Ava got up, unable to fall asleep. She glanced at the time, which was 2:35 a.m. Being still awake, she sighed.
She rolled out of bed and went downstairs. She had a hunger pang. When she opened the refrigerator, nothing was inside. She looked in the cupboard but couldn't find any cookies or chocolate bars. She sighed and walked back to her room from the kitchen.
She questioned herself, wondering when she had finished all the chocolates. Ava slumped onto the bed and began twiddling her fingers.
Ava grabbed her phone and snapped a selfie with a pout, which she posted on her Instagram story with the caption "Hungry but no chocolate in the kitchen."
She sat down and tossed the phone aside. When she started watching TV, a horror movie was on.
She muttered, her eyes glued to the TV, "At least a horror movie can help me get some sleep."
Only the light from the television illuminated her bed in the otherwise dark room. The movie was showing a terrible scene, and Ava was starting to feel a little uneasy.
A small amount of noise was made as someone entered the room through an opened window. As she finished cutting the fruit, the lady shouted. Ava covered her ears to hear the scene but the sound was too loud.
This is merely a movie. There's nothing to be concerned about, she reasoned.
She ignored her fear and concentrated on the movie. She then noticed a cracking sound coming from her room's window. Turning around was too risky for her. However, the sound of a knock on the window greatly alarmed her. With a scream, she leaped from the bed.
Someone soon grabbed her waist and pulled her closer, covering her mouth with a mighty hand as they did so. Her eyes widened in terror.
"Shhh! Don't yell—it's me." Aaron's hushed whispers reduced her anxiety.
Ava ceased to struggle and turned to face him. She yanked his hand away and growled at him.
"What are you doing right now here?" She questioned, "And why did you come from the window?"
Aaron did not respond to her. He approached the bedside table and lit the lamp. As the space got lighter, Ava eventually became calmer. The woman went up to him.
Ava received some candy bars from Aaron after he pulled them out. She gave him a startled glance.
"What about chocolate bars?" she inquired.
"Aren't you peckish?" Slowly, Aaron asked.
"Sure, but how do you know?" questioned Ava.
Aaron poked her in the temple while chuckling at her. "Foolish girl."
Nothing came out of Ava's mouth. Aaron returned her hug, wrapping his arms around her and hugging her again. They continued to hold each other, finding solace and joy.
Ava grinned broadly at Aaron as they separated. I appreciate it," Ava murmured.
"Anything for this smile, I suppose," said Aaron.
She grinned. Aaron gave her a box of chocolates, and she took them and sat down on the bed. She began eating the chocolate after tearing the wrapper. She was gorging on the chocolate like a child, closing her eyes in contentment as chocolate covered her cheeks.
Aaron sat down next to her and fixed his eyes on her. He couldn't take his eyes off of her because he was so absorbed in her. He nodded when she briefly glanced at him and offered him the chocolate. Ava shrugged and continued to consume her chocolate.
[the following morning]
Sophia was in the kitchen preparing the meal. Aaron entered the kitchen casually and gave his mother a back hug.
"What's going on, dear? Is there anything you would like to discuss?" asked Sophia.
Aaron asked in surprise, "Mom, how do you know that I want to talk?"
Sophia patted them on the shoulder and said, "Because I'm your mother and I know you better than you do.
Alongside Sophia, Aaron grinned. He questioned, "What is in dinner?"
Sophia remarked, "Noodles, your and your dad's favorite."
Aaron exclaimed, "Wow, thanks, mom."
Sophia, who was still occupied with the cooking, asked, "You wanted to tell me something?"
"Mom, I think I like someone." Aaron said, looking away to hide his blush.
Sophia came to a halt and looked at Aaron with wide eyes.
"Wha-what? "Do you like someone?" Sophia smiled as she faced Aaron. Her pupils were dilated.
"Who is that lucky lady? "Who does my handsome son like?" Sophia laughed. Aaron flushed at her remarks.
"You've met her mother. You are so familiar. Soon, I'll introduce you to her," said Aaron.
"Did you propose to her?"
"No, not yet. "But I'm going to tell her today," Aaron said.
"Aww, I'm so happy for you. I'm excited to meet your girl." Sophia said with a smile.
"I can't wait for you to meet her, too," Aaron said.
Sophia drew him in for a hug. When they heard Milo calling for dinner, they quickly parted ways.
Aaron dashed to his room after finishing his dinner. He took out his phone and nervously texted Ava.
Aaron: Hey! Are you awake?
Ava: Sure, I am.
Aaron: Umm... I wanted to ask you something...
Ava: Yeah?
Aaron: Are you available tomorrow?
