"Good morning, Mom." I smile as I greet her.
"Good morning, dear. How are you feeling?" She asks me.
"I'm good. Thank god the fever was mild. It passed quickly." I tell her.
"That's good. Oh, before I forget, Dr. Shaw called. He wants to see you again today, check up on your recovery process." She says.
"Today? But isn't my treatment over? Why does he want to see me again?" I ask her, a frown on my face.
"That's how these things go, sweetheart. Your injuries were quite serious, so he needs to do regular check ups. He has an appointment at 4:30 pm today." She says, pouring hot coffee into a mug for herself. "You want some?" I shake my head no.
"But I have to go to Susan's bridal shower after work. Can't we postpone it?" I ask.
"No, Beatrice. This is important. I'm sure Susan would understand." She has a serious look on her face.
"Fine, I'll talk to her." I sigh.
"Okay. I'll pick you up after work at 4." I nod and grab my stuff, saying bye to her before leaving.
The walk to the bakery is chilly, autumn leaves starting to fall from the trees. It's a good thing I dressed appropriately, I don't wanna catch another cold. I wore a grey and black plaid skirt with a white sweater, and my black combat boots.
When I enter the bakery, Tori greets me, asking if I'm better. We chat for a while as we set everything up. She tells me about the new autumn additions to the menu, a bunch of pumpkin spiced goodies. I'm excited for the change in seasons. As I write the new specials on the board, I wonder where Tobias is. He always comes early and spends time with me before work.
"Tris, can you help Tyler with decorating the pineapple cupcakes? The pick-up is soon and he still hasn't finished them." Tori asks me.
I nod my head and go into the back, glancing at the door one more time. Where could he be? Should I text him? I'm sure there's a good reason he's late, I need to stop worrying. I quickly put on the apron, wash my hands, and get to icing the cupcakes.
Tyler smiles gratefully at me, as he begins packing them in the boxes. I finish the last one, placing a dehydrated pineapple flower on it, and put it in the box, then Tyler seals it with tape.
When I return to the display counter, my eyes search for Tobias again, but come away disappointed. It's 10:30 am already, he's never this late. I pick up my phone to call him, but Tyler comes to me again, asking to help him with the glaze for a cake. I know he's new and I should be nice to him, but why does he only ask for my help? I sigh and go back, teaching him how it's done so he doesn't mess it up.
Walking back to the front, I finally see him, sitting at his table. "Tobias! Where have you been?" He looks up at me as I approach him, giving me a small smile. But his eyes are worn, and his nose looks red. Like he might have been crying. The thought makes my heart sink.
"Hey. I just slept in late. I have a headache and I did take a tablet, it just hasn't kicked in yet." He smiles, getting up to hug me close.
"Oh god, did I give you a cold?" I ask, looking up at him and checking for a fever.
"No, no! It's just the headache. I'll be fine. Sorry to have worried you, Tris." He pulls me close again, burying his face in my neck.
"It's okay." I pull away, and we sit together. He holds onto my hand tightly, looking at me with an unfamiliar expression. I have never seen him like this before, so vulnerable. His eyes are sad, and I know he's keeping something from me, but I don't push it. He'll tell me when he's ready. "You want some coffee? It'll help."
"As long as you sit with me." He says.
"I'll get it." I laugh, standing up. Pouring two mugs with hot coffee, I bring it back and place it on the table.
"Where are you going?" He asks when I turn back.
"Just getting us something to eat." I smile. Taking a couple apple walnut muffins, I walk back and take my place beside him.
"Thank you, this looks amazing." Tobias kisses my cheek, making me blush.
"Now eat up, it'll make you feel better." I order.
He chuckles and tears into the muffin, popping a piece into his mouth. Nodding appreciatively, he smiles at me. We enjoy our breakfast, and I notice the change in his demeanour. He definitely looks better, I don't know if it was the food or his medicine finally kicked in. Whatever it is, I'm glad he's okay.
