Chapter 5
742 Words
Elena stepped back quickly. Her heart raced. It turned out a cup had fallen. She touched her lips, as if to confirm what had just happened. They were still tingling. Liam looked at her, his expression unreadable.
I’ll go to my room now, she said softly, forcing a small smile. She glanced at him once more but couldn’t tell what he was thinking.
Okay, he replied with a smirk
She turned to leave when Grandma’s door opened. Elena hurried off before she could be seen.
I thought I heard a noise, Grandma said as she walked into the kitchen.
Yeah, Grandma, I was thirsty, so I came to get water, Liam answered.
Elena let out a breath. That was close, she whispered, pressing a hand to her chest.
Saturday morning came quietly. She barely slept. In the kitchen, she helped Grandma Rosy as her mind replayed the night before the way Liam had looked at her, the way he kissed her. Her heart still raced whenever she thought of it.
At breakfast, Liam sat calmly, like nothing had happened. Everything looked normal, but Elena could feel the distance between them. She stirred her tea, trying not to glance his way.
After they ate, Grandma Rosy smiled. Everyone get ready. We’re going to the market in an hour.
Hazel clapped. Finally! I love the market here.
Liam groaned. Do I really have to go?
Yes, you do, Grandma said, laughing. You’ll carry the heavy things.
Elena smiled quietly. For the first time that morning, her heart felt a little lighter.
The drive to the market was lively. Hazel talked nonstop, and even Liam joined in now and then. Elena sat by the window, watching the trees rush past, wondering if he was thinking about her too.
The market was noisy. Voices rose from every corner. Elena held her basket close as she followed Grandma from one stall to another. Hazel picked out mangoes while Grandma bargained. Liam walked behind them, sunglasses resting in his hair.
Elena stopped at a small stand filled with handmade bracelets. She reached out to touch one, smiling to herself.
The stall owner, a woman with a baby on her hip, looked up. “That one would look beautiful on you, miss,” she said kindly.
Elena smiled shyly. “It’s lovely, but I’m just looking.”
“You sure you don’t want it? It really suits you,” the woman said with a grin.
Maybe next time,” Elena replied, setting the bracelet down gently.
“You like that?” Liam’s voice came from behind her.
She turned quickly. “Oh, I didn’t see you there.”
Liam smirked.
“I just think they’re pretty,” she said softly.
“Pretty,” he repeated, his eyes more on her than the bracelet.
“We should catch up with Grandma,” she said, turning away before he could say anything else.
Before she could move, a few cold drops fell on her arm. Then another. The sky darkened, and the rain came suddenly, fast and heavy.
People rushed to cover their goods. Liam took her hand and pulled her under a nearby shade where a few others were gathered.
They stood close, the rain roaring around them. Water dripped from the roof, splashing near their feet. Elena’s dress clung lightly to her skin, her hair damp at the ends.
You look like a drowned kitten, Liam said with a small smile.
She laughed softly, brushing her hair from her face. At least kittens are cute.
True, he said, his eyes still on her.
For a moment, the world felt still despite the rain. Elena’s heart beat fast. She wanted to speak about the kiss but couldn’t find her voice.
The rain slowed. Grandma’s voice called across the market. Liam! Elena! Over here!
Elena stepped out quickly, cheeks flushed. Liam followed, still wearing that teasing smile.
By the time they got home, the sun was setting. Grandma laughed as she told Don about how they had all run from the rain. Hazel showed off her new earrings. Liam said little, only glancing at Elena once or twice.
That night, Elena lay on her bed, thinking of his hand holding hers, his smile in the rain. It all felt like something out of a dream.
In his room, Liam sat on his bed playing a game on his PS5, not thinking much about the girl who couldn’t stop thinking about him.
- Writer
