In My Life

Chapter 15:

The morning after Christmas, a chill in the air began to stir Olivia from her slumber. She shifted beneath the bedcovers, her eyes still closed, and let out a weary sigh.

The sound of the wind whistling against the window and the old house groaning had brought her out of her peaceful rest. Reaching a hand across the mattress, she was startled to find the space next to her empty. Olivia's eyes flew open, suddenly alert.

For a brief moment, Olivia felt disoriented, unsure of her surroundings. But once her eyes landed on the familiar photos and furnishings, she realized she was back home. Her mind drifted back to the memories of last night, and she sat up abruptly, her gaze drawn to the space beside her.

Pulling up the covers to her chest, Olivia scanned the room for any sign of John's belongings or clothing but found nothing. Her eyes settled on her robe hanging behind the bedroom door, and she slowly rose from the bed, making her way across the room.

Olivia fastened the sash of her cream-colored robe, the soft fabric brushing against her skin. As she opened the bedroom door, the sound of dishes clattering together drifted up from the kitchen below.

A warm smile spread across her face. She knew that familiar sound could only mean one thing - someone was making breakfast. Eagerly, Olivia made her way downstairs, the enticing aromas growing stronger with each step.

Olivia peered cautiously around the corner, and there was John, still wearing the same clothes from the day before, carefully placing two slices of bacon onto a dish. She couldn't help but quietly giggle to herself as she watched him focus on his task in the kitchen — a sight she never would have imagined witnessing with her own eyes.

"Don't tell me this is all for you now," she called out, her eyes twinkling with amusement as John suddenly turned, startled by her presence.

He placed the pan back onto the stovetop and moved towards her, a grin spreading across his face. "I'm not that selfish," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist. "You better be hungry."

Olivia responded with a long, passionate kiss. As they parted, she beamed up at him. "Only when it comes to you," she said smiling, standing on her toes to look over his shoulder. "Is it ready then?"

John glanced back towards the stovetop. "Yeah, just have to prepare the other dish," he said, picking up the pan and transferring the remaining eggs onto an empty plate next to the stove.

Olivia moved closer, trying to catch a glimpse. "Do you need help?"

But before she could see what he was doing, John stepped in front of her, blocking her view. "Go 'ed then and sit at the table now," he said with a mischievous smile.

Olivia turned back around and grabbed a seat at the small table in the kitchen, chuckling, "Alright, don't get that apron in a twist, although should I go grab it for ya? It would just add to the picture."

"Do ya want me to curtsy as well?" he said with a smirk, then wiggled his eyebrows.

She playfully bit down on her lip, struggling to hold back her giggle. "Well if you don't mind.."

He grasped the kettle, a smirk playing on his lips, and filled her cup. "That's the last time I step into the kitchen," John chuckled, exchanging a silly face before turning to retrieve the plates.

Gathering both of them, he returned to the table, setting one down in front of himself and the other directly before her.

John's heart swelled with affection as he looked at Olivia. He had poured so much thought and care into preparing this meal, knowing it was her favorite. This holiday season held such a special significance for them — their first one spent together as a couple.