015 An Unexpected Morning

Lana

I woke up with a throbbing headache. It felt like someone was playing drums inside my head.

I sat up straight on the bed and slowly placed my feet on the floor.

Memories of what happened the night before flooded my brain, and my chest tightened.

Could this get any worse?

I stood up carefully and walked towards the bathroom to wash my face, and then I walked back into the living room to meet Beatrice.

She was holding a tray of breakfast in her hand. “You're awake,” Beatrice smiled lightly.

“Don't you have class this morning?” I asked.

“It's Sunday, even law students rest on Sundays,” Beatrice replied as she dropped the tray on the bed.

Oh yeah… I totally forgot, but good news for me, I really can't see myself going to work with this headache.

“I made breakfast, sit down,” Beatrice gestured, and I sat down on the bed. “Karl brought you back,” she started, and I blinked.

How can I forget how I cried on him.

I closed my eyes in embarrassment.

“He did?” I asked, focusing on the food.

“Yes, he carried you into the room and placed you on the bed,” Beatrice said, and I almost choked on the tea I was drinking

“Really?” I asked, I remembered crying and falling asleep, not being carried.

“Yes, is there something I should know?” Beatrice asked.

I know what she is thinking, but I can’t find the right words to explain that isn't the case with Karl and me.

“I met Hannah yesterday,” I started, and Beatrice blinked.

“Hannah Sanders? Ethan’s fiancée?” Beatrice asked with wide eyes, and I nodded.

I explained to her what happened with Hannah, trying my best not to break down again in front of my sister.

I know how worried she is about me.

“That jerk! Hasn’t he done enough already!” Beatrice seethed.

“I just want to get over him completely, and I really hope I don't have to see his face again” I replied, and Beatrice nodded, engulfing me in a warm hug.

I never thought I would need this, but it turns out I do

“You'll be fine,” Beatrice comforted.

“Thank you.” I replied, and then we heard the doorbell ring.

“It's probably Katelyn, I would go get it.” I said, but Beatrice stopped me.

“Let me,” she insisted and walked out of the bedroom.

I took the food and followed behind her, intending to eat in the living room.

When Beatrice opened the door, it wasn't Katelyn standing there, but Karl.

What is he doing here?

“Morning,” he smiled, showing his slightly deep dimples.

“Mr. Moretti, what brought you here this early?” Beatrice asked.

This is a disaster.

I quickly dropped the tray and walked towards the door, pushing Karl backward as I stepped outside and closed the door behind me, not without giving Beatrice a reassuring smile.

“You won’t even welcome me into your home? I came here immediately after my morning meeting,” Karl complained, and I sighed.

“Why are you here?” I asked, completely ignoring his statement.

“I wanted to make sure you're okay. I would have called, but I don't have your number,” he replied calmly.

“I'm fine, thank you.” I said.

“Are you thanking me for checking up on you or for last night?” He asked and I bit the inner walls of my mouth in embarrassment.

“For both, I'm sorry you had to see me like that,” I replied, looking down in embarrassment.

“You don't have to apologize for that, love” Karl replied softly, slowly lifting my head, and my eyes met his.

He touched my cheek softly, which instantly turned rosy.

“Mom, is that Aunt Lana's boyfriend?” I heard Lily’s voice, and my eyes widened.

I quickly turned to see Katelyn holding her little girl’s hand.

“Katelyn,” I said, moving away from Karl and towards my sweet neighbor who smiled at me.

“Sorry, we didn't mean to interrupt.” Katelyn apologized, but I waved my hand quickly in disproval.

“You didn't interrupt anything. Already going to work?” I asked, and she nodded.

“I was hoping Lily would stay with you,” Katelyn said.

“Sure, happy to help, anytime” I replied, and Lily quickly ran to me.

“Aunt Lana, your boyfriend is so handsome,” Lily smiled, and I turned to Karl, who smirked in return.

“This little girl has great taste,” Karl replied.

“Lily!” Katelyn scoulded. “I'm really sorry” she apologized.

“No… he is not my-”

“No worries” Karl replied instead, and Katelyn nodded before walking away. Her gaze lingered on Karl for a second too long.

Even my neighbor found him handsome.

“What's your name?” Lily asked Karl, and I turned.

I didn't even know when she left my side to Karl's.

“Lily, go inside and say good morning to Aunt Beatrice,” I said to Lily, who hesitated before walking into my home.

Karl had a smirk on his face the entire time. He is so smug.

“I was wondering if I could get your number,” Karl said, and I blinked.

“Why do you want my phone number?” I asked.

“I'm sure you know the use of a phone number” Karl answered, and I frowned. “You can at least award me that much after all my efforts, love.” Karl added, and I sighed.

I stretched out my hand, and he pulled out his phone, dropping it on my palm.

I typed in my number and returned it. “Would you want to come in for breakfast?” I asked, and he smiled. “I don’t actually expect you to agree, just asking for the sake of good manners,” I added, and his smile dropped, but a smirk slowly formed on his face.

“No thank you, I have a meeting soon, I would make sure to use the award you granted me,” Karl replied and walked off.

I watched his tall, thin, muscular build retreating with interest.

My lips tugged upwards slightly, but I quickly cleared my throat and walked back into my home.

When I got in, I couldn't find Beatrice nor Lily, but I could hear their voices from the bedroom, and I sighed before slumping on the couch.

I took my phone from the phone tray, and immediately, it pinged.

A message from an unknown number, is it the same person as before.

I tap on the message, and my grip on my phone tightened.