My mouth watered as I lifted my fork. Can't knock a girl for taste. My knife cuts through the fluffy cake and I fork the first bite into my mouth.
And oh... bliss~! The chocolate and strawberry are heavenly and the pancakes are deliciously golden and fluffy.
Everyone seemed to congregate to the large table after my first bite, all sitting around and grabbing their own plates, some sitting at the thick wooden table and others congregating around the kitchen island or sitting at it, all chatting jovially.
Now, I could get a better look at my surroundings, as I took another bite.
The kitchen was rather rustic modern, the
deep black hexagonal floor mirroring the black hexagon backboard behind the stove and counters. The appliances were all black and silver and looking exceedingly complex and digital than I was used to.
Zaiyne opened the large double doored fridge, with a digital interface above an ice maker, pulling out creamer and stood next to the gorgeous coffee maker resting on the counter beside the fridge. He pulled two cups off of the metal tree holding a variety of colored cups, filling them with coffee and creamer before giving them a stir. He placed the spoon in a deep stone sink that I could almost sit in, black metal faucets complimenting the expansive black marble counter tops perfectly accenting the gorgeous dark wood cabinets. He brings the second cup to someone else and makes brief eye contact with me before I look away.
I distract myself again with my surroundings, while the soft hum of people chatting fill the room. A myriad of appliances neatly filled the counter tops that made the place look lived in but not cluttered, like a black and silver espresso machine, a large 8 slice toaster, a blender, how did they fit so much on the counters? And why is there so many people in the kitchen? Someone else wishes me a happy birthday, and I smile, oh, duh that's why.
I took another couple of bites bites, before sweeping my gaze over the gorgous stovetop, which looked like something you would see in the movies where the rich guy makes the girl a fancy dinner, complimenting the double ovens with high tech digital interface. This kitchen was looking less and less like a regular kitchen and more like something you would see on a cooking show.
My eyes moved to Esme, laughing warmly and standing at the counter island's flat top grill. A loud "oooh!" erupted from the group around her as she flipped the pancakes really high before a few cheers filled the room. The island also had a smaller sink looking exactly like the other, with the higher level of the island designed as an eating countertop with black leather cushionioned heavy wood bar stools. A group of hungry teens sat on the leather stools, plates up and mouths watering waiting for the next round of breakfast served by Esme.
I continued eating, not hearing the conversation happening around me as I noted the doors. There were five doorways in total, three of which were ornately carved open doorways set into the gray wallpaper leading to different areas, one heavy wooden door labeled "Pantry" in fancy looping lettering, and one door with a glass window in it, complimenting the two large windows set in the wall behind me. A few of the boys sat on the large windowsills, and I worried about the wood breaking, but it made no sign of any strain. The boys munched on some breakfast sandwiches, and as one of them parted the group to go get more food my eyes met Aspen's.
And it was like the world slowed down. My head felt foggy and slightly pained, but oh so good at the same time. I felt like I was falling deep into his eyes like endless pools, drowning and something... someone calling my name...
"-ne... june...."
"June." Time returned to normal, as I snapped back at Esme's words. "Yea?"
"I asked if you wanted some more pancakes or bacon... you seemed really out of it, maybe I should tell my mum to get here now..."
"No, no. I am fine-" Juniper's voice coming from my lips sounded so odd, so surreal. "I am just... so excited! I mean it's my birthday!" I made up an excuse, hoping to the gods it worked.
And it did, Esme shrugged, adding a heaping pile of bacon to my plate next to some eggs. "Alright, alright. If you say so." She didn't seem convinced but suddenly her head snapped up, "Hey! You! Don't steal bacon it wasn't your turn yet!" She ran back towards the griddle, wielding her spatula like a weapon, leaving me alone again with my thoughts.
Something had been calling to me, calling my name... my name, not Juniper's.
I looked back toward Aspen, but it seemed like his group left the window, and kitchen, behind. I huff, stuffing a piece of crisp bacon into my mouth, and then another as my tastebuds danced at the sweet and spicy taste of brown sugar and black pepper.
As I start chewing a forkful of fluffy cheesy eggs, a cup is placed infront of me. I look up and make contact with Zaiyne. My heart skips slightly at those golden caramel eyes, and I look back down at the cup.
"Caramel macchiato, extra caramel and a shot of hazelnut... Just like you like it."
The beautiful swirls of caramel decorate the mountainous peaks of whipped cream. It certainly looks too beautiful to drink, but I pick up the warm cup and take a sip. Vanilla, caramel and hazelnut sweep across my taste buds and I instinctually let out a "Mmn~!"
He chuckles, the sound like a cool refreshing breeze across my skin, perfectly complimenting the warmth of the drink and, to my surprise, the flush that suddenly spreads over my body at his laugh. A small pinch, like a mother dog nipping her puppy, edges at the back of my mind as I try to form words, "Uhm... thanks, Zaiyne... it's delicious."
"You've been quieter than usual... are you worried about tonight?" He says with cool calculated concern, like a subordinate looking out for their boss.
"Worried? Why would I be worried...?" I say with more honesty in the question than I meant to, causing Zaiyne to lift his eyebrow slightly before returning his facial features to their rightful place like a mask.
He studies me a moment longer before saying, "Because tonight you will find your mate...."