Thanks so much for the comments on the previous chapters. That's very encouraging! :D Here's chapter 4. I didn't realised how short this chapter is until I uploaded now! =_="
Chapter 4 – One Sunday Morning
Arthur was lying on his bed after dinner, still thinking of how close Alfred had come close to kissing him that afternoon, his heart pattering irregularly. He was trying to kiss me, right? It didn't make any sense, though, considering how much Alfred disliked him. But then, he couldn't control this goofy grin on his face right now, which made even less sense. Or maybe, maybe he doesn't hate me as much as I thought he did?
He looked at the clock and noticed that it was almost midnight, but he was still feeling restless. Tea! He needed some tea! He went down to the kitchen to make some. Tea always has some secret element that calmed him down. He dug around the cabinet until he found an old tin of left over English Breakfast tea. He sighed. This would have to do for now. The tea was not as fragrant anymore, but it was better than nothing. The warmth of the tea on his lips reminded him again of how Alfred had touched his lips.
As sleeping seemed futile, he thought he might as well work on his literature assignment. He flipped through his notes, trying to make sense of the poetry, "Infant Sorrow" by William Blake.
"Honestly, why did the school have to choose William Blake's poetries to study at all?" he mumbled to himself.
After a while, he gave up and tried to study his script instead. He read the lines over and over again, building up his memorization until he could recite them with ease.
It didn't feel long before he saw the first hint of light shine through his window. He hadn't sleep at all the night before, but surprisingly, he didn't feel tired at all.
Arthur was glad it was the weekend, but at the same time, he was disappointed. No school meant he would not be able to see Alfred and he couldn't help but feel a bit sad at the thought.
He glanced at the clock on his bed room wall and noticed that it was almost seven in the morning. His parents should be up any moment, and would expect him to be ready for their breakfast get together. He took a quick shower and came out just in time to hear his mother calling him.
"Just a minute, Mother," he called down in response.
His hair was still damp after he was done, his blond hair looking as messy as ever. He shrugged into a coat and went out to meet his parents. The weather was already chilly, but there was no sign of snowing yet.
It was a thirty minute drive to Fleur De Lys, a café that had opened about a year ago. It was situated at the corner of the town, hidden away from the hustle and bustle. He could still remembered that day when his parents arrived home and announced excitedly how they had discover a new gem. After that, they had been reporting to Fleur De Lys every Sunday for breakfast, without fail.
It was only late November, but the café was already bursting with Christmas decorations. A holly and ivy wreath hung on the door, and a small Santa figure holding a black board with Soup of the day: Tomato scribbled across it stood beside it.
The little bell chimed softly as they entered the café. A fire was burning bright and warm at the fireplace, making the café feel cozy. Twelve Days of Christmas was playing softly in the background. The setting was vintage, with a bare minimum of wooden tables and chairs. Small cakes and bars lined the inside of the glass counter. A small Christmas tree with colorful lighting sat at the corner.
Christmas comes early for Fleur De Lys. Arthur smiled.
He loved how they had so many choices of tea available, but best of all, it was quiet. Not many people came to this café, and often they were the only customers. They always occupied the table at the far corner, and as always, Arthur took the seat facing the front of the café to people watch through the windows.
He ordered some English Breakfast tea and an English benedict egg. His father was already absorbing himself in his morning newspaper, and his mother in her novel. That was how his family spent time together. Reading. He took out his copies of Jane Eyre, a classic he had begun reading some time ago and never seemed to be able to finish for various reasons.
He had barely gotten through the first page of his reading, however, when a commotion outside caught his attention. He looked up, distracted. Two guys were having a heated argument, from the way it looked.
The man with shoulder length blond hair looked like he was trying to kiss the other man, but was shoved away roughly. The elder man then grabbed his wrist and pulled, trying to drag him away.
Arthur squinted his eyes and gasped aloud when he realized it was Alfred. His sudden jump cause his parents to gasp. He apologized to his parents and muttered a quick "be right back", and dashed out without waiting for a response from either of them.
"Please! You don't understand!"
"I said, let go!"
Arthur got out just in time to see Alfred land a blow on the man's face.