CHAPTER 26
Dami's POV
I take a deep breath, deciding to make my move. I'll start by finding ways to spend more time with Jessica, to get closer to her. Maybe then I'll find the courage to tell her how I feel. I switch off the monitor and head out of the control room, my heart racing with anticipation. As I walk towards the garden, I hear Jessica's laughter and Alessia's chatter. I approach them, trying to look casual. "Hey, what's going on here?"
Jessica turns to me, smiling. "Just picking some fruits. Want to join us?" My heart skips a beat. This is it. My chance to get closer to her. "Sure," I say, trying to sound calm. "I'd love to." Alessia grins at me, and I know she's trying to help. I nod at her in thanks. As we work together, I find excuses to touch Jessica's arm, to brush against her hand. It's all so subtle, but my heart races with excitement. Maybe, just maybe, I'll find the courage to tell her soon.
As we finish picking fruits, Jessica suggests we take a break under the shade. I agree, and we sit down together, Alessia excusing herself to help Mrs. Maria in the kitchen. Jessica turns to me, her eyes sparkling. "So, Dami, what's new with you?" I shrug, trying to play it cool. "Not much, just work and stuff."
But Jessica's gaze lingers, and I feel like she sees right through me. Like she knows I'm hiding something. "Dami, can I ask you something?" she says, her voice soft.
My heart skips a beat. What does she want to ask? "Sure, what is it?" I reply, trying to sound calm.
Jessica hesitates, then speaks. "Do you believe in love at first sight?" I'm taken aback. Where is this coming from? But as I look into her eyes, I know my answer. "Yes, I do."
Jessica smiles, and for a moment, I think I see something more in her gaze. Something that gives me hope.
Alessia's POV
I watch from the kitchen window as Dami and Jessica sit together under the shade. I can sense the tension between them, the unspoken feelings.
I smile to myself, knowing I've played a part in bringing them closer. My conversation with Jessica earlier seemed to have sparked something. As I help Mrs. Maria prepare lunch, I keep glancing out the window. Dami and Jessica are laughing now, their faces inches apart. "Looks like something's brewing out there," Mrs. Maria says, following my gaze.
I nod, grinning. "I think you might be right." Mrs. Maria smiles knowingly. "Those two have been dancing around each other for months. It's time they realized their feelings." I nod in agreement. "I'm just glad I could help nudge them in the right direction."
As we finish lunch preparations, I feel a sense of satisfaction. Maybe, just maybe, my friends will find love after their conversation.
Mrs. Maria's POV
As I watch Dami and Jessica together, I feel a sense of serenity wash over me. My son's house, once filled with tension and worry, now feels like a home again.
I glance around the kitchen, taking in the warm atmosphere. Alessia's chatting with me, Xavier's laughing with Luna, and Andre's playing in tll room. It's like old times, before the accident. I feel a sense of gratitude towards Jessica. She's brought a spark into our lives, and I can see the way Dami looks at her. It's like he's found a new purpose.
As I serve lunch, I notice the way Xavier looks at Luna, his eyes filled with love and adoration. They've been through so much, but their bond is stronger than ever. I take a deep breath, feeling the peace in this house. We've been through trials, but we're healing. We're finding happiness again. As we sit down to eat, I reach out and take Xavier's hand. "I'm so grateful for this family," I say, my voice choked with emotion.
Xavier smiles, squeezing my hand. "Me too, Mom. Me too."
Mrs. Maria's POV
As we finish lunch, I notice the way Jessica fits in with our family. She's laughing with Alessia, teasing Dami, and playing with Andre. It's like she's always been here. I glance at Xavier, and he catches my eye. We exchange a knowing look, both of us thinking the same thing. Jessica is good for our family.
After lunch, we all decide to take a walk in the garden. The sun is shining, and the fresh air is just what we need. As we stroll, I fall back with Luna. "How are you doing, dear?" I ask, concern etched in my voice.
Luna smiles, her eyes sparkling. "I'm doing well, Mama. Thanks to Xavier and the family, I'm feeling more at peace." I nod, hugging her. "You're part of this family now, Luna. We're always here for you." As we walk, I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. My family is healing, and love is blossoming. What more could a mother ask for?
Luna's POV
As I walk with Mrs. Maria, I feel a sense of belonging I've never experienced before. This family has taken me in, flaws and all, and shown me unconditional love. I glance at Xavier, who's walking ahead with Andre on his shoulders. He's laughing and spinning around, making Andre squeal with delight. My heart swells with love for him.
Mrs. Maria notices my gaze and smiles. "He's a good man, Luna. He deserves all the happiness in the world." I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I know. I'm grateful to have him in my life." As we continue our stroll, I notice Jessica and Dami lagging behind, lost in conversation. I smile, sensing a connection between them. Alessia falls back with us, and we chat about everything and nothing. It's a moment of pure joy, surrounded by people who care for me.
For the first time in my life, I feel like I've found my true home.
– Luna's POV
As the sun begins to set, we make our way back to the house. Xavier takes my hand, and I feel a spark of electricity run through me. "Hey, I wanted to talk to you about something," he says, his voice low and gentle. I look up at him, curious. "What is it?" "I was thinking… maybe we could start planning our future together. You know, long-term plans."
My heart skips a beat. Is he thinking what I think he's thinking?
"I'd like that," I say, trying to sound calm. Xavier smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good. I was hoping you'd say that."
As we approach the house, I notice Dami and Jessica sitting together on the couch, looking cozy. Alessia's smiling at them, and Mrs. Maria's nodding in approval.
It's moments like these that I cherish. This family, this love… it's all so precious.
Xavier and I sat down with the others, and the conversation flowed easily. We talked about everything from our favorite books to our childhood memories. As the night wore on, Dami and Jessica grew closer, their legs touching under the coffee table. Alessia grinned at me, and I raised an eyebrow in response.
Mrs. Maria stood up, yawning. "I think it's time for me to head to bed. You all have a good night, okay?" We nodded, saying our goodbyes as she left the room. Xavier turned to me, his eyes sparkling. "Want to take a walk with me?" I nodded, and we stepped outside into the cool night air. The garden was peaceful, the only sound being the crickets and the distant hum of a car driving by.
Xavier took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. "I'm really happy, Luna. I feel like I've found my place in the world." I smiled, feeling the same way. "Me too, Xee."