The next morning, Angelica was up before the sun rose. The time difference between Texas and California was the reason for it. She checked out her room. It was up to Californian standards, with a walk in closet, an extravagant bathroom with a huge bathtub, and all the amenities. When she got bored in her room, she exited. She strolled around the house, mainly, the living room and it seemed like only the Anderson's and their son lived in this house. There were photos of only the three of them everywhere. She closely saw the man's face from yesterday night. He had left an impression on her even in his drunken state. He seemed old just by his deep voice and not by his looks. He looked young, hot, and happening. A look that could deceive people about his age.
She went to the kitchen and immediately began to prepare coffee. Since she did not have any plans about her future yet, she thought that helping around their house would be the best option, simply as a token of gratitude for bringing her with them and letting her to stay at their place.
The coffee smell reeked through the doors and immediately sent the sleeping people's nostrils straight.
"Mmmm… That smells so good," said William Anderson.
"Yes, it is. I am sure it is Angelica. She is a sweetheart," Louisa said coming out of the bathroom. Her morning ritual of getting fresh was done and she was all ready to begin the day. But it was not the same for her husband. After the late night flight and then driving home had tired out William. Contrary to his words of only 50+ years of age, he was rather tired and torn out. He was still on the bed debating in his head whether to get out of the bed and start the day or just go back to sleep.
William agreed to his wife's words about Angelica by nodding his head. He had no reason to disagree with her. Angelica was indeed a sweetheart.
"I will head downstairs. Get fresh and come down," Louisa said with a slightly authoritative tone.
"Yes, boss," he saluted her making her giggle and exit their room.
Ryan sniffed his nose once and then again and again. The fresh coffee smell woke him up. He groaned and moved around in the bed. He slowly opened his eyes and blinked a few times, trying to open and adjust his eyes for the morning light. He breathed heavily and by that, he was sure that he was going to get a hangover as soon as he gets out of the bed.
As expected by his intuition, the moment he let his legs on the floor, his head began to spin round and round.
He barely managed to brush his teeth and finish his morning deed and exit the bathroom without tripping over anywhere.
"Mom… Mom… Coffee," he called out as he descended the staircase and walked towards the kitchen.
"Good morning son," came William's voice making Ryan open his eyes wide. He was definitely not expecting to get a lecture from his father this early in the morning.
"Morning," he greeted and took a seat far from his father. He tried his best to ignore the stares that his father was sending towards him.
"Stop bullying him, Will. It was weekend and he just went out with his friends," said Louisa. Well, it was not the first time she was taking her son's side. While she agreed with her husband's way of disciplining their only son, she also wanted Ryan to enjoy and live his life to the fullest.
"I did not even say anything," William defended himself. Everybody present there knew very well that it was the half truth. He did not speak anything from his mouth but his eyes were definitely doing all the talking.
Louisa shook her head and got back to fill the coffee mugs.
Just then, Angelica placed a coffee cup in front of him. He suddenly held her hand and said "When did your hand become so small and soft mom?"
Angelica was shaken by his behavior. Ryan too felt like he was hit by a thunderbolt. It sent spine chilling waves inside both of their bodies. Since he was lying his head down and was facing the other side, he had not noticed the new girl in his house. William and Louisa noticed what their son was doing and kept mum. They wanted to see his genuine reaction to Angelica.
Ryan slowly looked up at the hand's owner when he did not get any response.
"Angel," he whispered remembering the girl who he saw last night. He had a vague memory of it.
Suddenly, Ryan received a hit on the back of his head, "Ouch!" he dropped Angelica's hand and turned to his parents.
"This beautiful girl is Angelica Roberts and she is the daughter of our close friend. She will be staying with us from now on."
Louisa's words made a place in Ryan's head. But the words that left an impression on his mind and heart is that she is going to stay with them from now on.
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