Hideout (gxg agegap)

12

Evelyn's PoV

„Did you sleep well? I hope Lily didn't wake you too often", Timothy said, as I entered the kitchen.

Soft music was playing from a bluetooth speaker and I saw Adelines hips swing while she made breakfast. Timothy sat at the table, drinking his coffee while holding Lilian in his other arm. The newspaper was sprawled out on the table in front of them.

"Oh, don't worry about that. I've been up, talking to a friend over the phone for most of the night anyways", I said, smiling softly at the beautiful image before me.

A family. A normal, loving family on a Saturday morning. Starting their day with each other, having a good time.

"Do you want a coffee, love?", Adeline asked, abandoning the pan with the scrambled eggs for a moment, to turn to me.

"Oh yes, that would be amazing", I said, already knowing where the mugs were. I made myself a coffee, with sugar and milk contrary to my usual order.

Over the days and nights I've been here in the past I got to know every cupboard and every nook of the smiths estate.

Their home was small, but filled to the brim with love.

It felt as though I truly belonged among the sweet parents. I might seem unfit for the picture of their perfect family, but I didn't feel out of place in the slightest. The smiths had that within themselves. They made everyone feel at ease.

"Which friend did you talk to?", Timothy asked, his lips spreading out to a sly grin. "Was it Ashley by any chance?"

I could hear Adeline chuckle softly, trying to hide her growing smile by turning back around to the stove.

I took a sip of my coffee, hiding my blushing cheeks behind my hands and the mug. My glasses fogged up due to the steam.

I had left my contacts at home. I would need to go back to get them. And more functional clothes. I was dressed in a suit.

"Yes. It was Ashley", I confirmed, taking a deep breath. I tried to calm my heart down that conveniently decided now would be a splendid time to show me just how fast it could beat against my chest. It felt as though it pressed so hard against my ribcage my bones and skin ought to move with it.

"Have you seen her? Since you went under the radar?", Timothy asked, putting his coffee down in order to hold his daughter properly against his chest.

"No", I said, leaning against the counter, next to Adeline.

"Why not?" Adeline asked, glancing at me with furrowed brows.

"I didn't think I was fair", I said, lowering my eyes to stare at my milky coffee.

"To her or to him?", Timothy asked, turning his stool so he could look at me and his wife.

"Both", I said, grabbing the hot mug tighter. "She's mad at me."

"You basically ghosted her. And then randomly called again, I would be mad too if I wasn't used to it", Adeline said, shaking her head.

"I know", I said, pursing my lips. "It's complicated."

"How is she anyway? Your girl", Timothy asked, smiling slightly at his own remark.

"She's good. In the middle of her Masters Degree. Or rather close to finishing it. She is debating wether to keep studying and become a Professor or to start looking for a proper job", I explained, trying to remember as much of yesterdays call as I could. It had been so much information, so many thoughts and feelings shared.