Ding!
The smell of toast and coffee waffed the air and the sun was already out in the sky. The sound of the traffic below was starting to get busy as Trevor looked out the balcony, admiring the city outside from their apartment.
"Honey, breakfast's ready!"
The breeze entered their home as the sun followed suit, edging its way past the hall, casting hard shadows across the walls. A soft melody was heard in the bedroom.
"Honey?" Trevor tried again, this time peeking in through the door. He smiled as the pink head stirred slightly toward the sound of the alarm. Trevor strode over to her side and laid beside her, sweeping his hand gently across her hair.
"Baby?" he said, looking at her.
Eclair Farron sighed and opened her eyes to his soft touch. Trevor smiled.
"Good morning, Mrs. Chase!"
"Mmm," she murmured, burying a side of her face into the soft pillow and smiled. She blinked.
"What's for breakfast?" she asked.
"Poached eggs and toast," Trevor replied. "Something light to start the day. Then I'll be grabbing the remaining groceries for dinner tonight."
"Coffee?" she asked.
"And coffee." he replied.
Eclair smiled. It'll be a great time, she hoped. But for now, it was still early and the smell of breakfast was edging her. She got up and killed the alarm.
The company was at its usual that day. Phones ringing now and then with conversations being kept low but cheerful. A prim lady waved as Eclair approached.
"It's just a short meeting, Eclair. Um, you'll be working with Jimmy, our other photographer..."
"Oh, Jimmy. I've worked with him." said Eclair.
"Yes, I see. Well, these shots will be featured in a magazine so there'll be another model working on it with you too."
The briefing was short that day and it went by within minutes, so Eclair had some time to herself before lunch. She wandered along the street and grabbed some take out from a shop, before heading along to a small but charming park around the corner. The weather was lovely and some kids were at the playground while their mothers were chatting away. A particular child shied away as she caught sight of Eclair approaching the nearby bench. Eclair smiled and took out her lunch as she settled down. A bowl of salad greens with tofu drizzled with savoury sauce. She decided to take it light for lunch as a prelude to dinner tonight. Ah, dinner. She wondered how the rest were doing.
Her phone chimed. It was a message from Trevor. It seemed he has gotten all that was left on the grocery list and was on his way home.
Eclair took her time as she ate, taking in the sounds and colors around her as people went on their busy way. Some were on their bicycles, others just took to old fashioned walking. Not many stopped to eat by the park but Eclair liked it there. She felt she could draw in some peace from the playful spring breeze when she was outside and the occasional birds' companionship.
It has been almost a year now since life in the new world began and she has pretty much gotten fairly used to a normal life hence. Eclair took a glance at the time as she finished off the last morsel. It was time to head back.
Music was coming from another room when Eclair returned home. It was the usual hammering of keys on the digital piano where Trevor practised his pieces daily before his twice nightly performance at Bradley's, a pub two streets down. He also worked as a freelance concept artist during the day.
"Hey baby, how was your day?" he asked, as soon as she dropped in.
"I got some beer and wine to pair with," she replied happily.
Trevor smiled.
"Somebody's happy! I know you're looking forward to this. I've taken care of all the ingredients, you just need to put them together later."
"Got it! Just let me know what goes in first!" she said.
"Haha no worries! I'll be at your side. Plus, I'll be working on the dessert soon when I'm done with this."
Trevor usually took care of their meals but tonight, Eclair wanted her personal touch at dinner.
The doorbell rang as Eclair was putting on some earrings.
"I'll get it!" hollered Trevor.
"It's got to be them!" Eclair said, exiting the room to join their guests.
"Are we early? Thought we'd drop by earlier to mingle," said Serah, reaching out to drop her bag on a sofa not far away and leaping back excitingly as soon as she saw her sister.
"Sis! You look great!" she chirped and eased in for a hug.
"Hey sis," managed Snow casually, spreading his arms. "No hugs for me?"
"Yeah right," Eclair replied, teasing a friendly punch at him.
The doorbell rang again. This time it was Sazh and Dajh, along with Fang and Vanille.
"Yo Lightning!" said Fang, striding in with a basket of produce. "Fresh from the farm by yours truly."
"Here's some flowers for you, Lightning," said Vanille gleefully. "I grew them myself."
Trevor received the basket and the bouquet gratefully.
"Thank you so much, girls. We'll enjoy them!" he said, setting the gifts down at an appropriate place not far from the living room.
"Thank you. Looks like you're both doing well." said Eclair, motioning them towards the sofa. "How's school, Dajh?"
"Um, it's been fun so far. I'm enjoying it!"
Sazh grinned and patted his son's back as they eased into the living room with the rest.
"Serah's in the university now right?" Sazh asked.
Serah nodded.
"Things have been interesting so far but regardless, it's a much needed break today."
"So," started Fang, looking into the distance from the balcony view. "Nice place you got here." Placing a hand above her eyes, she continued,"Oh! You can even see the sea from here!"
"It's pretty far away but yes, we can get a glimpse from here," Eclair replied her friend.
Snow paced a little away from the TV bench and looked around.
"So who's still missing? Let's see...ah! Hope!"
"And let's not forget Noel and Yeul," added Sazh.
The doorbell rang.
"Looks like they're here," said Eclair, stepping away.
As Hope Estheim and a young couple stepped through the door, the rest went 'ahhhh' and welcomed their arrival in jest and merry.
"So who's hungry?" Eclair asked.
The merriment went on towards the night and the street lights below started to come on.
"Still can't believe you cooked, sis!"
"Trevor prepared the ingredients though. I'm glad it turned out fine!" Eclair replied.
Trevor placed an arm around her waist and handed her a drink.
"She wanted to cook for you guys and have been looking forward to this night."
"I'd say you did fine, Light!" said Sazh, raising his glass.
"And I finally got to try your cooking," said Hope.
"Hey you're not the only one, Hope," added Fang. "Who'd have thought she's good with a frying pan too!"
"I..I had help," Eclair muttered.
"Hey, my sis came a long way with cooking. Trust me, she's gotten better at it!"
They all had a good laugh and cheered Eclair on. It felt good to see all of them again, she thought. Looking around at all their happy faces and hearing the laughter, she felt the abundant joy and gratefulness welling up inside. What else is there to top it off, she thought.
Suddenly, there was a hint of nausea as she brought the glass to her lips.
"What's wrong, sis?" asked Serah, noticing her sister's abrupt expression of uncomfort.
"I don't know, Serah. I feel a little nauseated," Eclair replied. "Could be the food or...(vomit expression)"
"(Gasp) Sis! Are you...?"
END.
