An hour later
The dinner table was elegantly set, a warm glow from the candles casting a soft light over the dishes. At the centre, a large serving bowl held a colourful mixed salad, vibrant greens topped with cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
To one side, a hearty pasta dish showcased twirls of spaghetti coated in a rich marinara sauce, with fresh basil leaves peeking out and a generous grating of parmesan on top. Next to it, a tray of golden garlic bread sat, its buttery, toasted edges enticingly crispy and fragrant.
On the other side, a pan-seared chicken breast was plated beautifully, seasoned to perfection and garnished with a slice of lemon and sprigs of rosemary, adding a pop of colour and freshness. Beside it, a bowl of roasted vegetables—carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers—shimmered with olive oil and herbs, their vibrant hues creating an appealing contrast.
Finally, a simple dessert of chocolate-covered strawberries was arranged on a small plate, the rich dark chocolate glistening, ready to be savoured as a sweet finish to the meal.
Nikki sat beside Alan while Isabella sat opposite the two of them.
"Wow Alan you really outdid yourself". She smiled at him, "Trying to impress someone?"
"Oh, my Alan you didn't have to. Gosh you really are the best". She kissed his cheek loudly.
'I didn't do it for you'.
"You two keep quiet and eat your food or you'll both sleep on empty stomachs", he threatened.
"Yes sir", they said in unison.
Alan serves his food, a plate of spaghetti in front of him. He suddenly feels the weight of the moment as he watched his mother, Isabella, and Nikki, exchange knowing glances. They were up to something, and he braced himself for the impending storm.
"Do you remember all those crimes he committed?"
"Okay, let's recap," Isabella began, her tone playfully serious. "Alan forgot to take out the trash again. That's strike one!"
Nikki nodded dramatically, leaning in. "And he never picks up his socks. I swear, they multiply like rabbits in the living room!"
Alan stared at both of them. 'When did I do that?'
He rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a grin as he was enjoying the show. "Come on, those aren't crimes."
"Crimes? Hardly!" Isabella retorted, placing a hand on her heart. "But they're definitely signs of a heartless son!"
Nikki chimed in, feigning a sniffle. "And don't forget the time he forgot our anniversary! Heartless and forgetful!"
Alan groaned, sinking in his chair. 'What anniversary? When did we get together?'
Their banter continued as they tag-teamed him, launching into a mock drama filled with exaggerated sighs and tears.
Isabella pretended to dab her eyes with a napkin. "Oh, my god! My son is a monster!"
Nikki chimed in, dramatically fanning herself. "How could he not love us enough to be a decent human being? It's just so… tragic!"
Alan looked back and forth between them, helpless to escape their playful attack. "You two are ridiculous!"
But they pressed on, joining forces in a symphony of exaggerated woes and fake tears.
"Why, Alan? Why don't you love us more?" Isabella whined, her voice climbing an octave.
"Exactly! We deserve better!" Nikki added, her eyes wide and glistening as if she were about to burst into laughter.
Finally, Alan held up his hands in defeat, laughing despite himself. "Okay, okay! I love you both! You know I do!"
Their faux drama fell away, replaced by smiles. Isabella and Nikki exchanged satisfied glances, then burst into laughter.
"See? That wasn't so hard, was it?" Isabella said, grinning.
"What am I going to do with the both of you?" Alan said, shaking his head with a smile.
In the cozy living room, Alan sat on the armchair, his brow furrowed as he focused intently on his phone. Isabella and Nikki are lounged on the couch, scrolling through a phone.
"Hey, Mr. Serious," Nikki called out, looking up with a teasing grin. "What's the latest update from your world of work and no fun?"
Isabella chuckled as she joins Nikki. "Honestly, Alan, you could use a little more laughter in your life. When was the last time you cracked a smile?"
Alan sighed, still glued to his screen. "I'm fine, I don't need you babies worrying about me".
Nikki leaned forward, smirking. "Oh, you're just fine? That's rich! Seriously, you need to lighten up. It's like you have a stick up your—"
"Alright, alright!" Alan interrupted, shaking his head. "I get it. I'm too serious."
Isabella set the phone down and crossed her arms, a playful glint in her eye. "Speaking of lightening up, how about you give me a grandchild? That should brighten things up around here!"
Nikki bursts into laughter. "Yeah, Alan! When are you going to give me a little one? I could use a mini-you to mould into a proper human."
"Can we not?" He shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe you two are serious right now."
Nikki leaned back, still giggling. "Come on Alan we are we going to have a baby? A mini version of you will be so cute".
"Exactly that's what I told him. But I'll also love to have a mini-you too. Gosh my granddaughter will be so beautiful and cute", Isabella hugged Nikki.
"Thank you, mother, in law", Nikki smiled.
Defeated, he stood up and walked to the couch, plopping down with a dramatic sigh. He grabbed the remote, trying to drown out their laughter and banter. "I'm not even going to bother with you both," he declared, turning on the television.
Isabella and Nikki exchanged glances, their smiles growing wider.
After watching tv for a while, Isabella retires to bed leaving Nikki and Alan in the living room. Nikki also stars to feel tired and decides to head to her room.
She gets up from the couch and heads towards the stairs. Alan seeing her turns off the tv and follows her.
After climbing the stairs, she heads to a black door and opens the door.
"Nikki wait that's my room", Alan tried to stop her but she walks into the room. He walks into his room.
