Exciting Love

Chapter 3- Next Morning

When I woke up in the morning everyone was still sleeping. I decided to enjoy a few minutes in Theo’s arms, after which I headed upstairs to my bedroom, changed into a pair of black joggers and a white crop-top. I brushed my teeth, took my make-up off, and looked at the time. 8 am. We must have been up till 3. I never get hangovers however much I drink, and that’s a good thing. I pulled my hair into a messy bun and went downstairs, and everyone was still asleep. I headed into the kitchen to make some coffee. I poured myself a cup and added some almond milk and honey. Don’t get me wrong. I am not one of those hippies. I am just lactose intolerant, and I have been enjoying the taste of honey in my coffee lately. I decided to go with French toast and bacon today. I put my AirPods on and turned one of my favorite singers, Shawn Mendez, on. I also chopped some fruit and took out frozen croissants and put those into the oven. I set everything on the kitchen counter. The fruit, Greek yogurt, honey, maple syrup, French toast, bacon, cream cheese, bagels, croissants, orange juice, coffee, cream, almond milk, sugar. A full breakfast. By the time I was taking out the plates and cups from the drawer, everyone started slowly waking up. I had already poured 7 glasses of water for them. I put the glasses on a tray and went back to the living room. Giving each of them a glass and instructing them to drink all of it. Former partying with them had already taught me to keep a dozen packed toothbrushes at home at all times, and also that all my friends act like children when they are hungover. I told them that there are toothbrushes in the powder room for all of them. They got up one by one and used the powder room, after which they came back more refreshed and were ready to eat some breakfast. While they were turning into human beings again I went to the kitchen and took the formerly taken out utensils to the dining room and set the table. I went back to the kitchen to find Theo there. 

— I can’t believe you made all of these. You know you didn’t have to.

— I love cooking. It helps me relax. 

— When did you wake up?

— An hour ago. I never can sleep after 8.

— Well, I have to say everything looks great.— he kisses me.

— Thanks. 

— Ugh ugh. — I heard Cristal clear her voice from behind Theo. 

— Yes?

— I hope I am not interrupting anything.

— Of course not. How could you ever interrupt?

— You know I love your sarcastic voice, but not this early in the morning.

— This is my normal voice.

—Believe me, I know that. Anyways can I help you with anything?

— No. Not really. Everything is ready, just tell everyone to come here and get whatever they want. You know where the dining room is.

— Sure.

— You know they are going to interrupt us more and more.— I said turning back to Theo and putting my hands behind his neck. Without my heels, he feels even taller. After all, I am 5’3

— OK. One more kiss and that’s all.— he leaned and kissed me finishing his thought. 

In a couple of minutes, the kitchen was full. Everyone got some breakfast and coffee and headed to the dining room. We sat there eating when I got a phone call.

— Excuse me. I have to take this. — I said getting up from the table and going into the kitchen to talk.— Hello? Hi Aunt Luna. How are you?

— Hi, honey. I am fine, but I need to ask for a favor. 

— Sure.

— Your Uncle Abel and I have to go to the hospital and also the cancer kids’ benefit is tonight. Can I leave Alice with you today?

— Sure, no problem.

— And Melli, would you mind if she stays with you tonight?

— No, of course not. I love when she is sleeping over. You can come after her tomorrow afternoon. When will you be here?

— Probably in an hour.

— Ok, but can you also bring her stroller over as well. I have some errands to do today and I can take her with me.

— Thanks, honey.

As the call ended, I dialed security.

— Good morning Greg.

— Good morning Miss Adams. How can I help you?

— My aunt Luna will be here in about an hour, please let her in.

— Of course.

— Thank you.

As I was turning I saw Theo standing at the door.

— Everything okay?

— Yeah. But we have a slight change of plans.

— Okay. I am listening.

— This was my aunt Luna. She and my uncle have a benefit tonight, and I will have to look after my little cousin Alice. They will be here in an hour. Can she come with us?

— Sure I love kids.

— Thanks. — I went to him and kissed him.— Now let's get back in there and finish breakfast.— I took his hand and went into the dining room.

Half an hour later everyone started to get ready to leave. I turned to Harvey and told him.

— Hey, Harv, do you remember the thing that you asked me to find. It’s in the attic. Can you come and help me get it?

