Eight o'clock was fast approaching, and Alex was hard at work in the kitchen. He paused for a moment to text Mia, checking in to see how she was doing and to confirm that she was still coming to dinner. After a brief back-and-forth exchange of messages, Alex typed "See you soon!" with a smile. "Great, everything is almost ready," he said to himself. The guests should be arriving soon.
Alex was a great cook. He had learned out of necessity to fend for himself, but life was no fairy tale. He remembered a time when cooking was a struggle. Once, he had accidentally started a small fire in the kitchen. He still had a small scar on his forearm from that incident; Agatha had beaten him with a broom after she found out. He chuckled as he glanced at the scar. "Man, how things can change in so little time," he thought, shaking his head.
He set the table carefully, making sure everything was just right. As he finished, Harrold walked in, taking in the aroma of the meal. "Hey, do you need any help, Alex?" he asked.
Alex smiled and replied, "No, thank you! I've got it. Just sit back and relax. This is my way of saying thank you for everything you've done for me."
Harrold chuckled. "It sure smells good in here."
Not long after, they heard the front door open. "I'll get it!" Alex called as she walked towards the sound.
A moment later, Mia appeared with a big smile. "Hey, Grandpa! Hello, Alex! Wow, it smells awesome in here! I can't wait to eat!"
"Glad you're excited, Mia!" Alex responded, feeling proud.
Not long afterwards, there was a knock at the door. "I'll get it!" Alex said again, hurrying over to answer.
It turned out to be Sebastian, arriving right on time. "Hey! I'm glad you made it!" Alex said, welcoming him in. "Please, take a seat!"
As Sebastian entered, Mia and Harrold both wore great expressions, clearly pleased to see him. "Wow, this place looks fantastic!" Sebastian said, glancing at the setup. "You've been busy, Alex."
"Just a little! I hope you're hungry!" Alex replied, moving towards the kitchen to bring out the food.
As Alex set the bowls and dishes on the table, everyone's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Thanks for cooking, Alex. It smells amazing!" Sebastian said, rubbing his hands together.
"Yeah, really! We appreciate it!" Mia added eagerly.
"Don't mention it! Well, let's dig in, everybody!" Alex said with excitement.
"Don't mind if I do!" Harrold exclaimed, taking a big helping for his plate.
The others followed suit, filling their plates with the colorful and delicious food that Alex had prepared. The first bites were filled with delightful flavors, and everyone began to savor the meal.
After a moment of enjoying the food, small talk filled the air. Sebastian looked around the table and asked, "So, what are everyone's plans for the weekend?"
Alex glanced at Mia and Harrold, then said, "Well, actually, we were thinking of going to the beach. Harrold said he had a great spot, and to tell you the truth, I'm really excited for it!"
"Oh, that sounds awesome!" Mia chimed in. "I can't wait! I get to shop for a new bathing suit! I'm so excited!"
Alex laughed. "You sure love to shop for clothes, Mia!"
"Of course! Who doesn't?" she replied, grinning.
Sebastian laughed while shaking his head. "Sounds like fun! I'm glad to see you having fun and enjoying yourself, Alex."
"Thank you!" Alex said, feeling grateful. An idea popped into his mind. "Hey, Sebastian, why don't you come with us?"
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, a hint of uncertainty showing. "Well… I don't know…"
"Come on! It will be awesome! Who doesn't love the beach?" Alex encouraged, leaning forward in his chair.
"Yeah, come with us Sabastian" Harrold interjected. "If anything, you can get in some water training with Alex."
Alex had a questioning look on his face. "Water training? What's that?"
Sebastian chuckled, enjoying the moment. "I guess you're going to find out when we get there."
"I'm in!" Sebastian concluded with a grin.
Mia and Alex both cheered, "Yay! This is going to be great!"
The conversation flowed smoothly as they continued to eat, talk, and enjoy each other's company. Harrold made a toast, raising his glass. "To good food, family and great friends!"
