CHAPTER 1 - The Meeting

Athena's POV

It was raining on a Saturday morning. I can hear raindrops falling on my bed's rooftop. I lazily yawned as I slid beneath my cover, eyes still closed. I reached out to feel my pillow, craving more sleep. I was so surprised when I got a grip of something that I yelled, flung my eyes open, and jumped off the bed. I was astonished to discover a man sleeping right next to me on my bed. I tried to recall what happened and the problem with the man invading my house, bedroom, and even lying on my bed! But no matter how hard I tried, I could not recognize him.

Curious, I took a slow look at the man's face, which was partially concealed by the pillow he was embracing. MY PILLOW. I concentrated my attention on the other side of his face. Thick, black brows. A nice nose. Red, kissable lips. And deep, blue eyes.

I was startled to find that the man who had been sleeping on my bed was suddenly wide awake. And before I knew it, he had caught me staring at him while he slept. It was too late for me to turn away, so I just looked down and pretended I hadn't noticed him.

The man stands up and looks at me in the eyes. He scrutinized my face while I kept my head down. He laughed and replied, "I had no idea someone was watching me while I slept. Or should I say, studying me?"

My cheeks flushed as he made that statement. I tried to look at the man in the eyes, but ended up blushing even more and avoiding his sight as much as I could. The man laughed when he saw my reddened face.

As a lady who had been caught red-handed, I took a deep breath and reminded myself to remain cool. I said, as soon as I could recover myself, "Who do you feel you are? And why are you even sleeping with me on my bed, let alone claiming ownership of my most precious possession?"

He said as he analyzed my face, "My name is Cloud, and I'm here to answer your inquiry. I slept on your bed since I spotted you laying on the pavement yesterday, very intoxicated by drink, and your clothes were drenched by heavy rain. I took the initiative to bring you to my house, but as soon as we entered my room, you began screaming and begging that I take you home. I asked where you live, but you fell asleep again, so I checked your wallet for any kind of identification, so I could find out where you reside. Your keys were also discovered in your backpack."

I immediately understood everything after hearing his comments. "So, why are you lying on my bed with me?"

"I was going to leave when you begged me to stay, sobbing. You asked me not to leave you, ever again."

I was taken aback by his statement and came to a halt.

"But what about my clothes? Is there something going on between us?"

"Well, hate to disappoint you, but I do not take advantage of women, especially drunk women," the man grinned.

I heaved a sigh of relief and exclaimed, "Thank you for your compassion, Cloud. It's really appreciated. What about my final question?"

"Can you tell me what your third question is?" he said.

"When did you muster the courage to take ownership of my most treasured possession?"

"Huh, I told you nothing ever happened between us," he exclaimed, perplexed.

"No, it was not my intent."

"So, what precisely is it? What is your most valuable possession?"

"My... my pillow," I finally said.

Cloud laughed as he raised his eyebrows and stared at me, bewildered at my reaction.

"Is there something funny?" I asked, furious.

Cloud laughed for what felt like a lifetime. When he came to a halt, he apologized, "I'm sorry, it never occurred to me that someone would consider their pillow as a prized possession."

I flashed him an evil glare when I noticed that he was still having difficulties disguising his laughter.

"You may say that I am not typical. Unlike the majority of you who regard cars and branded clothing as your most valued things!"

Cloud gave me a doubtful look and continued, "So, what exactly are you, a vampire? Perhaps a werewolf? Or maybe a fairy? Tell me, please! Mythical creatures interest me! That would be exciting!"

As though I could not suppress my wrath any longer, I fling a book at him and yell, "I am your evil stepmother! Now get out!"

He was surprised and added, "But you don't strike me as a stepmother. But when it comes to evil, I'm at a loss for words."

I screamed in annoyance as the room filled with Cloud's laughter.

***

Cloud's POV

In the kitchen, I couldn't quit glancing at the woman preparing breakfast for the two of us. I observed her as she skillfully tossed the pan of scrambled eggs she was making.

She looked at me at that time, and she spotted me staring at her. She reddened and avoided my sight. Not wanting to take my gaze away from her. I chucked and screamed, "You appear to be a professional chef, or should I say, cook? I can tell you're having a nice time when you're cooking."

She answered with a smile, "Yes, I enjoy cooking. My parents were both chefs at a prominent London restaurant. They taught me how to cook when I was nine years old."

"Wow, you were so young back then! What's the big deal?"

"What exactly do you mean by that?"

"Why, after all, are they racing to teach you how to cook? Up until today, I could barely cook for myself without injuring myself! " I exclaimed, laughing.

"My parents, on the other hand, taught me a lot of things at an early age, including how to make various cuisines. They counseled me to study to be self-sufficient while I was still young."

"That's a good point. So you can cook whatever you want?"

She chuckled and added, "Almost everything, in fact. I can't cook something that isn't edible!"

"Oh well, you have a point!"

They both busted out laughing.

"So, what is your specialty?" I asked.

"Well, I can prepare a mean steak. A grilled chunk of fish Beef stew. Barbecue. Salads and sweets, oh my!"

"Please, woman, come to a halt. I suppose I'm drooling right now!"

"My name is Athena! You're hilarious! You've truly questioned as to what my area of expertise is!"

"When we say specialty, we mean something that sticks out from the rest. I had no idea your specialty was the crowd itself," I added humorously.