I tell him about my doctor's appointment, and how I have to miss the bridal shower. And he talks just like Mom, saying I need to keep my health a priority. I shake my head and smile at him.
"So, I wanted to ask you. Will you be my date at the wedding? It's on the 15th. I know this is all so last minute, but it would really-"
"Of course, I'll go with you. Any chance to spend time with you is always a yes from me, Tris." I look into his smiling eyes, then lean forward to kiss him softly. How did he get to be so sweet?
"Thank you. I wasn't sure if you'd be interested. Especially among a bunch of strangers." I whisper.
"All I need is you, Tris. The others don't matter to me." He kisses me again. "So, should I wear a suit?"
"Yes. You have one?" I ask him.
"I do, it's a little old but I think it'll work." He says.
"Okay. Thanks again. Are you feeling better?" I study his face closely.
"Yes, a lot. I need to thank you. You always make me feel better." He smiles.
"Do you have to go to work? You should've taken a sick day." I tell him, squeezing his hand.
"It'll be fine. I think the distraction will help me." He nods to himself, finishing the muffin.
"Okay." I sigh. "I'll call you later." Tobias nods, kissing me softly as he says goodbye and leaves.
I go back to work, starting a fresh batch of chocolate caramel swirl cookies. It takes up my whole afternoon, making the dough, preparing the caramel, and combining them before portioning and baking.
My mind drifts to Tobias often, wondering about his odd behaviour today. He has every right to his privacy, and doesn't owe me any explanations, but I still can't help and think about what he might be keeping from me. I just hope it's nothing serious.
As I set down the last baking sheet with fresh cookies down on the cooling rack, my phone buzzes. I pick it up to find a text from Tobias. He says he feels better, and not to worry too much about him. He asks if I had lunch yet, telling me to stop working and eat something. I smile at the screen, he's so caring.
We keep texting back and forth, and my worries seem to fade away. I really need to stop overthinking about everything, he just had a headache this morning, he wasn't hiding anything.
I remember that I still have to call Susan and tell her about the change in plans. We have a quick conversation and she is very understanding, telling me that she doesn't mind at all. I let out a breath of relief, glad that she isn't upset.
Work soon comes to an end, and I put everything away. Tori comes in just as I finish, telling me my mom's waiting out front for me. I take my stuff, hugging her goodbye and walking out.
Mom smiles when she sees me, and we drive to the hospital, getting there just in time. Everything goes fine, and the doctor seems pleased with my recovery. I sigh in relief, thank god he didn't make me do any tests. The hospital gowns are the worst.
Dr. Shaw asks to speak to Mom privately, and I frown. Leaving the room, I sit outside in the waiting area. What does he want to talk to her about? It's obviously something related to me, but why couldn't he have just said it in front of me?
When Mom comes out, I look at her curiously. She just shakes her head and tells me he wanted to know if my periods were regular, as some people experience problems with menstrual health after accidents. I roll my eyes at that, when will it be normalised talking about this stuff openly?
It's dark outside when we walk out, and we drive home in silence. I tell her I'm going to lay down for a while. Today was exhausting, and I'm so tired. Mom asks me to eat dinner first, then go rest, and I reluctantly agree. Dad soon comes home, greeting us and relaxing on the couch. Seems like he had a long day, too.
We quickly prepare and have dinner, a simple baked chicken with roasted vegetables. Sometimes all you need is a good home cooked meal. I excuse myself afterwards, declining dessert, wanting to take a hot shower. They both smile at me from the couch, immersed in a thriller movie.
I turn on the shower, getting out of my clothes and standing under the hot water. It feels nice after a cold day. Cleaning myself thoroughly, I get out, drying off and putting on a pair of pink pajama bottoms and a full sleeve grey shirt.
Getting into bed, I let out a sigh, resting my tired eyes. After a few minutes of quiet, my phone rings. Tobias's name flashes on the screen, and I smile a little.
"Hey." I whisper.
"Hey, what are you doing?" He questions.
"I was just getting ready for bed." I let out a yawn.
