Alice's POV :
As I slowly started to wake up from my deep slumber, I couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and safety. I sat up in bed, feeling a little drowsy, and let out a big yawn as I stretched my arms. Looking around my room, I realized that I must have been put here by Alvin, as he always does. It's like a daily routine for him.
As I lay back down on my bed, I couldn't help but think about Alvin. He was always on my mind, and I found myself daydreaming about him constantly. I imagined his cute face, and my cheeks started to heat up as I blushed. Just thinking about him made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
I got up from my bed, feeling a little weak from my fever, and hopped into the shower. The warm water felt refreshing against my skin, and I took my time washing away the sleepiness from my body. After drying myself off and wrapping a towel around my body, I dried my hair, went to my cupboard to pick out my outfit for the day. I decided on a pink long-sleeved shirt and blue jeans, hoping that it would keep me warm in case my fever decided to act up again.
As I got dressed, I couldn't help but think about spending the day with Alvin. It was Sunday, and I was hoping that the doctor would let me go out or that I could sneak out without getting caught. I wanted to go on a date with Alvin or just hang out with him. The thought of spending time with him made my heart race with excitement.
Despite feeling a little weak, I was determined to make the most of my day and spend it with the person who made me feel the happiest. I couldn't wait to see Alvin and spend some quality time with him.
I emerged from the confines of my room, feeling a sense of anticipation bubbling within me. I decided to pay a visit to Alvin's room, hoping to catch a glimpse of him before the day truly began. As I made my way down the hallway, my heart raced with excitement, eager to see his familiar face.
Just as I reached out to touch the doorknob, the door swung open, revealing Alvin standing before me. My breath caught in my throat as I took a look in his appearance. He looked effortlessly cool, clad in a crisp white shirt and black jeans that accentuated his lean physique. His snow-white shoes completed the ensemble, adding a touch of sophistication. His messy black hair fell in disarray, framing his adorable cheeks, and his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine. I couldn't help but notice the softness of his lips, a sight that always made my heart skip a beat.
Trying to mask my excitement, I greeted him with a warm smile. "Good morning, Alvin. Are you going somewhere?"
He responded calmly, his voice carrying a hint of mystery. "Yeah, I am. I'm going out with the doctor. She needs my assistance."
A wave of doubt washed over me, causing me to question his words. "Is it really important? And why does she need you? Doesn't she have a team of bodyguards to take care of her?"
Alvin's gaze shifted slightly, and I could sense a flicker of unease in his eyes. "It's just... she wants me to carry her things. She thinks I'm strong enough. She prefers my help."
His explanation didn't sit well with me, and a pang of jealousy gnawed at my insides. I trusted Alvin, but the thought of him spending time with another woman made me feel uneasy.
Unable to hide my emotions any longer, I pressed further. "Are you sure about this, Alvin?"
Confusion crossed his face as he noticed the change in my demeanor. "Yeah, I'm... sure. Is something wrong? You look... different."
My heart sank, and I felt a surge of disappointment. I had hoped to spend the day with him, but it seemed that my plans were dashed. Putting on a fake smile, I replied, "Oh, it's nothing. Have a good time. See you later, then."
With a nod, Alvin passed by me, leaving me feeling a mix of sadness and frustration. I let out a heavy sigh and made my way to the dining hall of the orphanage. To my surprise, Mrs. Warner was already setting up the table not Mrs. Taylor. We exchanged warm greetings, and I quickly took a seat, feeling a bit under the weather.
Mrs. Warner, prepared a comforting broth for me, knowing that I was feeling unwell. As I sipped on the warm liquid, my mind wandered back to Alvin and the pang of jealousy that had consumed me.
She sat across from me, eating her own breakfast. I continued eating as we talked about various topics. Suddenly, she dropped a bombshell - the doctor was going to adopt me. My jaw dropped and my heart raced with excitement. Finally, I would have a real parent, a mother who would take care of me and cherish me. However, my joy was short-lived as I realized that this meant I would have to separate from Alvin. I didn't want that to happen, so I couldn't bring myself to jump for joy as I was supposed to. We had been through so much together, and the thought of being separated from him was unbearable.
She noticed my hesitation and asked me what was wrong. I tried to explain my feelings to her, but the words wouldn't come. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of conflicting emotions, unable to make sense of anything.
She noticed my lack of enthusiasm, while taking a bite of bacon and asked, "You don't look happy for some reason."
