I arrive home after dropping Alastor off this morning at his estate. I'm walking through my front door, humming to myself. I head into the kitchen where my mother is washing dishes.
"Buenos días, ama," I give her a kiss on the cheek.
"Oh, buenos días," she's surprised.
I continue humming as I serve myself a plate of scrambled eggs, toast, and sausages. My mother watches me as I pour myself a glass of orange juice.
"Someone is happy this morning," my mother says.
"Hm? What do you mean?" I sit down at the table and begin to eat.
"Your humming. I don't think I've heard you hum like that."
"Oh. I almost didn't realize I was humming... I guess I'm just really happy," I continue to eat.
My mother dries her hands and sits across from me at the table. She stares at me as I happily eat away at my food. I glance up at her and notice a smile on her face as she watches me.
"What?" I ask.
"Quien es?" She asks me.
"Hm?" I'm clueless.
"Who's the lucky guy?"
I chew on my toast for a moment before realizing what she's referring to.
"Ama, what do you mean?" I sip from my orange juice, acting oblivious.
"You can't hide it from me," my mother smiles. "There is a man and you are in love."
"It's that obvious, huh?" I gaze down.
My mother sees the soft smile I have with a slight blush on my cheeks.
"Is that where you came from?" My mother asks.
"Well, yes…" I look away.
"I thought you said you were with Angel this weekend."
"You got me!" I cover my face with my hands. "I'm so sorry, ama! I should have been honest with you."
"It's alright, mi amor. I understand why you wouldn't tell me, especially your father. He's not exactly eager to see you find a gentleman anytime soon."
"Yeah, you know dad," I laugh.
"So tell me. What did you do?" My mother smiles with curiosity.
"We spent the weekend at his vacation cabin in the woods outside the city."
"Oh, he's got land there?"
"Yes. And it's absolutely beautiful there! The cabin is small but cozy. The woods are so green and full of adventure. The air is so clean. Oh! And there's a lake!"
My mother watches how excited I am and can't help but be happy for me too.
"Que romántico," my mother says. "And how long have you known this man?"
"We actually met back in November," I reply. "But we only became lovers about a week or so ago."
"Lovers, hm?"
"Yeah…" I shyly look down.
My mother watches as I pick at the eggs on my plate, a happy soft smile and blush still on my face.
"I'm glad you're happy," my mother smiles.
"Thanks, ama," I smile back.
"When do we get to meet him?"
"Well, he's an awfully busy guy…" I'm careful with my words. "So it'll be a while before I introduce him."
"And his name?"
"His name…" I panic a bit. "I'll leave that for him to tell you when I introduce him!" I play it off.
"Fine, keep it a surprise," my mother laughs as she pats my forearm.
My mother notices the bandages on my left arm.
"Que te paso?" She asks.
"Oh, I scraped myself while out in the woods this weekend," I cover up. "But I'm alright! You know me, I'm a tough gal!"
"I know that all too well," my mother laughs.
"But please, ama. Don't tell dad," I give her a pleading look.
"Don't worry, I won't. I want to see his reaction when we meet this muchacho of yours."
"Oh, trust me. He'll be in for a surprise alright."
Alastor is at his estate, winding down after a long day of business dealings. He's reading through some papers while preparing a mug of dark coffee.
"Guess who's here?!" Vox barges through the front door.
Alastor doesn't pay any attention to it as he makes his way past him from the kitchen. Vox sees him and is surprised that Alastor isn't upset at his sudden drop in. He follows Alastor into the living area where he sits down on the red couch, pleasantly reading through some papers. Vox heads over, eyeing Alastor.
"Hello?" Vox says. "I'm here, visiting, unannounced…"
Alastor continues to sip from his mug, oblivious to Vox.
"Aren't you going to scold me for intruding into your space?" Vox questions.
"Why?" Alastor doesn't turn to him.
"You always scold me for intruding into your space...especially dropping by using a spare key to enter your estate."
"I guess I'm used to it," Alastor shrugs.
Vox continues to study Alastor closely, wondering why he's so at ease.
"What the hell is going on?" Vox finally gets annoyed.
"What do you mean?" Alastor keeps his attention to the papers in his hands.
"You're awfully cheerful… More laid back than usual."
"And?"
"It's freaking me out!"
"I thought you always wanted me to be more at ease."
"Yes, but it's weird to see you like this now."