They all echoed his sentiment, raising their glasses, and clinked them together. "To good food, family and great friends!"
As they settled back into their seats, Mia brought up another topic. "So, Sebastian, what have you been up to lately?"
"I've been busy training, but I also have a few competitions coming up," Sebastian answered casually while serving himself another helping.
"Competitions? What kind?" Alex asked, curious.
"Martial arts competitions. Just to keep my skills sharp," Sebastian replied, a hint of pride in his voice.
"Awesome! I'd love to see you compete one day," Mia said, her eyes shining.
"I'll definitely let you know when I have one," Sebastian replied with a smile.
As they continued to eat and chat, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting. Alex enjoyed hearing Sebastian and Harrold share stories about their time in the military, laughing at the memories. Mia listened intently, asking questions along the way.
"Did you guys really jump out of planes?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
"Yep!" Harrold said with a laugh. "And let me tell you, it's not as easy as it looks in the movies!"
"I can imagine!" Mia exclaimed, her eyes wide.
"You know," Sebastian added, "the first jump is always the scariest. But once you do it, you realize it's all about trusting your training and, of course, trusting that you packed your parachute correctly! Hahaha!"
"Trust is key," Harrold chimed in. "In the military and in life."
Alex listened closely, fascinated by their stories. The connection he felt with everyone at the table made him realize how lucky he was to have them in his life.
After dinner, they cleared the table together, laughing and enjoying each other's company. "So, who's in charge of dessert?" Harrold asked playfully.
"I might have a surprise," Alex said mysteriously.
"Oh, now I'm intrigued!" Sebastian said, pretending to lean in closer.
"I want to see what it is!" Mia added eagerly.
After they finished cleaning up, Alex disappeared into the kitchen to prepare the dessert. "Are you guys ready for a treat?" he called from the kitchen.
"What's the surprise?" Sebastian shouted back.
"Just wait and see!" Alex replied, keeping the tension alive.
Mia and Harrold exchanged glances, giggling. "He sure knows how to build suspense," Harrold said.
A few moments later, Alex emerged with a delicious-looking blueberry cheesecake topped with whipped cream and more blueberrys. "Ta-da!" he announced.
"Wow!" Mia exclaimed, eyes wide. "That looks amazing!"
Sebastian chuckled. "Okay, you've officially outdone yourself. I might have to come for dinner more often!"
"A little more often? I'll take it!" Alex said, beaming.
They gathered around the table again, and Alex served the cheesecake. As everyone took their first bites, a chorus of "Mmm" filled the air.
"This is incredible, Alex!" Sebastian said, savoring every forkful.
"Yeah, you've really got a gift!" Mia added, her face lighting up with joy.
Harrold nodded in agreement. "You really should consider opening a restaurant someday!"
"Thank you, but I think I'll stick to cooking for friends and family for now," Alex said modestly, feeling proud.
As dessert continued and laughter filled the room, they talked about more plans for the weekend and how much fun the beach would be. The conversation was filled with excitement, each of them sharing thoughts and ideas.
"Do you think we should pack a picnic?" Mia asked.
"Definitely! That way we'll have snacks while we're there," Alex responded.
"Sounds like a plan. I can bring some drinks, too!" Sebastian added.
"Great idea!" Harrold said. "Let's make sure we have a cooler to keep everything nice and cold."
As dessert came to an end, the warm atmosphere wrapped around them like a blanket. The night had been filled with good food and laughter, leading to a deepening of their bond.
"Thank you for a wonderful evening, Alex," Harrold said, looking proud.
"Yeah, thank you! I had such a great time!" Mia added, her smile wide.
Sebastian nodded, grinning. "I'm glad I came."
Alex felt content as they finished up. "I'm really glad you all enjoyed it. I had a great time too!"
The night continued with lighthearted conversations and laughter as they made plans for their upcoming adventure, their excitement growing by the minute.