I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth, so I just shrugged. After a few minutes of silence, she spoke again. "You're worried about him, aren't you? The thought of separating from him just doesn't feel right?"
I nodded my head, tears threatening to spill over. "I know I should be happy about this. I've always wanted a family. I should be jumping around like a 5-year-old kid right now, but I just can't bear the thought of losing him."
Mrs. Warner reached across the table and placed a comforting hand on mine. "Dear, he will always be with you no matter what. You know how he is. He loves you."
I wiped away my tears and clenched my fists. "But still, he will be away from me. I can't stop thinking about him. From morning to night, all day, 24/7, I always think about him. But now we will all be separated from each other."
Mrs. Warner listened patiently as I poured out my heart to her. She reminded me that Alvin would always be with me, no matter what. But I couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had settled in my stomach.
"I will talk to the doctor," I said, clenching my fists. "I will tell her to cancel this."
Mrs. Warner looked at me with a sad smile. "But this is your chance," she said. "You will finally have a mother, and there's nothing better than having a mother in your life. This is your chance, don't blow it. You might regret this decision."
Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. Was I really willing to give up the chance of having a real family, just to stay with Alvin? Was I being selfish?
Mrs. Warner's voice trembled as she spoke softly, her words filled with regret. "I have regrets in my life too," she confessed. "I always wanted to adopt Alvin, to have him as my own son. I saw him as part of my family, but my financial problems prevented me from doing so. Even if I had adopted him, I knew it would have put a tremendous amount of pressure on him. If I just had a decent job enough to pay my own bills, I would've adopted him by now."
Her words struck me, leaving me speechless and lost in a whirlwind of thoughts. I didn't know how to respond. All I could do was listen, my eyes widening with each passing moment.
Mrs. Warner continued, trying to assure me that I should leave. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. I desperately wanted to stay with Alvin forever. I didn't care about having parents; all I needed was him in my life.
Finishing my broth quickly, I stood up to leave. However, Mrs. Warner stopped me, her voice filled with urgency. I turned to face her, unsure of what she was about to say. "Alice, please talk Alvin about this," she pleaded. "Find out what he wants for you in this situation. Think about whether he truly wants this for you or not."
I nodded and began walking down the hallway towards his room. As I opened the door, I was met with an empty space. He wasn't there. Frustrated, I made my way towards the doctor's room, only to be informed by the bodyguards that she had just left with Alvin. I cursed under my breath, realizing how late I was. Anxiety started to creep in, making me feel restless.
Feeling overwhelmed, I retreated to my own room and collapsed onto the bed. I couldn't seem to find a comfortable position, constantly shifting and tossing, desperately trying to push him out of my mind. But no matter how hard I tried, his presence lingered, refusing to be forgotten.
---ON DATE---
Alvin's POV :
The mall was bustling with activity, filled with a variety of stores and kiosks. The bright lights and colorful displays caught our attention as we walked through the spacious corridors. The sound of chatter and music filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere.
As I strolled through the mall with Elizabeth by my side, I couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. I found myself holding onto two bags, feeling like some sort of servant catering to her shopping needs. If only there was an Olympic event for this, I'd be a gold medalist for sure. Who needs biceps when you have bag-carrying skills like mine? I was practically a walking, talking shopping cart for her.
It wasn't what I had planned for the day, as I had initially intended to save my first date for Alice. However, circumstances had led me to this moment, on a date with Elizabeth instead.
Elizabeth's slim figure was accentuated in her form-fitting leggings and tight top, showcasing every curve and angle. She was a vision of beauty to behold, with her radiant smile and sparkling eyes adding to her appealing appearance. Her leggings were a deep shade of teal, matching her eye shadow and adding a pop of color to her outfit. Her top, a trendy off-the-shoulder style, was a deep shade of navy blue, perfectly complementing her complexion. The fabric of both the leggings and top was a soft, silky material, that clung to her body in all the right places. It was a look that was both chic and sexy, and Elizabeth wore it with effortless style and grace.
And that only added to my annoyance. I resented the fact that I was here, pretending to enjoy myself. She turned to me and asked, "You having fun, babe?" Her giggle grated on my nerves.
Look woman, I don't know why you insist on calling me babe, but it needs to stop. And don't think for a second that I couldn't easily mop the floor with you if I wanted to, because I totally could. Consider yourself lucky that I'm holding myself back right now.
