LOST

Chapter 8

Ella’s POV

I opened my eyes to the warm sunlight streaming through the curtains. My mind was still foggy from sleep as I squinted against the brightness. It wasn’t too late, but it was definitely later than I’d intended to wake up. Groaning, I tried to roll over and pull the covers over my head to block the light, but it didn’t help much.

“Ugh, why was the curtain even open?” I muttered to myself, still half asleep as I sluggishly forced myself out of bed.

I stumbled to the bathroom, hoping a quick shower would wake me up. The cold water hit my skin like a splash of ice, and I groggily washed my face, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. After finishing my routine, I quickly got dressed in a simple blouse and jeans, grabbing my bag as I rushed to the kitchen.

It was only when I was walking toward the kitchen that I noticed something strange. The smell of a delicious meal wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in response. It smelled like something fresh and homemade. That was odd. Usually, I was the one making breakfast, not Alex.

Curious, I stepped into the kitchen and saw Alex standing at the stove, busy preparing something. The sight of her moving around the kitchen brought a sense of warmth to my chest. I couldn’t remember the last time she had been this focused on cooking.

“What’s that you’re making?” I asked, trying to hide my surprise as the aroma filled the room.

“Why don’t you sit and find out for yourself?” Alex replied, a playful glint in her eyes. She didn’t even turn around as she continued stirring the pan.

I reached for an apple on the counter and took a bite. “Sorry, I can’t. I’m already late for work,” I said, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was nearly 9 a.m., and I was supposed to be at the shop by 9:30.

Alex suddenly whipped around, looking at me with a raised eyebrow. “No, no, no. You’re not going anywhere,” she said, putting her hands on her hips in that way she did when she was determined to get her way.

“Alex, I really have to go. Evelyn is probably already wondering where I am,” I said, trying to keep calm, but I could feel my impatience rising. I was already late, and the thought of not going to work was making me anxious.

Alex crossed her arms, looking at me seriously. “Nope, not today. I need you to try this new recipe I found. You can’t leave until you do,” she insisted.

“Are you kidding me? You’re stopping me from going to work because you want me to try your food?” I asked, incredulous.

“Well, it’s not like you’re going anywhere anyway. You’re already late, so you might as well stay and eat something good for once,” she teased, a wicked smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

I let out a heavy sigh, rolling my eyes as I sat down at the kitchen table. “Alright, fine. I’ll try it. But only because I’m already late and I’m starving.”

Alex’s eyes lit up, and she quickly placed a plate of food in front of me. The smell was incredible. Spices and herbs blended together in a way that made my stomach rumble with hunger.

I picked up my fork, taking a bite, and immediately, my eyes widened in shock. It was beyond good. The combination of flavors exploded in my mouth, and I found myself taking another bite without thinking.

“This is… wow,” I murmured, savoring the taste. “What did you do to this?”

Alex watched me with a knowing smile, clearly enjoying the reaction. “Told you. You didn’t believe me when I said I could cook,” she said, gloating a little.

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t hide the smile tugging at my lips. “Okay, okay, you win. This is amazing,” I admitted, finishing the last bite.

Alex was practically glowing with pride. “I knew you’d like it. So, now that I’ve fed you, you owe me,” she said with a cheeky grin.

I blinked, confused. “Owe you? What do you mean? You don’t expect me to cook for you in return, do you? You know I’m terrible in the kitchen,” I said, raising an eyebrow.

“No, no, no. I don’t want you to cook. I’m not that cruel,” she said, laughing. “I want something much more valuable.”

I stared at her. “What could you possibly want from me?” I asked, my patience running thin.

Alex folded her arms and gave me a pointed look. “Gossip, Ella. The gossip about last night. You know I need to hear everything.”

I laughed, feeling a mix of relief and amusement. “So, you bribed me with food just to get me to talk?” I shook my head, smiling at her antics.

“Absolutely! You wouldn’t tell me anything last night, so I had to get creative,” she said, putting on an exaggerated pout.

I burst out laughing. “You’re something else, you know that?” I said, shaking my head at her.

“Come on, spill the details! I want to know everything,” Alex said eagerly, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

I sighed but couldn’t help the smile that crept onto my face. “Alright, alright. You win. I’ll tell you everything,” I said, finally giving in.

And so, I did. I told Alex all about the date with Arthur, from the soft kisses to the sweet moments of connection. Every time I mentioned something, Alex squealed in excitement, her eyes wide with anticipation. She was practically bouncing in her seat.

“So, is there going to be a second date?” she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

I squared my shoulders, trying to act confident even though my heart was fluttering just thinking about it. “He already asked me, but I haven’t given him an answer yet,” I said, smiling with a hint of mischief.

Alex’s eyes practically sparkled. “Playing hard to get, huh? I see you,” she teased, making me laugh.

Just then, my phone rang. I quickly pulled it out of my bag, and seeing Arthur’s name on the screen made my heart skip a beat. I showed it to Alex, and she all but squealed.

“Answer it, answer it!” she urged, practically jumping up and down.

I smiled and answered the call, hearing Arthur’s warm voice on the other end. My heart raced, and I couldn’t help but think,I think I like Arthur.