That Friday morning, Lariette woke up without Ruediger’s warm and reassuring presence by her side. Yawning, she rubbed her eyes before gazing at the side where he usually slept.
The bed felt so weirdly vast without him.
No morning kiss, no playful teasing and no sturdy arms embracing her.
Still, she didn’t feel too bad, maybe because she got to see his face before going to bed last night. Since both were tired, they didn’t talk too long, but it was better than nothing.
Soft chuckles escaped Lariette’s lips as a helpless feeling washed over her heart. Propping herself up, her long hair fell over, ssy from a night of sleep.
’I think he’s already awake.’
He was an even better morning person than her. Also, considering his hectic schedule in Norvonna, she believed he wouldn’t waste any second away.
’Tomorrow’s the weekend... will he get back before Monday?’
Before hanging up last night, Lariette actually wanted to ask Ruediger about his return but held back. He had just arrived there. She didn’t want to sound pushy.
Lariette patted her face, trying to chase her lingering drowsiness away. She better wash up, have so breakfast, get ready for school and think about what kind of activities she wanted to do with Madeline tonight.
Her gaze landed on the phone as she brought her legs to the floor. The sleek tal lay on the bedside table. Reaching out a hand, her heart thumped with anticipation.
Her half-lidded eyes widened and lit up upon seeing new ssages from him, sent almost two hours ago. She quickly tapped on the screen, revealing their private chatroom.
[Ruediger: Morning, my sweetheart💖]
[Ruediger: I gonna get ready now. I’ll try to call you this noon at the very least]
[Ruediger: Fill your tummy with yummies and be careful going to work]
[Ruediger: I love you😘]
Lariette felt her heart tremble, the sensation flowing to the tips of her fingers. Smiling softly, she read the ssages again and again, finding comfort in the words conjured by him.
Then, her fingers moved, dancing on the screen as she sent him replies.
[Lariette: Morning, my darling hubby🌞]
[Lariette: I just woke up. Your yummy breakfast isn’t on the table today but I’ll make do~]
[Lariette: Make sure to eat and rest. We can talk once you’re free]
[Lariette: I miss you💞]
Even after sending the ssages, she sat motionless on the bed, hoping to see his responses before she headed to the washroom. But nothing ca even in the next few minutes.
Indeed. He was busy.
Lariette reread Ruediger’s ssages, her eyes stopping longer on the last one. Her heartbeat quickened as the words gently touched her heart and soul.
"I love you, Lettie."
He was never shy from telling her that. Her smile faltered because she was aware she had never returned those three words to him.
"I know you like beyond a friend and that’s enough for . No need to pressure yourself. Before that day cos, I’ll tell you I love you over and over to make it up for both of us."
She lightly shook her head, reluctant to dampen her mood by thinking of that. The day had barely begun.
Putting her phone down, Lariette stood up and began tidying the bed. Because Madeline would co for a sleepover, she wouldn’t sleep in Ruediger’s bedroom tonight.
After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she headed to the kitchen, her steps quiet on the floor. Her right hand brushed the loose strand, tucking it behind her ear. The soft lighting illuminated her face.
To dispel the silence around the apartnt, Lariette opened the TV and let it play a playlist of Ruediger’s cover song. She purposely picked the one he sang for her back in the studio as the number one[01].
"Every ti we touch I feel at ho🎶"
"That’s the way I’d never let you go🎶"
"The way you put your hands in mine I know🎶"
"I’m gonna be alright🎶"
As Ruediger’s lodious voice played in the background, Lariette made breakfast, her steps nimble.
She used the milk bread to make a beautifully caralized French toast, its edges crips and glistening. She served it with fresh strawberries and a cup of Earl Grey, its steam curling into the air.
Lariette sat down at her usual spot at the dining table, her gaze lingering on the empty chair across from her. Ruediger often sat there, his smile bright even when the hour was still so early.
Now, the chair sat still, untouched.
After a mont, Lariette picked up her phone and took a photo of the breakfast she had made. Ruediger hadn’t responded to her.
She looked at it for a heartbeat before typing. The photo was attached to the first ssage.
[Lariette: Crè brûlée style toast~ I used the milk bread you made]
[Lariette: Ti to eat!🧇]
She tapped the Send icon.
Placing the phone down, Lariette picked up the cutlery next, taking her first bite. It was sweet and warm with a hint of little loneliness.
At a quarter past seven, she erged from the apartnt, heading to work. Bundling up in layers, she traced the familiar paths she often walked on with him.
That day, Lariette buried herself in work. Ruediger called her twice at noon, but she missed them due to work. When she finally checked her phone, she saw ssages from him, including a photo of his lunch.
[Ruediger: You seem busy too, don’t forget to eat]
[Ruediger: The toast looks yummy, I wanna try it once I’m ho😉]
[Ruediger: Later, my love. I’ll call you again, back to work now]
Lariette smiled as she read the texts. She replied, then focused back on working. She could only hope the day ended soon and they could chat on the phone tonight.
"Nora, Phoebe, bye~"
That evening, Lariette waved at her colleagues before clocking out. The ti had just hit five. She hurried ho because Madeline said she would arrive before seven.
But...
An unexpected yet unpleasant guest waited for her at the apartnt entrance.
Vincent stood not far from the sliding glass door, bundled in a trench coat and a scarf around his neck. His eyes flung open once he saw Lariette’s appearance.
Fury surged from her heart in an instant, blazing through her entire body.
He again?!
Didn’t he have work to do?
Was he that idle to wait for her?
Frowning, Lariette stared daggers at the young man who stood outside the lobby. Despite her rising fury, she ignored him, intending to rush inside.
But as always, this pesky insect disregarded the obvious ssage sent by her body language.
"Miss Elsher!" Vincent ran to Lariette, anxiously trying to stop her, one hand reaching for her arm, "Wait! I just— Ah!"
A swift kick landed on the back of his knee. He stumbled forward, one knee hitting the ground hard. Wincing, he cried in pain.
Lariette huffed. Glaring at Vincent, she yelled, her chest heaving, "Help! A stalker’s here! Help !"
Dumbfounded, Vincent snapped his head up, watching the woman who had just viciously kicked him pretend to cry like a ek damsel in distress.
----------
Reference:
1 - 255
Reviews
All reviews (0)