AFTER I WAS LEFT ON THE ALTAR

CHAPTER TWELVE: ALTERNATE UNIVERSE

(THALIA'S POV)

My eyes fluttered open to light tapping on my cheek accompanied by a gentle tug on my hair. My gaze found Alexander's hand tapping my cheek with his body at a very close proximity making me back up so fast my head hit the glass with a thud.

“I'm so sorry. I tried calling out your name but you wouldn't budge” Alexander lifted his hands towards me causing me to back up once more.

“Don't worry, I was just startled. I'm sorry for sleeping off like that.” I looked down to see Luna awake with her hand gently tugging my hair.

Oh, she also tried waking me up. Damn, how tired was I exactly?

“Come on, Smiley, you're going to be one of the chosen ones to step foot in my secret lair,” Luna whispered, crawling out of my lap and into Alexander’s.

My whole body went rigid instantly. About ten worst-case scenarios ran through my brain on what might go wrong with this idea.

“Lulu, I'm sure Alexander is tired and wouldn't want that” I forced out a laugh.

“I have some minutes to spare,” Alexander tapped Luna's head.

He is definitely a goner. He has been brainwashed by cuteness.

Alexander got out of the car first with Luna in his arms walking to the front door. I got out quickly to open the door, while forcing my brain to remember if everything was in place before we left.

I opened the door and went in first then let out a sigh of relief.

(ALEXANDER’S POV)

I stepped into the apartment and suddenly felt warmth spread throughout my entire body. I didn't know exactly what I had expected before entering, maybe bare walls, scattered belongings everywhere.

But instead, I saw furniture that didn't look luxurious but instead looked very comfortable. Drawings of animals are filled on part of the wall, a fridge at the other side of the room alongside a rectangular glass table with chairs.

The space was small enough that I could see most of the doorway but that didn't pose a threat to how welcoming the apartment felt.

I had indeed entered an alternate universe.

I dropped Luna gently on the marble floor, not wasting any time, and she wrapped her little fingers in mine and pulled me further into the apartment.

“Smiley, I'm going to give you a personal tour” Luna pulled me to the front of a room with so much energy.

“This is my secret base. Remember you must swear your loyalty to never reveal my location.” Luna whispered turning her head left and right like someone was listening to our conversation.

I couldn't stop my mouth from switching slightly into a small smile after hearing what she said. I blame Julian for making her watch Spy x Family.

Luna dragged me further into the room that was decorated in black and pink. A very rare combo to see in a girl's room but gave her personality away nevertheless.

Drawing books are scattered on the table near the bed. A pink bedsheet was laid on the bed with a tablet placed at the center and stuffed animals lined up at the head of the bed beside the pillow.

On the left side were tiny colourful dresses and sunglasses in the closet. While on the right side, a little black tent was there.

“I'll show you the headquarters” Luna pulled me towards the black tent. Her fingers let go to open up the tent.

Inside was a touch light, two bags of chocolate chips, a Puss in Boots stuffed animal and a toy gun.

“What do you think?” Her eyes were twinkling with pride.

A low chuckle escaped my lips which sounded foreign to my ears, “It's a really heavy responsibility, I'm so proud of you” I patted her head causing her to close her eyes and let out a giggle.

“Smiley, I can also draw really well” she ran across the room to where the table was and picked up a paper.

“This is me and this is Momma” she handed the drawing to me. And you would expect a stickman drawing of a lady and a little girl.

Surprise! My mouth fell open when I saw a well-detailed drawing of Thalia and her on the paper I was holding. I searched for the words to say but couldn't bring myself to make a sound.

I walked across the room to the dressing table and found drawings of trees and buildings that one would never believe were done by a four-year-old.

“Luna, this is absolutely amazing” I finally said when I found my voice.

Her cheeks turned slightly pink and she muttered a “thank you” before grabbing my hand and leading me out of the room.

We came back to the living room. I saw Thalia cooking a dish with an apron on. I sat on the couch and occupied more than half of it. I began to wonder if I was the one who was unusually big or if the couch was just small.

Luna sat on my lap and started narrating a cartoon she watched recently and I decided to just nod at different intervals so I wouldn't upset her.

The sound of plates hitting the glass table made both I and Luna turn towards the dining table and the smell of meatloaf and mashed potatoes filled my nostrils instantly.

“Alexander please have dinner with us as a thank you for today” Thalia said

Luna ran out of my arms and into the dining room. I followed suit and sat down unsure of how to act. Seconds later Thalia returned and sat across me, giving me a smile that made me relax instantly.

I carefully picked up my fork and took a bite from the meatloaf. A burst of spicy flavors filled my mouth instantly, and I couldn't help but let out a breath and proceeded to

Stuff my face with the meatloaf alongside the mashed potatoes.

After eating I offered to help with the dishes but my offer was flat-out rejected.

“Alexander, you've done more than enough, you're already tired. Just go home and get some rest.” Thalia washed the dishes without sparing me a glance.

I returned to the living room to see Luna passed out on the couch. I picked her up gently with her head resting on my chest and carried her into her room.

I placed her gently on the bed and then tucked her in comfortably. I tucked every loose strand away from her face, my hand patting her head for a few seconds before turning off her lamp.

I walked out of the room towards the living room and found a family photo of Thalia and Luna holding each other with big smiles on their faces.

Thalia didn't just have the regular polite smile but a genuine smile that looked like it was captured while laughing. I couldn't take my eyes off that smile that caused a foreign emotion to spread through my entire body.

I tore my eyes away from it reluctantly and walked towards the kitchen. Thalia stood there rinsing the dishes.

“I'll be taking my leave now” I said walking towards the front door. I opened the door and just before I could step out, I heard

“Have a nice trip home”.

I paused for a moment, then stepped out of the house and walked towards my car.

I opened the car and sat down replaying all the events that happened today but one thought lingered in my mind longer than it should.

In Luna's drawing and the family photo, there was never a Father.