scarred

George

As he drove away , George couldn't help but think

Wow, she has grown to be even more captivating . he thought of the time spent with Elle today and how he enjoyed every single noment and maybe a little too much, the thought of how her eyes sparkled when she smiled, and that smile... it's infectious!

He chuckled to himself, remembering the way she playfully teased him about his music taste. She's grown to be more feisty and he loved it

he couldn't help but travel down memory lane, remembering when she wrote that love letter.. then he only saw her as a little sister,

hell! she was Kay's little sister and he didn't even know how to look her in the eyes after seeing the letter then, he just pretended he didn't see it and he knew how much damage it did to her confidence .

looking at her now he could no longer see the little girl he used to know, he could only see a very grown beautiful woman.

He glanced in the rareview mirror, catching a glimpse of her walking away, her hips swayed with a gentle, fluid motion, like a soft breeze rustling through a field of flowers. Her steps were confident and purposeful, yet graceful and feminine, with a subtle swing to her gait,he shook his head trying to get the image off his head.

As he drove off into the distance, his brow furrowed in a deep crease, he shouldn't be having these feelings not when he's having this complicated thing with Kay that he still finds hard to define, sincerely he had hoped they could finally put a name to it but Kay keeps avoiding the topic, it's been a year now and he was already giving up, if only they could talk about it and move on

George pulled over in his garage, he had decided to go home instead of sticking around the hospital since he was done for the day.

opening the door, he was met with the warm, inviting aroma of food and the soft glow of kitchen lights. His eyes widened in surprise as he takes in the sight of a feminine figure moving around his kitchen, the sizzle and crackle of cooking filling the air.

"Kay?..."

"ohh you're back, I didn't think you'd be back so early, I thought I should make you something special" Kayla replied nervously wiping her hands on her apron with her back still facing him,

George moved closer and pulling her flushed to his body he kissed the crown of her head, if there was one thing he knew about Kayla, it was that most times she cooked to escape her demons, and for some weird reason he felt now was one of those times, "what's wrong Kay?" he whispered into her ears, he knew something was definitely wrong and she never lets anyone else see her crumble, except him and that was why she had come.

"we lost the client, my...my boss and I we tried to convince him, it was a major deal, they think I sold him out to our rival bank...I mean what do I stand to gain from doing that. simply because the found out about my history with Caleb" she

spilled out, turning to face him she rubbed her hands over her tear filled eyes "it's really looking bad George, what do I do" the tears she had been holding finally dropped "hey" he whispered pulling her into his embrace, "we will figure it out, like we always do" George assured her drawing soothing circles around her back. they stayed like that for a while and then Kayla finally pulled out of the hug "thank you for always being my rock" she smiled up at him "perks of being my cook I guess"he shrugged with a playful smile curving his lips which earned him a jab of her spatula "ouch!" he feigned pain and that got Kay smiling wickedly, atleast she now has a smile on her face,he thought to himself, she went back to stiring what was cooking and he decided to freshen up before it was ready.

"grrrrrghhhhh"

the damn alarm wouldn't go off, it has been ringing for a long while now, George reluctantly got out of bed and got dressed to hit the gym, he wasn't going to be late for his routines today, he had missed the gym twice already this week so he was going to make up for the lapsed days.

George walked into the gym, his eyes fixed on the weights and machines ahead. His routine is a well-choreographed dance, honed from years of dedication and discipline.

He began with a series of precise stretches, his muscles flexing and relaxing in a fluid motion. Next, he moved to the free weights, his hands wrapping around the cool metal with a familiar grip. He lifted the weight with a slow, controlled motion, his face set in a fierce concentration.

Sweat began to bead on his brow as he moved through his reps, his breathing steady and rhythmic. He transitions to the machines, his movements economical and efficient, each exercise a deliberate and calculated step towards his fitness goals.

when he was done with his final set, he took a moment to survey his domain, his chest heaving with exertion. He walked to the water cooler to fill up his bottle and that was when he saw her, Elle had also come to the gym and she was working out, he stared at her with awe, taking the water to his lips, he takes a sip without taking his eyes off her.

George walked over to where she was sitting,

"Elle, how lovely seeing you again so soon" he smiled at her and she turned, she was visibly shocked, then she broke into a nervous laughter " oh my... I can't believe I'm bumping into you, but of course you work out here and I knew the chances were high so..."she said, a smile playing on her lips, "no way Elle! are you stalking me now?" George laughed but Elle remained unfazed

"okay okay... so what do you want princess?"he smiled at her tenacity. "I've been feeling really weighty these days and I think it's because I stay home most of the time with nothing to do, so I s

thought maybe the gym will help me get fit but I need an instructor and I'm here" she smiled at him "hmmmm... you want me to be your instructor?" yes Elle said pleading with her eyes

"do I get paid? " he asked and Elle smiled, trust him to make this difficult, well two can play sooo..." of course but we don't discuss terms of payment until I've had my trial week" she challenged folding her hands across her chest. George let out a chuckle and nodded his agreement. they sat down together and Drew out a schedule for their work out sessions after which she took up her shuttle bag and said her good bye.