Vox continues to stare at Alastor.
"Seriously, what's going on?" Vox asks again.
"I simply had a good weekend," Alastor replies.
"A good weekend, huh? What'd ya do?"
"Wouldn't you like to know."
"Aw, come on, Al! You always leave me hanging!"
"Of course, it makes things fun."
"You look like you're on cloud nine and you're not gonna tell me why?"
"It's better that way."
"You're killing me!" Vox rubs his face.
"I enjoy seeing you so flustered," Alastor grins.
"I'm sure you do," Vox peers at him.
Alastor chuckles.
"If it makes you feel any better," Alastor says "It involves someone else."
Vox darts his head to Alastor. His eyes widen with curiosity. Suddenly Alastor regrets saying anything as he sees a wide grin spread on Vox's face.
"Is it…" Vox grins. "Your business lady friend?"
Alastor keeps his gaze down at the papers in his hands, enough of an answer for Vox.
"Did you…" Vox keeps his grin. "Do the deed?"
"Why does it have to be about sex all the time with you?" Alastor seems a bit flustered.
"Aha! I can see it on your face!" Vox points. "You had sex, didn't you?"
"Do we have to discuss this?"
"You're not denying it! It must be true!" Vox excitedly heads over to the table of whiskey bottles. "We must celebrate! I know for a fact that you were a virgin."
"And how do you know that?"
"All these years I've known you, I never once saw you have the slightest of interest in any woman. You said it yourself!"
Vox pours two glasses of whiskey and heads over to Alastor to hand him one.
"To Alastor," Vox holds his glass up. "And farewell to his virginity!"
"Must you put it that way?" Alastor rubs his brows.
"So tell me…" Vox plops himself back on the couch to Alastor's left. "How was it?"
"Hm?" Alastor raises a brow and then recalls our weekend together. "Well, it was much more intimate this time…"
"This time?" Vox's brows rise. "You're telling me this weekend wasn't the first time?!"
"No, it's been a number of times already…" Alastor hesitates to say.
"Ha! I'm so proud of you!" Vox shakes Alastor by the shoulders.
"Don't touch me."
"Here I was, thinking that my best friend would stay a virgin for all eternity," Vox shakes his head. "Little did I know that you're quite the charmer. Perhaps you learned a thing or two from your best pal," Vox has a smug smile.
"Wouldn't you be flattered."
"So who is she? I'm dying to know who this woman is!"
"You don't need to know that information."
"Such a party pooper," Vox shakes his head. "I will find out, Alastor. Mark my words."
"We shall see."
"Anyway, did you hear who's back in town? I forgot why I came here in the first place."
"Who?" Alastor sips his whiskey.
"The infamous demon overlord: Satan."
"Really? I hadn't realized he was out of town."
"He's been out almost a year. Everyone is talking about his return. It's all over the news! How don't you know this? Oh, right. You don't have a television."
"I see no need for such technology. I seem to get all the information I need from that mouth of yours."
"Sassy of you."
"Anyway, why should I care that he's back?"
"There's talk that he's looking to buy out businesses left and right. Not to mention that he's a ruthless overlord that uses violent methods to gain turf. He's of your stature, if not more powerful."
"Again, why should I care?"
"I'm just letting you know. Watch your back."
Alastor gazes toward the fireplace in thought as he sips from his whiskey.
I'm laying on my bed in my blue robe, talking on the phone with Angel. It's about 8:30pm.
"I've got tomorrow night free," I talk over the phone.
"Let's hang at the karaoke bar then!" Angel suggests.
"That doesn't sound like a bad idea. Karaoke night on a Tuesday? Sounds fun!"
"Invite Smiles too!"
"I'm sure he'll tag along."
"How was your weekend with him?"
"It was almost surreal."
"In a good way?"
"In the best way possible," I smile to myself. "I'm telling you Angel, it was so romantic."
"Wow. Didn't think Smiles had it in him."
"Understandable," I laugh.
"How long has it been since you two been together?"
"We made it official in the beginning of June, and now we're approaching the middle of June. So we're going on a couple of weeks."
"Feels like you've been together longer."
"I know! It feels right with him."
"I'm so happy for you, Ellie. I really am."
"Thanks, Angie. How are things going with you? Any dates that you fancy?"
"Nah. Just one night stands and the usual dates. Gotta make my money."
"It would be nice for you to find a guy."
