Part 18
1561 Words
Unlike Louis who was practically running, I'm merely walking towards the kitchen, but still hastily. Not that I'm not curious about his issue, but I have left the habit of running around the house since I was very young. Mother didn't like it. She said if I want people to stop treating me like I'm a little kid, then I should stop acting like one. And of course, I took it seriously.
I hear the water starts as I come nearer. And when I eventually enter the kitchen, I see him putting something in the sink.
"What is it, Lou?" I'm closing our distance.
"This? Oh, I've finished my drink so I wash the glass since Ellie is still busy doing laundry." He starts soaping the glass.
WHAT?? A dirty glass? He has abruptly parted our kiss and broken our intimate moment, for a mere stupid glass? Great. Never in my life, have I felt such a strong urge to just kill an innocent glass even though I know it isn't even alive. Clenching my fists, I take a deep breath to calm myself down. Just enough so I won't simply snatch the glass and crash it to the ground right before his eyes. Louis seems to notice my expression changing. He observes me with worried eyes after he's done with the glass and dries his hands with a paper towel.
"Something wrong, William?"
I let out a snort of cynical laughter in reflex. "Was that the reason why you ran here in such haste? To wash a f*cking glass? Seriously, Lou, we were kissing! Or was it just your excuse to avoid us being that close? You don't like me that much, huh? Tell me you don't like me!" Tell me and let me know that the best way to take you is by force.
"No, William. Not like that." He looks frightened now. But I don't care.
"Then what?!" I realize that I am really upset right now.
"Wh- what really happened was... Uh..." Confusion is coloring his face. Either he is confused about why I become upset or how he should explain.
Then it comes over me that I might frighten him a little bit more than necessary. So, I reach my hand out to caress his cheek, not only to make him calm down but also myself. "Speak, Baby." I lower my voice. But it doesn't make it any less vicious.
"Please don't get mad at me." He begs. "I ran here because I forgot that I was in the middle of baking, and I thought I've burnt it. But then I realized the oven is automatic, so I thought washing my glass would kill some time while we wait for the cakes to cool down."
Wait. What? I don't think he gave me too many information at the same time. But my brain seems to be unable to process them as fast as usual. Or is it because I didn't expect his answer to be like that? Like... What did he say? Did he say something about baking? Cakes?
"What?" That's what I manage to respond him with. Now it's my turn to be confused.
Then Louis walks towards the oven. Looks like it was already switched off few minutes ago. Louis is proceeding to take out its content with his mitten-covered hands. A sweet scent is filling the air as he opens the oven lid. He takes the tray from the inside and shows it to me.
"I... I bake some chocolate lava since I thought it's too early to cook dinner. I hope you... uh... don't mind." He stutters nervously.
"Wh- What?" I feel like becoming a complete i***t who doesn't know how to give a proper response.
He puts the tray on the kitchen counter and starts placing those cakes into a plate. "I was considering cupcakes, but Ellie said you don't have the icing." He brings his plated cakes and places it on the table nearby me. He searches my face again. I bet he can only find shock in it. "Oh, my God, I knew you wouldn't like it. I'm so sorry. I don't even know if you like chocolate." He starts to worry.
"Why, Lou?" I ignore his sorry. "Why did you do this?"
He looks a little surprised at my question and tries to answer anyway. "Well... I guess I just didn't know what to do while you were in the bathroom. And I thought you might need uh... longer time." His cheeks flush a bit. "So I went into the kitchen and asked Ellie whether I could bake something for you."
"For me?" I'm baffled. Seriously, there must be some ulterior motives. People can't just do something for me. They never have.
"Yes... You are so kind to me. I don't think I can repay you with any gifts since you are this wealthy and practically have everything. But still I want you to know how grateful I am to meet you." His gaze turns lower to the ground. "I know they can't be compared to ones you get from a fancy bakery or restaurant. And they probably do not live up to your standard. And if you prefer, I would just bring them all home so you don't have to deal with them. And-"
"Stop it, Lou" I cut his words by placing my index finger on his lips.
"Uh... sorry. Was I babbling?"
"Listen, Baby." Taking his chin, I speak softly. "There are three things about me that you don't yet to know."
He looks up in askance.
"One, I like chocolate. Two, I think homemade tastes better than any restaurant cuisines. And three, I won't let you take back whatever was meant for me."
With that, his smile instantly blooms brightly out of those kissable lips. And I feel strangely happy to see him this happy.
"And there is one thing I know about you while you don't."
"What is it?" He asks curiously.
It takes few seconds for me to realize that my eyes are lost in his adorable feature. "You, Baby, are a gift. The gift my money can never buy."
I think I'm going to make him speechless and blushing. But I'm wrong. Now, he is staring at me with glassy eyes. It looks like those blue pools are about to spill one or two droplets of tears. "Nobody has ever said that to me. Or anything like that."
"Come here, Baby." I collect him in a firm hug. Rubbing his back lovingly so that he manages to hold himself from crying. "If there is nobody ever told you that, it means I'm the luckiest guy who ever earned this rare chance to get to know you better than anyone else."
"I'm afraid it's all just a dream." He speaks softly in my arms. "Or worse, a lie."
I break the hug. Holding his shoulders and searching his eyes. "I told you, I hate liars, Lou. I won't allow myself to be one of them." I'm telling the truth.
He nods. "I know."
"Do you trust me?"
"I do. Totally."
I smile at him. I guess it's time to give him a little test. "May I know why? Why do you trust me that much?"
He thinks for a second before answering. "I don't know if it would make sense, but I think uh..." He pauses.
"You think?" I inquire.
He looks like he's trying to fight doubt from coloring his face. "I think I like you." His cheeks burn red in an instant. "I know it sounds stupid. Sorry, William. Please don't mind-"
I kiss his lips before he can continue babbling. I see his eyes widen from the sudden act as we part. I smile again at him. Warmer this time. "You don't know how happy you make me, Lou."
"So, uh... You don't think that is stupid?"
"Never." I caress his cheek. "And I'd be happier if it's not a lie."
"No, it's not!" He responds immediately. "I- I do really like you."
"Are you sure?"
"S-slap me if you find me lying about it." He shots a stern look to make me trust him.
We exchange our gazes for a moment before I offer him a hug which he gladly accepts. I know he will never fail me at such test. "Thank you, Baby." I hold his hand and guide him to the table. "Now let's find out how delicious the Choco lavas are."
I take two cakes and hand one of them to Louis. We both are giggling before taking a big bite.
"How is that?" Louis asks curiously.
Still chewing, I feign myself thinking hard. Showing a slight frown on my forehead.
Then his expression drops. "They don't meet your liking. I know. I'm sorry."
"What do you mean? This is the best Choco lava I've ever had."
He is stunned for a while. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. In fact, you should let me know how delicious you can make appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, desserts, snacks and even drinks." I say that with a big grin.
He giggles wildly. "That's a whole meal, William."
"What more can I say? I'm insatiable, Lou."
Along with a sweet smile, he nods. "I'll cook for you. But not now, okay? Someday."
"Promise?"
"Yes, it is a promise."
***
- Writer