She remarked with a smile, "Not to boast, but I am an expert at this sort of stuff. From gravy to soup, I've got you covered. From the appetizer to the main dish. From the main meal to the sweets."

"I'm incredibly impressed. Not every woman is a good cook."

"I fully agree. But I'm not sure. I enjoy cooking because it helps me feel good about myself. It's as if I'm a professional, like if no one can ever compete with me, even on this one. And there's something about it that inspires me to use my imagination more to express myself. When I'm cooking, I get so engrossed in it that I lose track of time."

"That is incredible. I'm in awe, meeting someone who appreciates cooking while I can barely make eggs, "I stated.

She chuckled and added, "And do you know what's the best part? It's when I hear folks admire my cooking. It's priceless, exactly like their expressions! It gives me a wonderful sense about myself."

I could not help but admire Athena's beauty as I glanced at her. With her long, wavy brown hair. Whenever she blushes, her fair and smooth complexion turns brilliant crimson. Her perfect nose, not to mention her stunning round, hazel eyes with lengthy eyelashes. When she grins or laughs, her naturally pink lips look so sweet.

There's something about her that makes me inquisitive. While I admire those wonderful eyes, there appears to be some melancholy behind them. Those eyes seemed as if they were crying. Her grins and laughs do not reach her eyes. And when she's silent, I notice her lips frowning as if it's a permanent feature.

I felt like there was something else I wanted to know about her after seeing her drunk dead on the pavement while drenched in the rain last night.

When I looked at her, I noticed her humming while cooking some bacon on the skillet. It demonstrates how much she enjoys cooking, and I beamed.

DING!

Athena took a tray and a tong and proceeded to the oven toaster. The aroma of garlic and butter filled the air, and I could almost hear my stomach growl in hunger. She carefully pulled the slices of bread from the oven and placed them on the counter. I stood there watching as she smeared more butter on it. She stood up to turn off the heat and put the bacon and eggs on the platter. She walked to the fridge and got out the dish of vegetable salad and orange juice she had prepared the day before going out for a drink. I stood up and assisted her in carrying the items, and she motioned for me to place them on the table.

She invited me to sit and eat breakfast as soon as everything was ready.

I could feel my hunger grow more powerful as soon as I looked at the dishes. Not to mention how appetizing the fragrance and appearance are.

We began to eat, and I can already taste how rich the flavors are in just one bite. There isn't a single thing that doesn't taste excellent. I know it's only bacon, eggs, bread, and veggie salad, but something about it makes me nostalgic. I'd never had anything like it before, not even in a restaurant.

"Hmm, it tastes amazing," I murmured admiringly.

She smiled, and I could tell how thrilled she was to hear my praise, "I'm glad you liked it, Cloud," she said.

Whatever you want to call me, it sounded so wonderful in my ears every time she gently whispers my name. Oops.

"To say I like it is an understatement. In fact, I love it, and I'm not sure that I've ever eaten anything like it," I continued.

She chuckled and added, "You haven't, of course! I don't cook meals that are available in supermarkets. They were made by me."

I was perplexed and wondered, "Do you create these yourself? In what way?"

"I do make them, believe it or not. I cured my own bacon and improved its flavors using spices and marinades. I cultivate all of my own fruits and vegetables. Similarly, I collect eggs directly from the farm."

"Wow, that's wonderful!" I said, captivated.

"Anything for food," she said with a chuckle.

I agreed, and we both chuckled as we completed our scrumptious breakfast.

***

Athena's POV

As he rinsed the dishes, I kept my attention fixated on Cloud's back. We ate our breakfast in good faith, and he insisted on washing the dishes and clearing the table because he had earlier commented that he wasn't much help in the kitchen while I was cooking.

I recalled the anecdote I told him earlier while he scrubbed the dishes. How my parents instilled independence in me when I was a child. They made it plain that I needed to learn everything as soon as possible because there was no assurance that they would stay with me indefinitely. They taught me everything I needed to know so that I could function even when they were not present.

"Oh my God," I screamed, "I miss my parents so badly."

I hoped they were here right now with me. If only I could bring them back.

But I could not do it.

That reality hit me so hard that I did not realize I was crying.

Cloud worriedly patted my shoulder, his concerned expression on his face.

I sobbed, and my shoulders shuddered uncontrollably. Without saying anything, Cloud brought me into his arms and rubbed my back. He's just soothing me and waiting for me to say anything.

I wept in his arms until I felt like I could breathe normally again.

I pulled out of his embrace, apologized to him, and said, "Please accept my heartfelt apologies, Cloud. It was never my intention to give you any anxiety or concern. It's just that sometimes my feelings are so overwhelming that I need to get them out of my chest because they're suffocating me and making it difficult for me to breathe. I had no idea I was already in tears."

Cloud, as expected, nodded and replied, "It's all right, I understand. That is how I feel at times as well. And expressing one's emotions is never inappropriate. What's wrong is that you continue to keep them hidden even if it's tearing you apart. Athena, you can tell me anything anytime you're ready. I've got your back."

"Thank you," I answered, nodding, "But would you mind telling me how you know my name?"

He chuckled and added, "Of course, I recognize your name. I came across your identity cards while searching for your house yesterday. You also mentioned that to me earlier,"

"That makes great sense. Very smart," I responded, persuaded.

We both giggled as we glanced at each other.