Chapter twenty two

Hazily I peeled my eyes open, the sudden rush of memories from last night making my heart stop slightly. Tom had kissed me and I didn't know how to feel about it.

Rolling onto my belly on my bed I grabbed my phone which was charging. Reading a message from the man in my mind.

Morning Mel, hope you didn't dream about me too much ;)
-tom

Smiling to myself I began to type a response, these were the sort of things I missed when being with him. He made me feel like I was worthy of love, that I was on top of the world.

Ah no promises there. Your kiss caught me off guard. Dream or nightmare ? Who knows

I felt my cheeks warm by my message, of course it wasn't a nightmare but I wanted to throw in a cheeky remark. I didn't want to lead anyone on- plus he kissed me I didn't instigate it.

Oh damn, well next time I'll make sure it's a dream come true x
-Tom

Inwardly cringing at how cheesy he was being I put my phone down, now staring at the ceiling. When you read stories about love you don't expect it to be this damn difficult, you either get the happily ever after or you don't.

Shuffling my legs towards my wardrobe I picked out an outfit which was a emerald green top with a tie up at the front accompanied with a pair of black skinny jeans. My hair was pulled into a messy bun with strands falling either side of my face.

Walking downstairs I met with fluffy little paws scampering towards me, his puppy eyes gleaming at me with love and excitement. "Heya boy!" I exclaimed, petting him all over causing a pant to escape his mouth.

Grabbing his little head I placed a small kiss, rubbing his head over the spot and smiling to him with my not so charming grin. "Least I have you!"

Letting out a small bark Kal did a circle before darting now towards a sleepy figure on the sofa. This gaining my attention, I saw a very deep in slumber Henry, he never slept on the sofa before which concerned me. Did he really drink that much when I was gone ?

Kneeling beside him I looked intently at his facial features, taken back to his now vastly growing stubble which he normally shaved. The crinkle in his eyebrows make me inwardly happy. His resting face was cute but grumpy at the same time.
I then made my way into my pondering thoughts, Deciding to cook breakfast I went into the kitchen, not sure what to make.

Perching my head on my hand with my elbow rested on the counter I finally figured out what to make for both myself and Henry, pancakes. Who doesn't love pancakes ? Don't get me wrong I was atrocious with cooking but I surely couldn't mess that up.
I made the pancake mix before gliding it into the pan, watching my little creation. "There we go, not so difficult"

Rather pleased with myself I placed the mountain of pancakes on a plate at the table, lemon juice, sugar, Nutella and other variety of other delights was shown in all its glory. I actually succeeded with cooking something for once, imaginatively I gave myself a pat on the back.

Tip toeing to the living room I went to inspect Henry's sleepy state, kneeling again I was facing him. "Henry" I whispered softly. Not wanting to put him in a bad mood.

No response

I began to poke his cheeks making me giggle "henryyy"

Finally what felt like an eternity of poking and prodding Henry began to stir and wake up. His sleepy eyes opening up slowly as he adjusted to the light. "Melanie.. what-"

Placing a finger on his lips I hushed him "I made us breakfast"

Raising an eyebrow Henry sat up in confusion and worry "you... made breakfast?"

Placing my hands on my waist I nodded proudly "yes, what else would I have made? Sirloin steak at 9am?"

Rolling his ocean blue eyes Henry raised his hands in defeat "okay but I best have a kitchen left to walk into.."

Pouting my lips childishly I shoved him "there is a kitchen with some delicious food, now move your superman arse before I kick you in there!"

"Okay ma'am" Henry chortled, clearly amused by my attitude this early in the morning.

Truthfully the argument between me and Henry wasn't even on my mind, neither are the feelings I have for him. I just wanted to concentrate on myself and how I feel for once which has already been beneficial given my newfound happiness today.