Ava: I am, indeed...
Aaron: I'd like to meet you. I have something to tell you...
Ava: What exactly is it?
Aaron: Not here. I'll explain tomorrow. Please meet me at Joe's Cafe.....
Ava: Okay. So, I, too, desire to tell you something. I'll let you know tomorrow!
Aaron: Okay. I'll see you tomorrow:)
Ava" Yaa ;)
Aaron: Have a good night:)
Ava: Sweet dreams <3
Aaron threw the phone aside, nervous and excited. He couldn't wait until the following day. He was about to say those three magical words to Ava.
Aaron arrived at the cafe ahead of schedule. He sat at the table opposite the glass wall. Nervously He was fidgeting with his fingers, looking at the door occasionally.
The door was opened with a jingle, drawing his attention to it. He raised his head and noticed her as she entered the cafe. Ava waved to him when she saw him. He smiled and waved to her. But his smile faded when he noticed another guy with Ava.
They both approached the table, with Ava going to Aaron and hugging him.
"Hey. "I apologize for keeping you waiting," Ava said.
"Don't worry. "Please take a seat," Aaron said.
He was staring at this guy, perplexed. Ava noticed this and patted her on the brow.
"Oh, Aaron, I'm sorry. This is Nathan, one of my coworkers. "I wanted you to meet him," she said, motioning to the man, who smiled at Aaron. "Do you know what? "We're dating," Ava whispered in his ear.
Aaron was taken aback when he heard that. He looked at Ava, stunned. He could feel the ground under his feet moving, and his heart ached repeatedly. Nathan extended his hand to Aaron, interrupting his thoughts.
"Hello Aaron, we've finally met. "Ava is always talking about you," Nathan chuckled.
Aaron and Nathan exchanged handshakes. They all took a seat. Nathan and Ava sat next to each other. Ava's smile and glow were still there, as she looked at Nathan with such affection.
"Before we begin talking, let's order something. I'm hungry." Ava smiled.
Aaron nodded and signaled for the waiter. They placed their order, and it was delivered within a few minutes.
"So, you wanted to tell me something?" Ava inquired of Aaron.
"I-uh, that's unimportant. "I just wanted to hang out with you," Aaron explained.
"When did you two start dating?" Aaron inquired.
"It's only been a month. We weren't sure at first, so I didn't tell you. But now I believe we are truly committed to each other." Ava said, looking at Nathan.
Nathan kissed her on the temple to emphasize what she had said. He rests Ava's hand on the table.
"I'm overjoyed to have found her," Nathan stated. "How long have you known each other?" Nathan inquired.
"It's only been a few months," Aaron stated quietly. Ava appeared to be content with Nathan, as evidenced by her eyes and smile.
Ava was looking happy with Nathan, and that was shown in her eyes and in her smile. Aaron started feeling awkward.
"Aaron, what happened? "Are you okay?" inquired Ava.
"It's nothing," Aaron stated firmly.
They decided to return home after a few minutes.
"Hey Aaron, how about we go home together?" Ava inquired.
"I'm sorry, but I have some work to do. You get to go first."
"All right," Ava said, shrugging.
"Let me drop you off at your house," Nathan said. Ava nodded, and they exited the cafe together.
Aaron was still awake despite the late hour. He was standing on the balcony, gazing up at the night sky. He felt alone for the first time. He was head over heels in love with the girl he knew was his best friend. But he had no idea the girl was in love with a guy who had broken his heart.
His eyes became moist, and a tear fell from his cheek unknowingly. A hand on Aaron's shoulder startled him. He turned around to face his mother. Sophia was concerned as she looked at him.
"Aaron, what happened? What brings you here? Why aren't you asleep? Sophia gently enquired.
She was standing next to him. For a brief moment, there was silence. Sophia was aware that something was wrong with him, and he was concealing it. She put her hand on his and squeezed it.
" My dear son, I'm always here to listen to you. So don't be afraid."
"Mom....." Aaron spoke slowly to her. His eyes were moist, and he couldn't bear looking into hers.
"Mom, she's in love with someone else. And I didn't get to tell her how much I adore her." His voice was trembling and low.
"Did she tell you she likes the guy?" Sophia inquired.
"No, but I noticed it in her eyes."
"Do you adore her? Then you shouldn't bother. Try to find joy in her joy. You'll feel much better."
"You are correct, Mom." "I don't want to ruin our friendship," Aaron said with a smile.
"That's my boy." Sophia stroked his chin. "Give me a hug now." She threw her arms around him and pulled Aaron into a hug. He hid his face in the crook of her neck, feeling both lands but content to be in his mother's arms.