Nikki looks around the room and feels it was different from the one she slept in earlier.
The room was a sleek blend of black, grey, and white, creating a modern and somewhat minimalist atmosphere. The walls were painted a deep charcoal grey, giving the space a cozy yet edgy feel. A large black bed frame dominated one corner, dressed in crisp white linens that contrasted sharply against the dark hues.
Above the bed, a few monochrome posters of iconic bands and abstract art added personality to the walls. A black and white patterned rug lay beneath the bed, softening the polished grey hardwood floor.
On the desk, a matte black gaming setup featured a sleek monitor, a white mechanical keyboard, and a minimalist lamp that illuminated the area with a soft glow. Shelves lined one side of the room, filled with books, action figures, and a few potted succulents, adding a touch of life to the otherwise monochromatic theme.
A grey beanbag chair sat invitingly in the corner, perfect for lounging or reading. The window was dressed with simple white blinds, allowing natural light to filter in and brighten the room during the day. Overall, the space was a stylish sanctuary, reflecting the owner's personality—contemporary, cool, and effortlessly organized.
"Wow this room is really nice!" Nikki exclaimed admiring the room.
"Nikki this is my room. Yours is the next room".
"That's the more reason to stay here", she smiled.
'Guess I'm sleeping on the couch today'.
She collapsed onto the bed, her exhaustion evident, while he rummaged through a drawer.
"Gosh I'm wasted".
"You should take a shower and change your clothes," Alan said, glancing over at her with a smile. "You'll feel a lot better."
Nikki looked up at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh really? And what if I decide to stay like this?" she teased; her voice playful. "Or maybe I'll just wear your pyjamas after I shower. Or... I'll stay naked in front of you."
Alan's eyes widened slightly, and he felt a blush creeping up his neck. "Alright, alright," he chuckled, trying to play it cool. "You can wear my pyjamas. Here, let me get you a pair."
He quickly grabbed a set of a black pyjamas and handed them to her. Nikki took them with a smirk, her fingers brushing against his as she did.
"Thanks," she said, her tone laced with amusement. "I'll be right back."
Alan watched as she disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of the shower starting up filling the room. He sat on the edge of the bed, his mind racing. He couldn't help but imagine how she would look in his clothes, the thought sending a thrill through him.
After what felt like an eternity, the bathroom door creaked open. Alan's breath caught in his throat as Nikki stepped out. She was wearing his black shirt and trousers, the fabric hanging loosely on her frame. The shirt was oversized, slipping off one shoulder and accentuating her curves in a way that was both alluring and innocent. The trousers, slightly too big, still managed to highlight her shape. Her wet hair clung to her neck and shoulders, adding to her captivating charm.
Nikki's eyes met Alan's, and she noticed the intense way he was looking at her. She sauntered over, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Like what you see?" she asked, her voice soft and sultry.
Alan swallowed hard, his eyes never leaving hers. "You look... okay," he said, his voice husky.
Nikki laughed lightly, reaching out to trace a finger along his jawline. "I knew you'd like it," she teased.
"I never said I like it".
"Stop playing hard to get. Your eyes say how you truly feel", she smiled. "Remember, you promised I could wear your pyjamas. Or did you want me to stay naked instead?"
Alan's heart raced, and he pulled her closer, his hands resting on her hips. "I think you look perfect just like this," he murmured, his lips brushing against her forehead.
Nikki's smile widened, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning in to whisper in his ear. "Good answer."
She tucked some loose hair behind her ear before closing the distance between them, her lips meeting his in a soft, tentative kiss.
Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. His hands found their way to the small of her back, pressing her against him. He could feel the rapid thud of her heartbeat against his chest, mirroring his own. The scent of her hair, a mix of vanilla and something uniquely Nikki, filled his senses.
His lips moved against hers, responding with an intensity that surprised even him. He could taste the faint sweetness of the marinara sauce they had for dinner earlier, mingling with the raw, electric connection between them. The room was filled with the sounds of the soft, urgent breaths they shared.
He deepened the kiss, his tongue gently parting her lips, exploring the warmth of her mouth. The sensation was overwhelming, a mix of desire and tenderness that left him breathless. He didn't want to stop, didn't want this moment to end.
The kiss grew more fervent, a dance of lips and tongues that seemed to ignite every nerve in their bodies. She felt his tongue slide into her mouth, exploring with a hunger that made her knees weak. She clung to him, her fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him even closer.
His hands roamed her back, his touch sending shivers down her spine. He kissed her with an intensity that left her breathless, not giving her a moment to catch her breath. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, the way his muscles tensed under her touch. Every sensation was heightened, every touch electric.
Their breaths mingled, hot and ragged, as they lost themselves in the kiss. Nikki's mind was a whirlwind of emotions—desire and desperation.
As they finally pulled apart, both Nikki and Alan were left gasping for air, their foreheads resting against each other. Nikki's cheeks were flushed, her lips tingling from the intensity of the kiss.
He smiled, "Ummm I'll go take a shower".
"Thanks a lot Alan for not leaving me even when I'm a total mess. Thanks for letting me be me for a while".
"You're welcome. Now get some rest we still have school tomorrow".
"Goodnight Alan", she kissed him.
"Goodnight Nikki". He gets up from the bed and walks out of the room.
"I really hope Ryder was right. I can't afford to waste any more time. My whole life depends on this". She smiled at the door before getting comfortable on the bed.