Love at First Sight

Chapter 4

The next few days in Grandma Rosy’s house were lively. Hazel spent most of her hours in the kitchen with Grandma, learning recipes and asking endless questions.

Liam spent most of his time outside, lounging on the porch with his phone or chatting with Don while he washed the car.

Elena tried to stay out of his way. Yet every time she saw him, with his easy grin, something inside her stirred again. She looked away quickly, pretending to be busy, but her heart always betrayed her, beating faster no matter how hard she tried to ignore it.

That afternoon, Grandma Rosy was resting in her room, and Hazel had gone upstairs to her room. Elena decided to water the flowers near the porch. The flowers were her favorite part of the house, vibrant and full of life, just as Grandma Rosy always liked them.

She was almost done when Liam came out, holding a cold drink.

"You really love doing that, don’t you?" he said, leaning on the railing.

Elena looked up. "Doing what?"

"Taking care of these flowers. You treat them like people."

She smiled lazily. "They just need attention. If you forget them, they die."

He took a sip from his drink, watching her quietly. "I guess that’s true for people too."

Elena didn’t know what to say. She lowered her gaze and continued watering.

After a pause, he asked, "You’ve lived with Grandma for long?"

"Since I was sixteen. "I was sent by the orphanage to help her."

He nodded. "You must like it here."

"I do. It’s quiet. Peaceful."

He smiled. "Too quiet for me. I’m used to cars, noise, parties... everything moving fast."

"I think I’d get lost in that kind of place."

You would," he said before realizing how it sounded. "I mean, you’re not the type who fits in that kind of world."

Elena laughed softly. "And you are?"

"I was made for it," he said with a smirk.

She looked at him for a moment, curious. "People change."

He shrugged. "Not me."

Before she could reply, Hazel’s voice came from inside, calling him to Grandma’s room. He turned, then glanced back.

"You coming?"

"I’ll finish here."

He nodded and walked off, slowly. Elena watched him go, her heart racing.

That evening, they sat in the living room watching a soap opera, Grandma Rosy’s favorite show.

"We’ll be going to the market tomorrow," Grandma Rosy said suddenly.

"Yay!" Hazel exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "Can we buy coconut bread too?"

"If they still sell it," Grandma said, laughing.

Liam stretched lazily on the couch. "A market trip? That sounds like a lot of walking."

"You’ll survive," Hazel teased. Elena just smiled.

Later that night, after everyone had gone to bed, Elena stayed behind to clear the table. She was stacking plates when Liam appeared again, barefoot, his hair slightly messy.

"You really don’t rest," he said, leaning on the counter.

"Someone has to clean up."

"You could leave it for morning."

"I like doing it now. I can’t rest when things are messy."

He studied her quietly. "You’re different, Elena."

She froze. "Different how?"

"You don’t try too hard. You just are."

Her heart skipped. She kept wiping the table, but her hands trembled slightly. She turned, and he was right behind her.

"You’re beautiful," he said, his voice low as he tilted her chin.

Elena blinked, words caught in her throat. Her heart pounded so fast it scared her.

"Do you like me?" he asked.

She hesitated, her voice trembling. "I... well... yes."

He stepped closer, and his lips found hers. The kiss was gentle at first, then deepened until she forgot to breathe.

Elena’s breath caught. She had never been kissed before, and the feeling was both strange and sweet.

His hand slid around her waist, pulling her closer. She trembled under his touch, not understanding what he was doing to her, only that she did not want it to stop.

Then suddenly, something fell, the sharp sound breaking the moment.