COFFEE, HUGS AND KISSES
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength. While loving someone deeply, gives you courage
~Lao Tzu~.
As the bus rumbled along, Alena sat entranced by the window, her gaze drifting out into the rain-soaked day. Tiny droplets of water slid down the glass, their gentle dance hypnotic. It was as if they were racing each other, their paths weaving and merging in a mesmerizing display of natural beauty. Alena's thoughts grew quiet, her mind calming as she let the soothing rhythm of the raindrops wash over her.
As Alena approached her front door, she was enveloped by the heavenly aroma of something delicious cooking inside. Her heart swelled with excitement, and a soft smile spread across her face as she unlocked the door. She knew exactly who was behind the mouthwatering scent that was teasing her senses
'Soon as she stepped into the house, her eyes landed on a handsome figure moving with effortless ease around the kitchen. He was adding ingredients to the pot on the stove with a gentle touch, his movements fluid and graceful. But what caught her attention was the playful dance he was doing, his hips swaying to an unheard rhythm as he sang softly to himself. The sight was so endearing that Alena's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but smile at the joyful scene unfolding before her.
As if he knew she was staring, he quickly looked up to see her at the door, smiling at him.
"Silly, why are you standing at the door all soaked from the rain, do you want to catch a cold." scolded the man in a soft and loving voice.
Alena looked at the man who just spoke to her, as tears welled up in her eyes. She couldn't imagine that there would be a day she would come back home to her lover making dinner for her and getting her all pampered.
She could vividly recall her life years ago, when she was all alone, struggling to carve out a life for herself. Back then, love or a happily-ever-after seemed like distant dreams, not even a fleeting thought.
"What happened, love? did anyone bully you or say something bad to you at work today? The man asked, looking worried.
As Alena's tears threatened to spill over, she smiled through them and ran forward, embracing him warmly. She planted a soft kiss on his cheek, and he swept her up in a gentle princess carry, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.
"I've got you," he whispered, his voice low and soothing. "Let's get you warmed up before you catch a cold."
As he carried her upstairs to their cozy bedroom, Alena felt a deep sense of safety and comfort wash over her. She snuggled into his chest, feeling his warmth and protection envelop her.
He guided her to the bathroom, softly instructing, "Take a warm bath, love. You can relax for a bit.
As she relaxed, he headed back to the bedroom to lay out a fresh change of clothes for her. From the doorway, he softly called out, ''Dinner will be ready soon. Come downstairs when you are done, okay?"
"Okay, amor," Alena replied, her voice carrying from the bathroom.
After her bath, Alena quickly changed into fresh clothes, taking care to groom herself. Feeling refreshed, she headed downstairs to join Carlos. As she entered the dining area, she was greeted by the savory aromas of dinner and Carlos's captivating smile. He looked up from plating the food, his eyes locking onto hers, and beckoned her to the table with a warm gesture.
"As Alena approached the dining table, Carlos handed her a steaming cup of coffee, a sly grin spreading across his face. "With extra cream, just the way you like it," he said, his eyes twinkling with a wink.
Alena's eyes sparkled as she took a sip, savoring the rich flavor. Her voice was playful, but her eyes betrayed her deep gratitude. "Oh, amor, you really didn't have to go to so much trouble. I could've brewed it myself." She knew she'd been craving a cup all along, and Carlos had lovingly anticipated her wish."
Love, I know you so well," Carlos said with a smile. "And yes, I know you can do it yourself. But if I let you, it won't be considered pampering you anymore." He playfully tapped her nose, making her giggle and blush.
"Let's eat now, love," Carlos said, holding her hands as they said prayers together. As they began their meal, Alena smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Amor, thank you very much for being here," she said, her voice sincere.
Carlos looked at her, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "Where would I have been if not with you, my love?" he asked, his tone gentle.
As Alena gazed into Carlos's confused face, memories came flooding back. She recalled the long, arduous days in the hospital, undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. But she was a survivor. She had beaten cancer and emerged stronger, living life freely and healthily.
Vivid memories of Carlos's unwavering devotion resurfaced. She remembered how he had tenderly attended to her every need, no matter how big or small. His selfless care had been a beacon of hope during her darkest moments. He had been her rock, her shelter, and her safe haven.
Alena's memories transported her back to the days when she couldn't bear to gaze at her reflection. Chemotherapy had taken its toll, leaving her hairless, her face sallow and sunken, with dark eye bags that seemed to swallow her eyes. But Carlos, her solace, refused to let her lose sight of her beauty.
Every day, he'd lovingly compliment her, his words a soothing balm to her battered self-esteem. He'd gaze at her with adoration, his eyes filled with a deep love and appreciation that made her feel like a queen. No matter how she looked, Carlos saw only beauty, and his unwavering devotion helped her find the strength to face each day.
