After Diane finished cooking, she turned off the heat, the soft sizzle fading as she set the pan aside. Mark, still navigating the unfamiliar kitchen, asked, "Where do you keep your dishes?"
Diane chuckled softly, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "They're in the left bottom drawer." He opened the drawer, revealing a variety of plates neatly arranged, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the options.
Noticing his hesitation, Diane leaned casually against the counter, a warm smile on her face. "Just pick the biggest white plate. It's right there." He selected the largest plate and set it beside the pan.
Without missing a beat, Diane flipped the egg in the air with a deft move, catching it perfectly on the plate as if performing a small magic trick. Mark whistled in admiration, his eyes wide as he watched the egg land smoothly.
Diane then grabbed a handful of leaves—ones he had meticulously plucked earlier—and tore them into smaller pieces, sprinkling them artistically over the egg.
"Your Egg Frittata, sir. Bon appétit!" she teased, her voice filled with playful pride as she placed the final touch—a small arc of leaves on the side.
Mark was taken aback by the presentation and Diane's confident demeanor. Something about the way she moved in the kitchen, with such natural grace and ease, reminded him of his mother.
The scene felt oddly comforting, like a memory from home—his father watching his mother cook with quiet adoration. He wondered if his dad had felt the same, captivated by something so simple yet beautiful.
After Diane set the food on the table, Mark took a seat at the small dining table, glancing around at the charming, homely décor.
The walls were painted a soft light purple, enhancing the cozy atmosphere, while sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow on the wood-paneled accents and the potted plants on the windowsill. It was intimate—a world away from the chaos he'd been through.
The silence stretched for a moment, but it wasn't uncomfortable. The aroma of the frittata filled the air as Mark finally took a bite, savoring the rich flavors.
"So, what brings you to Summerville?" she asked gently, breaking the quiet. "And how did you end up in that cemetery?" Mark took a deep breath. "I actually ended up here by accident," he said between bites, his voice growing softer.
He paused for a moment, weighing how to answer her next question.
"It's a bit of a long story, but mostly I'm here for a fresh start. The cemetery and the cat were just unexpected detours," Mark said, trying to keep the mood light.
"Now I feel a bit lost, as everything here is so new to me. It kinda feels strange." He glanced down at his plate, the weight of his words hanging in the air. His chest tightened as he thought of how disoriented and out of place he felt in this unfamiliar world.
Diane nodded, her eyes warm with understanding as she sat across from him. "Well, we all need a fresh start from time to time. I'm glad you ended up here—though not in the way you'd planned. It's nice to have some company."
As he spoke, Diane found herself lost in thought, her gaze lingering on Mark. She hadn't noticed it before, but now, sitting in the soft morning light, she couldn't help but admire him.
His sharp jawline, the hint of stubble that gave him a rugged charm, his black hair contrasting with his pale skin—it all came together so strikingly.
His thick eyebrows made him look intense, yet his brown eyes held a vulnerability that pulled her in. They seemed lonely, but beneath that, she sensed a deep concern, as if he was constantly worried about something.
Was he this handsome before? Why did I just realize it now?
As her gaze wandered over his features, Diane realized she was staring. Her mind drifted, imagining him as someone who'd been through a lot—someone who carried the weight of his past yet still sought something better.
Mark, sensing Diane's prolonged silence, wondered if something was wrong. He gently tapped her shoulder, a small smile on his lips. "Is everything okay?"
Diane blinked, her cheeks flushing slightly as she snapped back to the present. "What were you saying?" Her mind had been so occupied with his appearance that she had missed part of his explanation.
Mark gave a slightly awkward laugh. "Oh, it's nothing. Just me rambling on." Diane felt a twinge of regret, realizing that he might have thought he'd made the conversation awkward or depressing.
In truth, she had just been mesmerized by him. She shook her head, smiling warmly at him. "You weren't rambling. I think you're doing just fine."
Mark chuckled, feeling a little lighter. Despite everything being so new, there was something reassuring about this moment—about Diane. Maybe this fresh start wouldn't be so bad after all.
As the conversation lulled, Mark glanced down at his plate, now nearly empty, and couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over him.
It had been a while since he'd had a proper meal like this—simple, home-cooked, and shared with good company. Diane, too, seemed more at ease, her earlier tension from their first encounter long gone.
"You really saved me today," Mark said, offering Diane a grateful smile. "Breakfast was amazing." She waved a hand dismissively but smiled back, her cheeks faintly flushed. "It's nothing, really. I'm just glad you liked it."
Mark stood and began gathering the dishes, eager to repay the favor. "Let me at least help you clean up. It's the least I can do after causing all that trouble earlier."
Diane chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You sure? I don't usually let guests help with chores."
"Consider it part of my fresh start," Mark replied, his grin widening. "I'm trying to turn over a new leaf." As they worked together at the sink, side by side, a comfortable silence settled between them.
The morning sun filtered through the window, casting warm light across the kitchen, and for the first time in a long while, he felt like maybe—just maybe—things were looking up.
October Surprise from White Cookie!
Happy October, everyone! As we welcome this new month, I'm thrilled to announce the release of a new chapter of New Life, New Saga! Let's celebrate the changing season with fresh adventures and stories. I can't wait for you to dive in—your thoughts and feedback mean the world to me.
Enjoy the read, and here's to a fantastic October ahead!
Disclaimer:
The characters, settings, and elements in this fanfiction are the intellectual property of their respective owners. New Life, New Saga is inspired by Summertime Saga, which is owned by Kompas Productions. This fanfiction is created purely for fun and non-commercial purposes, and I do not claim any ownership of the original works. All rights to the original material belong to their creators. If you appreciate my work and would like to support my writing, consider making a donation on my Patreon. Thank you for your support and for reading!