Love at First Sight

Chapter 2

Grandma Rosy stepped behind Elena and wondered what had her so engrossed. She peeked out the window behind her.

“Oh!” she said aloud, startling Elena, who was too lost in thought. “They came earlier than I expected.”

Elena turned slightly, her eyes wide. “They?”

Grandma smiled, her gaze fixed on the car outside. “Yes, my son’s children, Hazel and Liam. You’re about to meet them.”

Elena’s heart gave a quick flutter. So these were the grandchildren Grandma had spoken of with such pride. Through the window, she could see them now, the cheerful girl and the tall boy beside her.

“Take a deep breath,” Grandma said, giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze. “They’re just children like any other. Nothing to worry about.”

Elena nodded, though her palms were damp. The warmth of Grandma’s hands steadied her as she tried to calm the nervous excitement bubbling inside.

Outside, the gravel crunched as the two figures approached the porch. The girl’s laughter rang out, light and easy, while the boy’s calm stride made Elena’s heart leap in a way she didn’t understand.

“Remember to smile,” Grandma whispered softly. “Just be yourself.”

Elena smoothed her dress, her breath shaky, her heart racing as she stepped toward the door.

Grandma opened it first, her face glowing with happiness.

“Hazel, Liam, my loves!” she called, spreading her arms.

The young girl ran forward and threw herself into Grandma’s embrace. “Grandma, you look the same as ever,” Hazel said brightly, her voice full of life.

“And you’ve grown taller,” Grandma laughed. “Both of you have. Let me look at you.”

Liam smiled politely. “It’s good to see you, Grandma.”

Elena stood a few steps behind, unsure if she should move closer. Her heart thudded as she watched the reunion. Hazel radiated energy and charm, her hair bouncing as she turned. Liam, on the other hand, was quiet, his presence steady.

After a moment, Grandma turned slightly. “And this,” she said warmly, taking Elena’s hand, “is Elena. She’s been helping me for a while now. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

Hazel smiled first. “Oh, hello! Grandma told us about you. Thank you for taking care of her.”

Elena blushed faintly and gave a shy smile. “It’s nothing, really. Grandma has been very kind to me.”

Liam’s gaze shifted toward her. For a moment, their eyes met. His were deep and unreadable. He gave a small nod and said simply, “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too,” she replied quickly.

The silence that followed was gentle but full of awareness. Hazel soon broke it, glancing around. “This place is so quiet. I forgot how peaceful it is here.”

Grandma chuckled. “It is quiet, yes. Just the way I like it.”

Mr. John, their parents’ driver, brought in their luggage before waving goodbye.

Elena led Hazel to the guest room she had carefully prepared earlier. Hazel gasped softly at the sight.

“Oh, it’s beautiful. You even put flowers here.”

Elena smiled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I wasn’t sure what colors you’d like, so I chose white and pink.”

“They’re perfect,” Hazel said sincerely. “You’re so thoughtful.”

Liam’s room was just across from Hazel’s. He placed his bags near the bed and looked around quietly.

“It’s neat,” he said after a moment. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Elena replied softly.

When their eyes met again, she felt that same strange flutter, as if something inside her shifted without warning. She looked away quickly, pretending to adjust the curtains.

“Dinner will be ready soon,” Grandma called from the kitchen. “Elena, dear, can you help me set the table?”

“Yes, Grandma,” she answered, grateful for the distraction.

As she arranged the plates and glasses, Hazel’s cheerful voice drifted through the house, followed by Grandma’s laughter. Liam entered a few minutes later, sleeves rolled up, offering to help carry the dishes.

They all sat together at the table. Conversation flowed easily between Grandma and her grandchildren. Hazel talked about school plays, new friends, and life in Chicago. Liam spoke little, mostly eating.

Elena listened, smiling now and then but mostly observing. She liked how Grandma’s eyes sparkled whenever she looked at them.

When dinner ended, Hazel and Grandma moved to the living room to unpack old photo albums. Liam offered to carry out the dishes, and Elena joined him in the kitchen.

It felt quiet except for the soft clinking of plates. Elena felt nervous again but tried to keep her voice steady. “Was the trip long?”

“About four hours,” he said. “Traffic wasn’t too bad.”

“That’s good.” She reached for a cup, but her hand brushed his by mistake. The touch was light, yet it sent a small spark through her fingers. She pulled back quickly, her cheeks warming. “Sorry.”

“It’s alright,” he said with a faint smile, and her heart flinched at the sound.

When they finished, Grandma called from the living room. “You two, come and join us.”

Liam nodded, wiping his hands. Elena followed, still a little flustered.

As they stepped into the warm glow of the sitting room, Hazel was already curled up beside Grandma, showing her something on her phone.

Grandma looked up, her smile tender. “Come, sit with us, my dear. You’re part of this family too.”

Elena’s heart softened at the words. She sat quietly near the edge of the couch, the laughter around her echoing like a melody. The house felt fuller than ever before.