— Sure.

I could see the surprised and somewhat jealous look on Theo’s face. After all, I haven’t told him that Harvey is my cousin. When going upstairs I overheard him asking everyone why they weren’t surprised that I asked Harvey to help me in the attic. Cristal laughed and told him.

— Well, Harvey’s last name is Addams. Does that ring any bells?

— They are connected?

— Yes, they are cousins. And they are pretty close.

When we were in the attic I turned to Harvey and asked him.

— You will be bringing Cristal to the New year’s eve party, right?

— Yeah, and there is something I will need your help with. But first, Theo White? Really?

— Yeah. Is there any problem?

— No, but you could have mentioned you two are dating.

— Aww, that. We kind of met yesterday.

— YESTERDAY?

— Yeah. I don’t know. We connected instantly.

— OK, but promise me, if he ever hurts you, you will tell me, so I can kick his ass.

— Should I remind you that out of the two of them, I am the one boxing?

— No, but it is my responsibility to kick any guy's ass who hurts my little sisters. 

— I know. I know. I and Annabelle never could go anywhere when we were younger. Now that we have sorted that out. I am going to bring him to the party and I am going to need your help so that everyone does not react the same way you did.

— No problem.

— Great. Now, what did you need my help with?

He froze for a second then took a small box from his jacket, gave it to me, and said.

— I am going to ask Cristal to marry me.

I smiled, then my facial expressions changed and I grabbed his ear, made him to my height, and started yelling.

— HARVEY MICHAEL ADDAMS, LISTEN TO ME CAREFULLY, SHE IS MY BEST FRIED AND IF YOU EVER HURT HER, I WILL CASTRATE YOU WITH A SPOON, AM I CLEAR?

— Yeah, Yeah, I know. 

— Good, because I am so happy for you.— I hugged him.— My big brother will finally get married. And you two are great together. But I am serious, I will castrate you if you ever hurt her.

— Well, knowing you for 21 years, I am pretty sure you will. And I would be disappointed if otherwise. 

— Ok, here is the album, that you requested.

— Thanks. I have a favor to ask.

— I am listening.

— I want to do the proposal on New Year’s eve. I know we should be here for the party at 9. I think I want to ask her before coming here so that we would be alone, but I want someone to film that and that it is magical for her. 

— Aww. That is great. I will ask Anna, Nina, and Vin to help as well. We will meet here Tuesday evening and go over the plan, ok?

— Yeah. You are the best.

— I know that. Now let’s go downstairs so they won’t get any suspicions. I saw the jealousy in Theo’s eyes when I told you to come upstairs. This is going to be fun.

— Can I please be there

— You are going to get your girlfriend and take her home. By the way, have you finally decided on the opening day?

— 27th.

— OK, I will be there. We all will. 

20 minutes later they were all ready to leave and as I was saying goodbye, Aunt Luna and Uncle Abel pulled over in from of the house. They all got into their cars and left while Theo stood by the door.

— Good morning.— I said going to my uncle’s car. Harvey came behind me. Uncle Abel and aunt Luna came out of the car, and we gave them both a kiss on the cheek. Then I went to the backseat and took Alice out.— Good morning princess. How is my favorite girl?

— Good morning Melli. I am good. How are you?

— I am good too. — I said kissing her cheek.

Harvey said goodbyes and I turned to him and yelled. 

— Remind Annabelle that we are going on a shopping spree on Monday.

— I will. See you on Tuesday.

— Bye.

 They all got into their cars and left. 

Uncle Abel took the stroller out from the trunk and put it in front of the house. Theo was standing there. I looked at him and told Alice.

— Hey Alice, would you like to meet my new friend. We are going to spend the day with him. 

— Yes.

— This is Theo. And Theo this is Alice.

— You are very beautiful, you know that?

— Thank you.— She giggled.

— Honey let’s go say bye to you mom and dad, ok?

— Yes.— She ran towards Aunt Luna. And then. To Uncle Abel.

— Have a good time tonight. She will be alright with me.

— Thank you.— I smiled and they got into the car and left.

I took Alice’s hand and went back to where Theo was standing.

— So, I will see you soon?

— I will be back as soon as I can.— He kissed me on the cheek, as Alice was standing right by my side and went to his car. I saw him drive out of the gate and we went inside.