"Maybe someday."
"Let's hope."
"Knock, knock!" I hear Alastor.
I turn and see Alastor enter through the balcony glass doors.
"Gotta go, Angie," I say. "Red Alert."
"Say hi for me," Angel says.
"Will do. Love you, bye."
"Love ya!"
We hang up. I sit up on my bed as Alastor approaches. He doesn't have his suit jacket on. He doesn't give me a chance to stand up, pinning me back down as he smothers me with kisses. I can smell liquor on his breath.
"You've been drinking," I say.
"I spent some time with Vox at my estate," he says between kisses.
"Ah, makes sense," I giggle as he nips at my neck. "Is there a particular reason for it?"
"He wanted to celebrate my loss of virginity."
"You told him?" I'm surprised.
"Don't worry, I didn't tell him with who. You know Vox. He won't stop pestering until he hears what he wants. Besides… I wanted to tell someone about our weekend together…" he kisses me.
"Funny. I actually told my mother about our weekend too."
"Oh you did? How did that go?"
"She's eager to meet this mystery man I'm seeing."
"Perhaps that can happen sometime soon…" he continues to smooch at my neck.
"I'd love for you to meet my parents…"
"I'm sure I can win them over," he has a smug smile.
My bedroom door suddenly opens. I sit up quickly, fixing my robe.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Elena!" My mother doesn't enter the room. "I forgot to knock!"
"It's okay, ama!" I glance around, seeing that Alastor has vanished. "Come in!"
"I just wanted to let you know that there's cake downstairs if you'd like some," she peers around the door.
"I'm not hungry now, but thanks!"
"No problem. Buenas noches, mi amor."
"Buenas noches, ama."
My mother closes the door. As soon as it closes, Alastor appears in a shadow and locks the door.
"That was too close!" I whisper to him.
"One must be prepared," he returns to my bed. "Now, where were we?" He climbs on top of me again.
He plants a kiss on my mouth as he caresses my face with one hand. I run my fingers through his hair as his mouth kisses down my neck. His mouth travels down to my chest above my cleavage as his hand slithers to my bare thigh. I suddenly remember something and have to stop.
"Alastor…" I whisper. "Hold on."
"Is something wrong?" He quickly stops, sensing my hesitation.
"Well...it's just…" I shyly look away.
"You can tell me," he caresses my face.
I gaze up at him, feeling more at ease with his soft eyes.
"I got my period today…" I shyly say.
Alastor blinks at me a few times.
"I can't do anything…" I continue. "Not for the next four or five days…"
I shyly look down as there's silence.
"I get pretty bloated," I explain. "And my cramps are really painful…"
Alastor is quiet for a moment before climbing off me.
"Well then…" Alastor stands as his hand brushes his hair back. "Allow me a moment."
I watch as he suddenly disappears in a shadow. I'm surprised and dumbfounded at his sudden disappearance.
'I hope he's not repulsed by it…' I think to myself. 'Maybe I scared him away…'
I let out a sigh as I push my hair behind my ear. Suddenly, Alastor returns in a shadow, holding some things in his hands.
"I've brought you these," Alastor holds out the items to me. "I figured these would help put you at ease."
I sit up and am surprised. He's holding a box of chocolates and the teddy bear he got me at the arcade a while back. The plush bear stays at his estate for whenever I spend the night.
"If you need something else," Alastor says. "Just tell me and I shall fetch it."
"No, it's okay…" I'm still in awe. "Thank you…"
This is such a sweet gesture. I hold the box of chocolates in my arms with my teddy bear. My eyes begin to tear up as I cover my face.
"Are you alright?" Alastor panics.
"Sorry, yes, I'm okay!" I smile. "I'm just...really happy that you've brought me these things. It's really nice of you."
Alastor stares at me for a moment. He figures that I didn't expect this much. He then takes his shoes, dress shirt, and pants off. He helps me settle under the covers and joins me, leaning against the headboard while laying down behind me.
"Are you comfortable?" He asks.
"Yes," I nod.
Alastor opens the box of chocolates and hands it to me. I cuddle my bear as I munch on a piece of chocolate, my eyes still watery.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Alastor asks.
"Yes," I sniffle. "Thank you, Alastor."
Alastor kisses the top of my head as I continue to munch at my chocolates. He lays with me, caressing my hair which brings me comfort. I smile to myself, feeling at ease.
