No Filter

Chapter LVII (57)

My eyes twitch open, and I moan a little from sleeping on my side. My fingers wiggle, and I open my eyes, feeling my hands occupied in someone else's. We were face to face. I saw Liam sleeping on his side calmly. I look at our hands intertwined and wonder how that came about. Unless we locked our fingers together during the night...

Bear was absent. He must've waken up. Liam slept peacefully, and my heart flutters at just the sight as a smile forms on my lips. It's good to see him like this. I break our locked fingers and slowly scoot myself until I fell of the edge, shrieking out as I hit the floor. Just my luck.

I put my hands on the bed and pull myself up. I stand on my knees and see Liam rubbing his eyes. I bite my bottom lip, stand up before our eyes could meet, and walk out of the room.

I walk to my room, hoping no one would catch me. And no one did. I shut the bedroom door behind me and grab a new set of clothes. I walk into the bathroom and took a shower. I turn on warm water and let the heat soothe my worries at the moment.

Once I was done, I dry myself and slip into the new set of clothes. I toss the old ones into the hamper and exit my room, holding my phone in my hand. My phone rings, and I look at my notification. A text message from Jade appears. I swipe it and read Are you busy? I need to talk.

I look at the date, and it was last night around the time Liam came home. She probably wanted to talk about the date. Liam said that everything went well.

I reply back, Sorry. I just receive your message.

I turn off my phone and headed into the dining room, where Bear resided in. He looked happy and excited to see me. He usually isn't a morning person. I take the seat in front of him, my normal spot.

"Good morning, Ms. Hernandez," he greets.

"Good morning to you too, Bear," I respond. "How are you this morning?"

"Better than usual," he smiles.

"I can see," I said. "Is something happening today?"

He shakes his head. "No. I'm just happy to wake up to see you and my dad by my side. You guys really help me last night."

"We care about you, Bear," I said. "Your father loves you very much."

He nods his head. "Yes, I know that now because of you, Ms. Hernandez."

"Me?" I question.

He nods his head. "My dad has been better since you've enter his life."

I shake my head. "I wonder where you get such a weird idea like that from."

"I see it," he answers. "My dad likes you very much and so do I. Do you like him?"

"Of course, your father is kind to me, even though we have had our small fights," I said.

He smiles. "You've known my father since he was a child, right?" I nod my head. "Did he ever told you about the girl who broke his heart?" My brows crease, flabbergasted yet nervous. "Before he started dating my mom, he liked this one girl, but he couldn't be with her for some reason. My mom said that it was because of her that they couldn't be together."

I shake my head, not knowing about this. Liam never told me. "Your father never told me anything. We kind of fell apart during the last year of high school. But I'm sure there is nothing to worry about. It is what it is." Bear nods his head.

Mabel and Lizzie came out and hand us our plates of pancakes with fruits on the side. There was whipped cream and all other toppings for pancakes. I help Bear prepare his waffles. I add whipped cream in the shape of a smile emoji and add some fruits for some details. He chuckles at the final dish.

Suddenly, I had the urge to use the bathroom. I excuse myself and climb up the stairs. I walk on the second floor and head into the bathroom. I couldn't hold it any longer. I rush to the public bathroom and turn on the knob, opening it. My eyes saw the floor first before they trail up. My eyes widen, seeing Liam naked in the bathroom. He was wet and moist. And I couldn't take my eyes off of him. He was well fit. His abs and biceps were visible. My cheeks burn.

He huffs once he realizes it was me who opened the door. My heart races as he covers his waist with a towel and holds the towel in place and looks at me. I cover my eyes and turn around. It all happened so slow yet so quick at the same time.

"I'm so sorry," I said. "I should have knocked."

I bite my bottom lip and waited for him to say something. He clears his throat and said, "I really need to get a lock on this door."

Flashbacks hit me. I recall the time he walked in on me when I was drying myself up. And that was traumatizing to me. And I can't even think about what I feel about this. I mean, I always knew he had a great body, but I just never find it to be this hot.

I shake those thoughts away and walk away. I head down the stairs, feeling the urge to use the bathroom go away. I couldn't get his naked image out of my head.

I sat down in my seat and stare at my plate of pancakes. I steady my breath and pick up my fork. I stare at the metal and close my eyes for a moment. I needed a break, a pause.

"Ms. Hernandez," Bear says, causing me to flinch, "are you alright?"

I bat my eyes and put on a smile. "Yes," I said. "Don't worry about me. How is your pancake?"

"Delicious," he smiles.

I grin and stare back at my plate. My stomach aches, and I couldn't bring myself to eat anymore. I stand up from my seat. "I'm sorry, Bear, but I don't feel hungry anymore. I think I might go upstairs and rest in my room for the remainder of breakfast."

"Is everything alright?" He asks.

I nod my head. "Yes," I said.

I take a step, and I hear Liam's voice stopping me, "Wait." I shift my eyes to him, and he walks into the dining room, fully clothed. His hair was still wet, and he looked like he was in a rush to put clothes on with the way he didn't tuck in his shirt.

He gestures his hand for me to sit. "Please stick around for breakfast. I assure you that everything is okay."

My heart pounded in my chest. I couldn't deny how charming he is at making this situation less awkward and nervous. I take a seat, and he sits beside his son.

"Dad, why is your hair is still very wet? Did you even dry it?" Bear asks.

Liam replies, "I was in a rush to come down and see Ms. Hernandez. I wanted to make sure she was okay." He turns to me and asks with his eyes, "are you okay?"

I nod my head, looking at his upper body. "Yes," I answer. "I am okay."

He gives me a friendly smile. I sigh and turn back to the plate of pancakes. I grab the syrup and pour it until the syrup dripped on the side. I cut a slice with my fork and ate the portion. I cover my mouth as I chew.

Liam begins to discuss about the lessons I've been teaching Bear. I explain what Bear has improved on and what he's been doing to improve. And we just transition that subject into another for the rest of breakfast.