I will never be the same without you...

Chapter 16

Song: Pharrell Williams, "Happy"

I had set the alarm to get up and organize my place before starting to cook for Zon. As usual, I hit the snooze button and went straight back to sleep. I was woken up a few hours later by a call from my mother. Startled, I looked at the time and realized it was past noon.

"Hi sweetheart, did you oversleep again?"

"Hi mom, yes I did. And I'm really late now. Can I call you back in a bit?"

"Of course baby, I just wanted to make sure you got up, and Zon didn't end up having to see your dirty apartment."

I groaned. "Mom, My place isn't dirty, I was barely here this week. However, if you don't stop nagging, I will never get to the store and have anything to cook for him." She laughed at me.

"Very well, love. Go wash up and get things sorted. Call me later if you have questions about the recipe."

"Thank you for calling mom, I love you."

We said our goodbyes, and I dashed to the shower. I got ready, tidied my room and made the bed in record time before heading for groceries. Thankfully, I remembered my list. I had become a decent cook with my mom's help and was looking forward to preparing a meal for someone else. The afternoon went by quickly since I had to make sure my flat was in order in addition to cooking our evening meal. I made a special recipe from my hometown, one of my favourites. I was very proud that I only had to call my mom once.

About an hour before Zon was due to arrive, I showered, shaved and changed into fresh clothes. I wanted to be comfortable but still look like I made an effort, so I chose a collarless shirt and a pair of linen pants. I quickly did my hair and brushed my teeth, feeling more and more excited as time passed.

Music was playing in the background, and I sang along as I set the table. When I heard a knock on the door, I felt simultaneously thrilled and terrified. I walked over to let him in and had to remember to keep my mouth from hanging open. He looked so good I almost lost the ability to speak.

"Hi Zon, come in."

"Hi Sai."

I took what he brought, waited for him to take off his shoes and led the way to the kitchen.

"Would you like something to..."

A glint caught my eye as he raised his hand to push hair away from his face. As he dropped his arm back, I saw the pick. I felt stunned. He was wearing my bracelet. Why was he wearing my bracelet? I was having trouble forming coherent thoughts. I felt a wave of mild panic, and I wasn't sure why. I had to push it back down. I didn't want to ask, at least not yet. His voice brought me back to my senses.

"Sai, What were you asking?"

I turned around, pretending to be busy with the wine. I put the dessert in the fridge and took a deep breath.

"Sorry, I got distracted. Would you like a drink?"

"Yes, thank you. I'd like some water for now. It's still quite warm outside. Hmmm, it smells wonderful."

I couldn't help watching him lift a lid, close his eyes and smell the dishes I had prepared.

"No peeking!!"

I whapped his hand gently with a wooden spoon, and he giggled away from me, hands raised in front of him in surrender. I laughed and handed him a glass of water, catching another glimpse of that bracelet. It was definitely the one I had made. I could not believe he still had it after all this time. Why was he wearing it? Why???

We went to sit in the living room to wait for the food to finish cooking and chatted about the week.