The next day, Steven went to Mendez's residence early in the morning, but Aya was still asleep.
"Hi, Auntie!"
"Oh, hello dear. I have to go now, your mom is waiting, since you're here, might as well stay and look for Aya?"
"A-right, Auntie, I will."
"We'll be back before dinner, do whatever you want to, feel at home, okay? There's food on the fridge, Bye." Aunt Helga added and walked out of the door.
Steven stayed in the living room while waiting for Aya to wake up. He turned off all the lights and closed the windows. He intends to surprise her, while waiting on the couch he carefully check again the box in his pocket.
Thirty minutes later, Sofia woke up and went downstairs.
"Mom---..."
Even though Sofia called out several times at the top of her lungs, no one answered. The living room was also empty, and it seemed that her mom wasn't at home. The room was surprisingly dark at this instance. The windows were covered by curtains and the light turned off. No matter how she stared, she couldn't make out anything in the dark, so she headed near the door where the switch is.
Suddenly, a pair of big hands grabbed her waist in the darkness. The light went on and now Steven was standing right in front of her.
"Eh? Why are you here?"
"Surprise!" Steven stammered as he stepped forward and handed her a small box wrapped in red.
"What's this?" Her voice cracked upon holding the box. Sofia was so surprised, she shakily took a step back, but Steven tried to move closer to her. Sofia put her hand out to stop him.
"Sofia, I like you," Steven said looking at her seriously. There was a moment of silence between them.
Sofia did not respond, so Steven strode closer but stopped when he was only an arm's length away from her. His hands reached for her face. He tilted her chin up as he leaned down, and his lips landed roughly on her cheek.
Later, the family had dinner and Steven took the opportunity and asked Sofia's mom that he wanted to visit more often to get closer to Sofia. The two moms looked at each other, surprised how things turned out the way they want them them to.