WHAT HAPPENED LAST SUMMER?

A taste

Theodore’s POV

I froze.

My mind went completely blank. One second I was steadying him, the next his face was so close I could feel the warmth of his breath. I didn’t know whether to push him away or lean in. My hands stayed locked on his arms like they had forgotten how to move.

Alex’s eyes dropped to my lips.

“You are so beautiful, Theodore,” he muttered, voice low and rough from the alcohol. “I want to have a taste of your lips.”

Before I could form a single word, he closed the distance.

His mouth met mine soft at first, almost careful, like he was afraid I would break. He kissed me slowly like he was searching, nothing like the arrogant, sharp version of him I knew. It felt like he was pouring something quiet and heavy into me, like I was the only thing that existed in that moment. Like this was his first real kiss and he didn’t want to get it wrong.

I tried to pull back. My hands pressed against his chest. The protest sat on my tongue. But the second his lips moved again, gentler this time, something inside me gave way. The anger, the hatred, the constant fight—I let it slip. Just for a second. Then another. I kissed him back, parting my lips open like I was hungry for more.

His hand came up to the side of my neck, thumb brushing my jaw. I tasted the faint sweetness of whatever he had been drinking and the heat of his mouth. My eyes closed. The world narrowed to the quiet press of his lips and the unsteady rhythm of my own heart.

He kept kissing me until the strength left his body, and his weight shifted heavily against me. I felt him go slack, breathing the evening out against my cheek. He had fallen asleep with his forehead resting near mine.

I stayed still for a long moment. My pulse was still racing, before I carefully guided him down onto the armchair. I adjusted his head against the backrest so he wouldn’t wake with a stiff neck, then stepped back. My fingers touched my own lips without thinking. They still tingled.

“What sort of a human drinks to stupor in broad daylight?” I questioned right before my face flushed red.

I don’t know how long I stood there watching him sleep. I had hoped he would wake up in time to take his lessons but his quiet, peaceful and innocent face made me rethink my choices. Eventually the light outside faded completely. Night settled over the house. When Alex’s eyes finally opened, they were clearer but still heavy.

“I have to leave,” I said quietly.

He didn’t answer. He just watched me walk to the coffee table, pick up the food box I had brought, and set it down beside the lily flower vase on the glass table in front of him. I turned toward the door. Behind me I heard him stand, take the container, and walk upstairs without a single word. The sound of his bedroom door closing felt like he was passing a message.

I reached the front entrance at the same time Helen did. She stepped inside carrying a small shopping bag, looking polished even at this hour.

“Theodore,” she said with a pleasant smile. “I didn’t realize you were still here.”

“Just finishing up, Mrs. Cole.”

“How are the tutorials going? Is Alexander actually listening for once?”

I forced a small, polite smile. “He’s responding well. We’re making progress.”

Helen’s eyes warmed. “I’m glad to hear that.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a thick white envelope. “I had thought I would give this to you tomorrow but good thing you’re still here. This is for you. As agreed.”

I took it, and the weight told me everything before I even looked inside. Five thousand dollars. The exact amount she had promised for the month.

Excitement shot through me so fast I almost smiled too wide. I caught it just in time and kept my expression calm. “Thank you, Mrs. Cole. I appreciate it.”

“You’re doing good work. Keep it up. I must confess, Alex has been in good conduct lately. He hardly bullies people anymore. So it’s only wise that I keep the end of my bargain as well.” She added before giving me another polite nod and continued into the house before i could say anymore words.

I left quickly, the envelope pressed against my side like it might disappear if I held it too loosely.

By the time I got home, mum was already napping then I woke her gently.

“Hey pumpkin,” she called. “You are a bit late today.”

“Yes mum. But I'm here now, do you miss me?” I teased and she responded with a smile.

“You know I always do,” she answered.

“Well, I have a surprise for you, mum. So you’re gonna come with me and I'll help you change into something nicer than the usual house clothes,” I muttered and the look on her face cranked me up.

“What’s the occasion?” she asked, her left eyebrow raised in curiosity.

“We are going out mum. I don’t want you to ask any more questions mum, just follow me.”

She looked surprised but didn’t argue. I finally managed to change her into something nice and head out. I ordered a cab and directed the driver to a restaurant I had only ever walked past before. The kind that looked expensive on the outside but you never know how ridiculously affordable it could be. Soft lighting, white tablecloths, the kind of place that smelled like money and good wine.

When we were seated, Mum looked around with wide eyes. “Pumpkin… What are we celebrating?”

I reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “Nothing big. I just wanted you out of the house for a little while. You know, get some fresh air, see something different. That’s all.”

She smiled, soft and tired, and for once the heaviness that usually sat on her shoulders seemed lighter.

“This place looks expensive though”

“I can handle it mum, don’t worry. We won’t have to do the dishes after eating,” I answered and we both laughed hard.

“Aww, my pumpkin is now grown. I’m proud of you,” she said. Her words touched a deep part of my soul and I almost cried.

The food arrived looking almost too perfect to eat but we devoured it. We were halfway through the main course when a familiar voice cut across the room.

“Theodore?”

I turned.

Selene stood a few feet away in a dress that probably cost more than my rent, her smile bright and curious. Her eyes flicked from me to Mum and then back again.

“Oh my god, Selene. You’re back,” I cheered as I stood up from my seat to meet her.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said, already stepping closer.