutes before her to fix her something to eat. Every morning, without fail. She knew it was his way of making up for the times he'd be called in to work unexpectedly or for when he wasn't home like he had said he would. He was the one who worked hard but he refused to let her do the work, even on days like today, when it was supposed to be her turn. And for that reason, it didn't feel right not to enjoy the extra lazy time she could get.

The bed still held the warmth of his body which she enjoyed, it made her feel as though he was still laying next to her. She moved her hand over the wrinkled white sheets and smiled to herself, tucked underneath the covers.

"Good morning and welcome to Wake Up With Jeff, it is six o'clock. Today is Sunday, March 17, 1991. Two months after President George H. W. Bush announced—"

The vibrant and cheerful jingle of the alarm clock, set on Ariel's favorite radio station echoed throughout the room. She let out a heavy sigh, knowing her time in bed was running out. The host continued to deliver the daily news while she changed position, turning on her other side.

There was a glass of water and a packet of anti-migraine pills right beside it and a slightly torn Danielle Steel book underneath, all placed on the bedside table, facing her.

Soon, the door opened and her face felt the freshness of the early morning. She half-opened her eyes, pretending to still be asleep but the smile on her lips betrayed her. In came a brown-haired man, carrying a tray full of baked goods.

"Rawr" Brandon emitted, in a long-throated growl as he made his way towards her.

"You're an early bird this morning." The redheaded woman pointed out, deciding to quit her sleeping charade and once again turned around to look at the time, turning off the alarm in the process.

"It's only five past six." She flashed him a warm smile, sitting up.

"Well, today is a special day." The man responded, setting the tray on her lap as he leaned down to her level, planting a soft kiss on her lips.

"Oh, that it is." She mumbled, letting the kiss linger.

"Before you say anything, I tried to make it look nice but I didn't have a rose so I used this breadstick instead. If you use your imagination, it kind of looks like one." He scrunched up his nose. "Maybe from afar. Or if you close your eyes." Brandon explained, pulling away from her.

Confused, Ariel looked down at the tray on her lap and immediately threw her head back, laughing, now catching on as to what he was referring to. In his mother's vase stood a single breadstick, there to replace the flower. It was those little things that reminded her of how much she adored him.

"Darlin', it's food. It's the one thing in the world better than flowers." She giggled, taking another glance at the tray. Brandon had climbed onto the bed and slid his legs underneath the covers beside her.

"You know, I'm not the one you should be spoiling today." She continued, her blue eyes locking with his.

"You need all the strength you can get. You can't have a fun-packed family day without energy." He retorted, slightly tilting his head.

He knew he had made a point.

***

The orange juice, coffee, scrambled eggs and toasts were soon gone and Ariel was repleted, feeling ready for the day. She grabbed the mini-sized fork and fed some of the remaining pieces of fruits to the man beside her who opened his mouth and quickly ate the bites he was given. It went on for another minute or two before they were both brought out of their little world by strong squeals, filling the entire apartment.