I mustered up a fake smile and replied, "Yeah, I am. But I would appreciate it if you stopped calling me babe. And thank you for treating me on this date."
She brushed off my comment with a wave of her hand and said, "Oh, it's nothing. I'm just glad you agreed to come with me. Don't hesitate to let me know if you want something, babe. I'll buy you anything you desire." I gave her a big fake smile and kept walking alongside her.
She darted her eyes around shops and pointed at the clothing shop, "Hey, I like this shop. I want to buy a new dress for myself."
I sighed inwardly, realizing that I was trapped in this situation. I reluctantly followed her into the shop, knowing that I had to endure this date for the time being.
As we entered the shop, mesmerized by the array of dresses that adorned the racks. The ambiance was luxurious, with soft music playing in the background and the scent of delicate perfumes lingering in the air. It was evident that the prices of these dresses were exorbitant, but I didn't mind. My sole purpose was to accompany her and ensure she had a wonderful time.
Oh man, what the hell am I even thinking? Like seriously, what's going on in my head right now? Why on earth am I so bothered about whether she's having a great time or not?
As she began perusing through the various options, her eyes sparkled with excitement. It was as if she had entered a realm of endless possibilities, where she could indulge in her fashion fantasies. After a while, she finally settled on a stunning white frock. With a mischievous smile, she beckoned me to follow her into the dressing room.
I released a weary sigh and obediently trailed behind her towards the dressing room. As she entered, she deftly drew the curtains shut, leaving me to patiently wait outside.
I patiently waited outside, my mind filled with conflicting emotions. Acting as her boyfriend felt strange, yet I couldn't deny the joy that radiated from her every time she sought my opinion. Moments later, she emerged from the dressing room, twirling gracefully to showcase her chosen attire. She did a spin in front of me, showing off her frock. "So, what do you think?" she asked, her eyes filled with anticipation.
I replied that it looked okay. She wasn't satisfied with my answer and said that it wasn't a compliment at all. I rolled my eyes and said "You look absolutely magnificent," I exclaimed, However, I couldn't help but express my concern about the dress revealing too much of her skin. She glanced down at her legs, acknowledging my observation, and ultimately decided against purchasing it.
Undeterred, we continued our search for the perfect outfit. Hours seemed to pass as she meticulously examined each dress, scrutinizing every detail. I found myself growing increasingly bored, longing for a change of scenery. But then, a thought struck me. She had mentioned earlier that she would buy anything I pointed out. With renewed enthusiasm, I directed her attention towards a dress that caught my eye. She gave me a big smile and agreed. She told me to wait outside and said that she needed to buy something important.
I went outside and waited, and that's when a girl bumped into me. She quickly apologized, saying, "I am so-" but then she stopped and looked at me. It was Ava.
Ava exclaimed, "Is that you, Alvin?"
I replied, "No, I am not. You got the wrong person."
Ava stood there, a vision in red. The dress hugged her curves, highlighting her shapely figure. The fabric shone in the dim light, a deep crimson that was almost too inviting. Her long, graceful neck complemented the dress, and her hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders, adding to the elegance of the overall effect.
Ava insisted, "Liar. Is that how you greet your friends when they see you after a long time? It's definitely you! It's been a while. How have you been?"
I responded, "I've been good so far. And how about you? Are you here to find some witchcraft materials?"
Ava nodded, saying, "Yeah, I am. I'm going to experiment on some bats and rats. I'm training them to interrupt your sleep late and I was actually looking for some eye of newt and toe of frog, but all I could find were some expired frog legs and a bag of carrots. I guess my potion is going to be more of a stew than a spell."
I calmly replied "Jeez, you're such a weirdo."
Ava defended herself, saying, "I'm not a weirdo. I'm just a limited edition, got it?"
I asked, changing the subject, "So, anyway, what are you really doing here? I wasn't expecting you to be here. You're quite lazy."
Ava retorted, "I'm not lazy. I'm just highly motivated to do nothing, okay? And I'm here just to buy some stuff. Anyway, see you around. I'm busy."
I replied, "Okay. Well, it was nice meeting you."
Ava smiled at me and waved goodbye. After that, Elizabeth arrived with one more shopping bag. I asked her when it would end, and she assured me that was the last one. I found myself holding three bags in my hands as we started walking out of the mall. However, Elizabeth suddenly stopped and insisted on going to a café for a coffee. I didn't really want to, but I agreed.