Alena's memories revealed a painful vulnerability. She recalled feeling insecure about herself, fearing that Carlos would leave her. In a moment of raw emotion, she had asked him why he still loved her, despite her ravaged looks and sickly self.
But in the same breath, she had pushed him away, yelling at him to leave, telling him she didn't love him anymore. The words had cut her deeply, but she had felt like she was holding him back from a fuller life. Consumed by the fear of her own mortality, she had believed that she might not have much time left.
Then, Carlos took her hands, his eyes locked on hers, and said, "Love, I know it might sound cliche, but I'll say it anyway. I love you, not for your appearance or any external qualities. I love you because you are you - your essence, your soul, your quirks. It doesn't matter if you think you don't want me anymore... I'll still be here, by your side." He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Trust me, you can't get rid of me that easily. I'm like a stubborn pest - I'll stick around, no matter what."
As Alena reflected on that moment, she remembered wondering if Carlos was either remarkably dense or intentionally ignoring the escape route she'd laid out. Yet, a quiet gratitude stirred within her. She was thankful he hadn't seized the opportunity to leave, because his departure would have left her heartbroken.
Alena's thoughts were interrupted by Carlos's gentle touch. He nudged her softly, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay, amor?" he asked, his voice laced with tenderness. "You seemed a million miles away. Is everything alright?"
Alena's face lit up with a warm smile, reassuring Carlos that everything was alright. But as she gazed into his eyes, her smile deepened, taking on a softer, more intimate quality. This smile wasn't just a reflection of the cherished memories they'd shared; it was also a hint of the beautiful, precious moments they were yet to create - moments that were just on the horizon.
"Amor, I have something special for you," Alena said, her smile radiant with excitement
"Love, you have something for me?" Carlos asked, his eyes sparkling with surprise and delight, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"Yes, amor," Alena replied, a sly smile spreading across her face as she dipped her hand into her pajama pocket. She pulled out a small, exquisitely wrapped gift box and placed it in Carlos's hands.
Carlos's eyes widened in surprise as he stared at the box, then back at Alena, confusion etched on his face. "What is this, love?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
"Open it up and see, amor," Alena replied nonchalantly, picking up her spoon to continue eating.
Carlos's curiosity got the better of him as he carefully opened the little gift box. His eyes widened in astonishment as he peered inside, revealing a pair of tiny white baby stockings. A tender message embroidered on the stockings made his heart skip a beat: "Daddy's Little Angel."
Carlos's eyes widened in shock, his mouth agape, as he struggled to form the words. "Love, are you - "
But Alena finished his sentence for him, her voice trembling with emotion. "Pregnant?" she whispered, a radiant smile spreading across her face.
"Yes, amor," she confirmed, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. "I'm pregnant. We're going to be having a baby very soon." The words tumbled out, releasing the pent-up emotions she'd been holding inside since her return.
Carlos swept Alena into his arms, tenderly kissing away her tears as he held her close. His own tears of joy streamed down his face, but he didn't care. He was too busy basking in the bliss of this life-changing moment.
For what felt like an eternity, he'd dreamed of having a miniature version of Alena running around the house, filling their lives with laughter and love. And now, that dream was finally within reach.
Alena pulled back, her hands cradling Carlos's face as she planted a gentle kiss on his forehead. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke the words that made his heart skip a beat: "Happy Father's Day, amor."
Carlos's tears of joy flowed freely as he gently placed his ear on Alena's stomach, his eyes locked on hers. "We're going to have a mini you soon, love," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.
Alena's smile was radiant as she gazed down at him. "We don't know yet, amor," she said, her voice filled with laughter. "I'm only six weeks pregnant."
Carlos's smile broadened as he envisioned their little family growing. Just then, Alena leaned forward to grab her cup of coffee, but Carlos swiftly intercepted it, his eyes sparkling with protectiveness.
"No more coffee for you, amor," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "I'll get you freshly squeezed fruit juice instead. Our little one deserves the best, and that starts with taking care of you."
"Amor, you can't just ban me from drinking coffee," Alena said, her voice laced with mock indignation as she gazed up at Carlos with an adorable pout, her lips pursed in a charming protest.
"From now on coffee's off the menu, and so are overworking and late nights at work, love," Carlos replied, his voice firm but gentle, as he headed to the kitchen, determined to prioritize Alena's health and well-being above all else.
"Ugh, amor, that's too much!" Alena exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with teasing amusement. "But don't think for a second that I'm giving up my hugs and kisses," she added, her voice dripping with playful flirtation as she wrapped her arms around Carlos, pulling him close.
"You'll get a thousand times more hugs and kisses, but coffee is off-limits, love," Carlos replied, handing her a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.
"I love you so much, love," Carlos whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
"I love you too, amor," Alena replied, her voice barely above a whisper, as she gazed into his eyes, the love between them palpable and strong.
............~ END~...........
Author.
Hope .O. John
