The Host

Z W E I

Alejandro's POV:

I'm barely able to pull myself out of bed at nine the next morning. I get dressed and make it out of my room eventually, deciding to make myself a little more presentable before heading downstairs.

I discover that Aimee is already up and, by the looks of it, has been for a while. I catch sight of her as I pass by her door to the bathroom and stop to study her for a moment. She's sitting cross legged on her bed holding an iPad, her dark blonde hair tied up in a loose bun atop her head. I won't lie, I do think she's cute. However, I get some uppity vibes from her and she's probably a major perfectionist. Not exactly things that attract me. I myself enjoy sleeping in until noon and keeping a room mildly messy at all times.

I realize I'm still standing in front of Aimee's door.

She looks up and lifts a brow, glancing both ways as if she's not sure how to react.

"Hey," I greet, not sure what to do with my hands. I settle for stuffing them in my pockets.

"Hey," she returns.

"So uh...what're we doing today?" I ask.

Aimee shrugs and purses her lips in thought.

"I was wanting to do some sightseeing. Would you be up for that?"

I nod eagerly.

"Yeah! Definitely," I affirm.

She smiles and slides off her bed, plugging in her iPad. I notice the plethora of electronics she has plugged in, from a laptop to her phone and now her iPad. What does a girl need with all that? All I brought was my phone.

As she arranges all her gadgets, my head whips in the direction of the stairs, where the sound of clawed paws are sounding. A wide smile grows across my face when an Airedale Terrier comes bounding up the steps.

I fall to my knees to greet him, thrilled beyond belief that there's a dog here. I laugh as he licks my face, elated to meet us.

"Aimee, look!" I prompt, hoping she at least likes dogs.

She rises from the side of her bed and approaches, a smile slowly creeping across her face. I hold the dog's collar for her to pet him while simultaneously looking for his tag. I find it quickly.

"Fritz?" I recite.

The dog's head turns to me, recognizing his name. I grin and meet Aimee's green eyes.

"Fritz," I repeat.

"Fritz, that's a good name," she coos at the dog, scratching behind his floppy ears.

"Where were you wanting to go sightseeing?" I ask, taking my turn petting Fritz when she puts her hands on her hips.

"Just around here. The scenery must be beautiful in the daytime."

"I'd think so," I agree. "Guess we should let Ilse know what our plans are."

"Yeah...and double check that it's alright with her."

I give her a knowing look.

"We're allowed to come and go as we please, remember. We just have to let them know so we're not gone all of a sudden."

Aimee shrugs but seems hesitant.

We go downstairs and Aimee freezes at the bottom of them, her eyes going wide.

"What?" I ask, looking around the open floor plan.

She seems very startled as she points to the living room next to the entry.