Second Chances (Kathneil FF)

Second Chances - 18

Second Chances - 18

Contrary to the weathered appearance of the building from outside, the interior of Anita's home was cosy and inviting.

Warm.

It was decorated simply with mismatched furnitures all painted in white. From wicker chairs to a lone arm chair to side tables, they looked like they were all salvaged from the Salvation Army store. Yet put together, they evoked a light whimsical feel.

The walls were painted in light blue and beige with the finishing touches in summery blue, yellow and green. So unlike the grand, empire and gold decor Kevin was used to seeing at the Sanchez's family mansion in Manila.

The sta Maria's home was truly that, a home. And if a house has a personality, he would termed the sta Maria's as cute and bubbly.

The room emanated an inviting smell of lavender and lemon, with the hot afternoon sun effectively blocked by the light flowery curtains by the balcony door.

Unknowingly, he smiled as his eyes took in the scene in front of him, and Anita simply observed Kevin's sweet expression as he stepped across her threshold with mild amusement.

He looked around curiously, trying to gauge Anita sta Maria's personality through her abode, until his eyes fell on his own face, painstakingly detailed in oil.

Like a zombie, he walked towards it.

His jaw dropped as he stared at his own image, painted to perfection.

Anita walked to stand beside him, staring at the same painting.

"You're good... And fast," he said in awe.

"Fast?"

"Didn't you start this two days ago, when we first met?" He turned towards her and asked.

Anita shook her head.

"No, this painting is almost six months old."

"Huh?" He turned towards her sharply.

"I painted you from my dreams."

"Your dreams?"

"Yes," she nodded.

Anita turned to him and gave a wry smile.

"So, if you want to run, you'd better do it now. You're in a strange woman's house who dreams about you even before she's met you."

He simply stared at her. But he did not run.

Instead, he grabbed her into a strong bear hug.

Dropping his cheek on her head, as he pressed it onto his broad chest.

Oh my god, Anita's eyes widen in surprise, all air squeezed out of her tiny frame as he took her in his arms.

She tensed, clearly not expecting that reaction from him, and pushed him away almost immediately.

"I haven't showered since yesterday morning," she looked down, her eyes darted away self-consciously.

Her nose automatically picked up an imaginary body smell that was more in her head than on her actual being.

He simply smiled at her.

"Kahit hindi ka maligo ng isang linggo, yayakapin pa rin kita ng mahigpit."

"What?" Anita looked at him questioningly.

"Nothing," he reached out and tucked a runaway strand of hair behind her ear. "Go. Go take your shower. I'll just wait here, if you don’t mind."