"But it's still early." He feigns sadness.
"I know, but I'm tired." I say.
"I wanted to surprise you." He murmurs.
"What do you mean?" I ask, confused.
"I'm at your front door." He states casually.
"What?" I sit up. "What are you doing here?"
"I just wanna go on a walk with you. Come down." He says.
"A walk in the cold? Tobias, you sound crazy." I shake my head, but he just chuckles.
"If you don't wanna come down, I'll climb up to your window again." He warns.
"No, wait there. I'll be out in a minute." I laugh nervously. "You and your surprises."
"I told you to get used to it." He chuckles.
We hang up and I climb out of bed. Changing into faded blue jeans and a black sweater, I brush out my hair quickly and wear my necklace, smiling and shaking my head at the things he makes me do. I quietly exit my room, listening to check if my parents are still downstairs. Seems like they went to bed, the lights all turned off and the house quiet.
I make my way out, being sure to stay silent as I close the door behind me quietly. My boyfriend stands there with a goofy grin on his face. He engulfs me into a hug and kisses me softly. Then taking my hand in his, he begins walking. I don't know where he's taking me, but I'm just content leaning against his shoulder.
"You're really tired, huh? I'm sorry for dragging you with me. I just wanted to spend some time with you." He kisses my head.
"It's okay. I like this. It's nice. And I like spending time with you, too." I murmur.
We walk in silence, the moon shining softly on the streets. Tobias moves his arm around my waist, holding me closer to him, and I completely rest my weight on him, but he happily supports me.
"Here we are." He whispers after a few minutes, stopping abruptly. I stand straight and look around us, realising we're in the park we first went to when we became official. It looks so different at night.
"What are we doing here, Tobias?" I ask, looking around at the nearly empty space, except for a few people.
"Come with me, this way." He takes my hand and leads me further inside.
There on the grass is a blanket, with a bouquet of my favourite tulips, along with a bottle of some sort of sparkling cider, and a box. I look at him in awe, standing there speechless.
"Tobias, what is all this for?" I ask him.
"I just want to celebrate you, Tris. Remind you how special you are. Come on." He smiles.
We settle on the blanket, and he hands me the flowers, for which I kiss his cheek. He grabs the bottle along with two glasses, and pours the bubbling liquid into both.
"What's in the box?" I look at it curiously.
"Um, well, I tried to make something, but you know cooking is not my best skill. I just wanted to do something special for you. And this was the easiest thing I could make." He says nervously, handing me the rectangular box.
I open it slowly, and the sight of chocolate covered strawberries greets me. They are not perfect looking, but the fact he made them for me, makes them absolutely beautiful and precious.
"I know you probably make these everyday, and it's silly of me to think about making them for a professional such as yourself, but-" He stutters before I cut him off.
"Tobias, they are absolutely perfect!" I say, leaning closer to him and kissing him deeply. "Thank you. And no, I don't make these everyday. In fact, we don't even have these at the bakery. It's a shame because it's one of my favourite desserts." I smile brightly at him.
"I'm glad I made them, then." He kisses me again, tangling his fingers in my hair.
"Why are you being so romantic today?" I ask him after he feeds me a bite of the strawberry. The chocolate is so rich, and it melts in my mouth immediately. I feed him one, too.
"It's nothing. I just wanted to spend some time with you." He says.
"Thank you, Tobias. I needed this." We kiss again, the taste of strawberry and chocolate on our tongues.
Tobias gathers me in his arms, and falls back onto the blanket on his back. I rest my head on his chest, watching him with a smile on my face. He bends down, rubbing his nose against mine, then gives me a sweet kiss. We lay there for a while, looking at the stars and enjoying each other's warmth. How did I ever get so lucky to have found him? Whatever the answer, I'm forever grateful for Tobias.
A/N: Hey guys! I'm really sorry for having missed quite a few updates. I just had a lot going on in my life and wasn't in the right mindset to write. But hopefully I'm back now! Tell me what you thought of this chapter!