Perfectly Imperfect

22

A bitter smell teased my nose when I woke up. My nose crinkled in disgust as I got out of bed and pulled up my hair with an elastic band as I stepped out of my room. Cassie was throwing away what looked like charcoaled rocks in the trash bin. She looked up when I closed my door. "Nathan tried to make breakfast," she rolled her eyes. "I love him, but he's useless in the kitchen." Her lips curved up. "Kind of like you."

"Har, har," I mocked a laugh. The kitchen was a complete mess. An empty plastic bag was in the counter, right next to three different jars, all opened up with spoons in all of them. The counter had traces of jam all over and the toaster was still fuming.

"Is that safe?" I gestured at the device.

Cassie groaned. She finished discarding the burnt bread. "He spread the jam before placing the damn bread on the toaster." I cracked up at that. "I mean, seriously, the guy is a genius at school, yet he has no common sense in the kitchen." She breathed out. "Could you please open the windows before the fire alarm starts?"

"Sure." I padded through the room to the other side. "Where is he?" I asked as I completed the task.

"I sent him to get us breakfast. I specifically asked for the chocolate rolls I love so much, but are a drag to get." Quizzically, I glanced at her. "It's a really good bakery, but it's packed. Like all the time."

Shaking my head, I made my way back to the kitchen area. "You're such a meanie."

She snorted. "Serves him right. He's banned from the kitchen," she licked one of the spoons she just took out from the jam. "There's a reason for that." I giggled at her as I sat in one of the chairs. "You should go get a shower."

"Why?"

Her lips curved on a mischievous smile. "Nate might not return alone." As if on cue, the lock from the door shifted. I turned to gaze at Cassie with a mixture of excitement and panic on my face. She shrugged, as if saying, I told you.

Nate walked in, carrying a large paper bag on his hands, Chris right behind him. My eyes widened for a second as my eyes casted down. I was wearing one of my favorite pj's. The pants were black with a gazillion mini cupcakes sprinkled around. The top was white with a massive cupcake on the chest. Cringing at my girly choice of clothes, I looked up.

Chris smirked at me. "Hi." His tone was rough and it tugged at my heart. I hadn't seen him in one day and I was already having withdrawals.

"Hi," I tilted my head, smiling softly.

"Well, good morning, Farah, I'm here, too," Nathan quipped as he placed the bag on the counter. I blushed as he added, "and I brought breakfast."

Cassie patted him on the chest. "Of course you did. You almost burn down the house, Nate!"

I chuckled at them, right at the same moment Chris placed his hand over mine. My laugh faded while my eyes cut to him. His pupils were completely dilated and his stare was steady and piercing at the same time. He leaned closer. His breath tickled my neck as he whispered on my ear. "You look pretty."

My heart was already thumping furiously inside my chest and my whole face burned. "Thank you."

The sound of clattering porcelain brought me back from whatever reverie Chris managed to put me into. Cassie and Nate were already setting the table. Chris walked through the room to leave his backpack on top of one of the sofas, while I hopped off the chair to help.

The chocolate rolls were an absolute bliss. I had two. Thankfully, we were going to be walking around the city, so I didn't feel so bad. Besides, I was nervous. Knowing that I was going to be spending all day long with Chris made me feel giddy with hope. Maybe we could manage to have some time alone and we could finally talk about the future. Then again, Cassie had planned a tight schedule, but a girl can hope.