That goddamned thing

Chapter 12

By instinct, I wake up at half past seven the next morning and remain in my bed for a while. I think of all that happened to me in the last few days and smile. I am thankful to whatever Alex's ancestors hid in my apartment about a century ago. Had it not been for that, I would have never met Alex.

I am still in bed when Alex knocks at the door and says, "Get up lazybones; it's time to start the day."

I smile and get out of my bed. I brush my teeth and wear a simple dress for the time being since I don't have to go to office until eleven. I leave the room and Alex is already making breakfast.

"Morning." I say in my usual tone.

"Good morning." He says turning the bacon in the frying pan.

After breakfast, Angela drops Dora at our apartment.

She runs straight to Alex and says, "Uncle Alex, do you want to see what the doctor gave me yesterday?"

"Sure Dora." He says kneeling down beside her.

She opens her backpack and takes out a coloring book and hands it over to Alex.

"This is beautiful, Dora."

"I told the doctor that you will love it." She says looking up at him.

"Let's go color it then."

They go into the living room and I turn towards Angela.

"Your friend sure has a talent of dealing with kids." She smiles.

I nod at her remembering what Alex said last night, "I am glad that we are more than just friends from now on."

"Why are you blushing?" Angela asks curiously.

I look away from her, fidgeting with my dress, "Blushing? Me? Oh come on." I try to scoff but as I say it I can feel the heat in my cheeks multiplying.

"Oh, my God." She exclaims holding my shoulders in her hands. "Tell me there is something up between you two." She sounds like a teenage girl swooning over her favorite celebrity couple. I roll my eyes but I know there is no escaping this situation.

I look up at her and nod my head slightly as a goofy smile overtakes my face.

"That is amazing. I knew it. I could see this coming." She exclaims again pulling me into a hug.

I smile widely and she asks me to tell her everything.

"You will be late for the office Angie, it's a long story."

She smiles widely.

"Alright then, I will hear it some other time. God, I am so happy for you." She hugs me again. "Okay, I have to go. I will pick Dora at 6, okay?" She says and I nod.

I go back to spend some time with Alex and Dora but they are too happy together so I just leave them in peace and get up to take a shower and get ready for the grand meeting. I take my time because there are still two hours to go so I pick an outfit first and then turn on the shower. While rinsing, I notice the marks on my knees almost gone. I get out of the shower and dry myself going out to the room. I blow dry my hair and curl them in loose strands, inclining them more to the side where I still have the small bump on my forehead to hide it. I wear light make-up and finally get dressed.

I grab my purse and walk out of the room and notice that it is only 15 minutes to eleven. I go to the living room to say goodbye to Alex and Dora.

When I am walking out, Alex says to Dora, "Color this rectangle red okay? I will be back in 5."