Hiraeth

11.

11.

I feel a pair of hands on my shoulders and a peck on the cheek and look up to find a smiling Charlie looking at me.

"Why you so happy today?"

"Because it's Friday, which means the weekend is just around the corner, and because I get to spend time with my beautiful girlfriend later. Feel like I haven't seen her much this week," he whispers the last part making sure no one hears him, although I don't think anyone is within close range. As far as I know Charlie's mum is out for a run, his dad is in the office having an early conference call with someone in the US and mum is doing the laundry or something.

"Is that so? Anyone I know?"

"I think you might have heard of her, if not, I'll tell you, she's a complete knockout. Totally out of my league."

I smile, as Charlie's words warm my heart. "I beg to differ," I say, "—have you met you? You're quite a catch, and anybody would be lucky to have you in their lives."

He chuckles, "Well this one doesn't know how good she is."

"Is that so?" I turn around, facing him as I raise my eyebrows at him. "Why don't you enlighten me then? Tell me, how good is she?"

Charlie grins, and my heart warms anticipating what he's about to say.

"She's kind, and warm, and caring, and giving, and selfless," he states, and his statement is making me flush, and I feel like a little girl unable to comprehend all he is saying.

"She's fun to be around, and she has an amazing taste in books. And—," he leans in so his lips practically touch my ear, "she's breathtaking. But most importantly—"

"What's that?" I wonder, feeling goosebumps arise on my skin.

"She's mine," he whispers and his hot breath makes my heart jump and tingles run through my body, and he's only using his words.

How the hell does he do that?

"Oh, you're up early, Emma, didn't expect to see you up already. You've been up early the entire week, how come?"

I jump back increasing the space between Charlie and I, hating the fact that mum just ruined the moment.

Oh wouldn't she like to know?

"Just trying some new sleeping patterns," I lie. It's not that I'm able to sleep in when Charlie sets an early alarm every morning. I don't mind though, I love waking up with him and spend time with him in the morning, besides it's like I need less sleep than normally, I swear my body seems high on something.

I grab the French press and pour a mug of coffee for Charlie.

"Well, it'll probably be good for you. I've been worrying about you sleeping too much."

Is that so?

I hand Charlie his mug, and send him a smile, wanting him to know how much I appreciate what he said, but I can't right now with mum right here with us.

"Thank you," Charlie says, before sipping on the hot liquid.

I smile at him, and look over at mum. "Is there anything you need help with?" I wonder.

"No, you just enjoy breakfast before you get out," she says and heads upstairs, and I turn to Charlie.

"You're sweet, you know that," I say as he places the mug on the kitchen bench before he ends up spilling any liquid over us. I wrap my arms around him. "The things you said."