We entered the café, The café was filled with people, exuded a charming and inviting atmosphere as we stepped inside. The space was tastefully decorated with a modern touch, creating a neat and cool ambiance. Soft lighting illuminated the cozy seating areas, adorned with comfortable chairs and stylish tables. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, enticing our senses. The friendly staff welcomed us with warm smiles, adding to the overall pleasant experience. We went to a table, I pulled out a chair, trying to be a gentleman, even though I didn't really want to.
We both settled down comfortably, the ambiance of the coffee shop enveloping us. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
She smiled at me, her lips curling into a mischievous grin, and gave me a seductive wink. It sent a shiver down my spine, as if she had cast a spell on me with just that simple gesture. I couldn't help but be captivated by her beauty and charm. I really wanted to slap myself for thinking about her like that.
We ordered some coffee and began to talk about her plan. As we sipped our steaming cups of coffee, our conversation flowed effortlessly. We talked about everything about the plan.
She wanted me to disappear after two weeks, once she had adopted Alice. I didn't like the idea of disappearing, but I knew it was necessary for Alice's sake. As we talked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness. I had grown attached to Alice and the thought of leaving her behind was difficult to bear.
Reluctantly, I agreed to her terms, my heart heavy with the weight of the sacrifice I was about to make. We finished our coffee, the warmth of the liquid soothing our souls. I reached for my wallet to pay for our coffee, but she gently placed her hand on mine, stopping me.
"No, let me take care of it," she insisted.
I had intended to pay for it, but she intervened and kept insisted on paying instead. I am grateful that she did, after all it was her idea for the date and I was perfectly fine with it.
_________________________________________
Alice's POV :
I anxiously waited for him, shifting restlessly in my bed for what felt like an eternity. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow across the room, yet there was still no sign of him. Determined to find him, I finally made up my mind and left the comfort of my room.
As I walked down the dimly lit hallway, my heart pounded with anticipation. I reached his door, only to find it locked. Frustration washed over me, but I refused to give up. I settled on the floor, my back pressed against the cool wall, and resolved to wait for him until he returned.
Time seemed to drag on, each passing minute feeling like an eternity. I kept my gaze lowered, lost in my thoughts, until the sound of footsteps broke through the silence. My head snapped up, and there he was, walking towards me with exhaustion etched across his face. In his hand, he carried a bag, a small token of his journey.
Overwhelmed with relief and concern, I hurriedly rose to my feet and enveloped him in a tight embrace. He reciprocated, his arms encircling my waist, offering solace and comfort. Standing on my tiptoes, I pressed my lips against his, a longing kiss that conveyed all the emotions I had held within me during his absence. With one hand, I gently ran my fingers through his disheveled hair, cherishing the familiar touch.
Breaking the kiss, I looked into his eyes, searching for the connection we had missed. His face flushed crimson, resembling a ripe tomato. I couldn't help but smile, feeling the warmth of his presence. "I missed you so much," I whispered, my voice filled with sincerity.
He stumbled over his words, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and affection. "Oh, um, yeah. I- I missed you too. Did you wait for me all this time?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of guilt.
I nodded, my heart swelling with love for this man in front of me. He let out a sigh, his hand finding mine, intertwining our fingers. Together, we walked into his room.
With a bashful expression, he handed me the bag he had brought. Curiosity sparked within me as I accepted it, eagerly awaiting its contents. His cheeks flushed even deeper, and he averted his gaze. "This is for you," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "I found it and thought it would look really cute on you, so I bought it."
A wide smile spread across my face, my heart brimming with joy. I carefully unpacked the bag, revealing a delicate, white frock. Its intricate lace and elegant design took my breath away. I looked up at him, gratitude and affection shining in my eyes, silently conveying my appreciation.
I mustered up the courage to ask him directly, my gaze locked with his as I held the delicate white frock he had given me. However, he seemed distant, his eyes fixed on something else, refusing to meet my gaze. With a hint of uncertainty in my voice, I asked, "Is this really for me?"
His response was laced with a touch of sarcasm, his words cutting through the air. "Well, what do you think? I'm certainly not going to wear that thing."
A bittersweet chuckle escaped my lips, though my heart sank a little. I clutched the white frock tightly against my chest, feeling its soft fabric against my skin. As I held it close, a mix of emotions overwhelmed me. Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over, as a wave of both joy and sadness washed over me.