The Way You Look Tonight

Part 2: Morning Sunshine

She tossed and turned for most of the night. Just the thought of him one room over messaging someone else, made her whole body go numb. It wasn't jealousy, per say, it was more like envy. She was envious of Alice What's Her Nuts and the hold she had on Max. Her Max. All Helen could think about all night was what they were chatting about. Did he often talk to her after midnight? Did they call each other throughout the hours of the day just to say hi? It annoys her that he is so fond of this woman. Rolling over onto her right side, she looks at the clock and realizes she's laid awake all night. It's already 7:39 and there's no chance of falling asleep now. Yet she doesn't want to get up and face the day- face Max that is. She would rather hide in here all day than see his well slept, happy face. However the smell of crispy bacon and eggs pulls her from under her covers. Was it the neighbor making breakfast again? Or was this aroma coming from her own kitchen? Sliding out of bed, Helen slips into her slippers, grabs her white silky robe and wraps it around her body. Normally with a guest in the house, she would slip into a more appropriate everyday outfit, but since she's having a mental break down over Max- she decides to stay in her thigh high black silk night gown. Checking her face in the mirror by her bedroom door, she looks decent and heads downstairs. Rounding the corner to the kitchen, she finds Max at her stove just getting done with the eggs and bacon and she lingers in the doorway to watch. He moves so elegantly and seamlessly that she wonders if he always made Georgia breakfast? What kind of husband was he? Being a good man and being a good husband are often two different kinds of people. A man can be good and honest at work and turn out to be a total wanker at home. However, she knows this more than likely isn't the case with Max. He doesn't have a bad bone in his body and that's what Helen loves about him. Feeling something, or more than likely someone, touching her foot, Helen looks down and finds Luna happily climbing up her leg unsteadily. From what Max has told her before, Luna just started pulling herself up recently, so this makes Helen elated to see. Scooping up the child, Helen gives her a kiss and remains standing there, baby on her hip and simply imagining this as her life.

A life where she wakes up to the smell of breakfast being made by the man of her dreams and a baby on her hip, happily babbling to her. She's always wanted it to be this way. She'd be lying if she said she didn't imagine just this with Max quite often

"Good morning! Hope we didn't wake you." He says cheerfully bringing her back from her daydream. Sighing, she walks in with Luna and goes over to Max.

"Morning, smells great." She leans against the counter by the stove and notices Max's eyes catch her outfit and then glances back at the plates he's putting food on. She waits for him to say something, but he doesn't. "You didn't have to do all this."

"Well, you didn't have to let us sleep over, so I guess we're even." He says it with a tone of gratitude and sets the plates on the island in front of the two stools, before grabbing a small plate for Luna. Watching him as she goes to sit, she's never seen him so...relaxed and natural. Typically he is racing around and all wired, but this morning, in just his light colored jeans, black v-neck, and red plaid shirt, he seems effortlessly subdued. In fact, she doesn't believe she's ever seen him in an outfit like this. It makes him seem young and hip. Did he wear this to the hospital yesterday morning? She doesn't recall. She almost regrets staying in her robe and gown for a moment, until she catches him glancing at her again. It makes her body heat up and causes her to feel ready for anything- as if he's a panther ready to pounce on her like she's prey. But he doesn't, he merely sits down next to her and begins eating.

"What are your plans for the day? You seem rearing to go."

"Well, I have to go home and get Luna dressed for her play date this morning. It's going to be fun for her." She regrets asking him this question. She would've felt better not knowing. "How about you?"