Walking in sync to the kitchen- though Henry was more-so dragging his feet we finally both met with my amazingly made pancakes. Impatiently I waited for Henry to respond, hoping he would be happy with the 'surprise'

"Wow.. you didn't burn down the kitchen. I'm very impressed" Henry teased as he sat down at the table, his eyes devouring the food before it even set food in his mouth.

Giving him a sarcastic look I also sat down, picking up a pancake and smothering it with sugar and lemon. Whilst Henry went more towards the sweet side- golden syrup and sugar. Watching him carefully I saw him place the pancake in his mouth, his facial expression not changing much until he swallowed. "Yeah.. this is pretty good Melanie"

Smiling to myself and slightly swaying side to side like a child I clasped my hands together "great now let's tuck in!"

Within just a few minutes the mountain of pancakes had slowly gone down to a mere couple. We truly outdid ourselves and I didn't believe I had such a big appetite first thing in the morning. "Did you have a good night?"

Choking on my pancake I quickly grabbed some water, sipping it trying to remove the stuck food. "Y-yes it was good thank you"

Henry toyed with his food, almost playing with it. His eyes not daring to meet mine. "Did you... kiss?"

I frowned, twiddling my thumbs together "yes... we kissed"

Henry nodded, no words coming from his lips leaving the most awkward silence. "So what about your night...?"

"Just a typical night I guess"

Pursing my lips together I shook my head lightly "drinking yourself to death isn't a typical night"

Shrugging his shoulders Henry stood up from his chair, running a hand through his messy locks. "I'm going to take Kal for a walk"

Also standing up I walked towards him, placing my hand on his arm "I'll come too"

Nodded hesitantly Henry responded "okay"

With that we both put on our shoes, putting Kals's collar and lead on making the pup squeal in excitement. This made both me and Henry let out a few laughs. It didn't take much to make these fur babies happy.

Henry placed his hand on the door handle, ready to open it. That was until a wave of nausea hit me. The pancakes rising from the pit of my stomach. "I-I'll be right back" I stammered as I hurried to the downstairs bathroom, emptying the contents of my belly forcefully.

Tears ran down my face as I wiped my mouth, sitting beside the toilet and sighing "maybe my cooking gave me some sort of bug.. already"

Grabbing my toothbrush I began to remove the taste of vomit in my mouth, though the movements of the toothbrush only made me want to gag as my already irritated belly contracted as if to say "stop or I will throw up again"

Groaning to myself I flushed the toilet, briskly walking into the hallway where Henry looked concerned "everything okay? You don't need to come?"

I shook my head "nope, I'm all good to go! So let's go"

*

Stepping out the car we were met with the most beautiful snow covered field, it was stunningly breathtaking. I was happy to be wearing my boots as I would surely get swallowed up walking in it.

"Wow this is stunning" I commented, my eyes still hooked in a gaze with the scenery.

Henry chuckled "you do love the snow don't you?"

Sticking out my tongue playfully a thought came to mind, I grabbed a big handful of snow and proceeded to shovel it down Henry's pants to his dismay.

Henry squirmed at my touch, his breathing fastening as the coldness from the snow travelled down to his boxers. "Hey! This is war" Henry exclaimed also now grabbing a handful of snow.

Kal was going crazy, his little body dipping in and out of the snow like a deer as we playfully fought. "N-no Henry!!" I shrieked as he finally made contact with my behind, the snow instantly making my teeth chatter.

"Not so much a snow lover are you hmm?" Henry teased as he shovelled more snow down my pants.

"Oi-stop ! I love the snow but not-

I accidentally slipped over, my body collapsing into the snow as I laid there breathless. Henry following suit so he now laid on top of me, a daring smirk tugging at his lips "does this mean I win?"

I knitted my brows together "no! You have not won-

Henry placed a kiss on my lips, it was soft and tender which made me grab ahold of his jacket. Missing the touch Henry had kept at bay for however long. This only solidified everything, the kiss with Tom was not love...

This is love.

Hesitantly I moved in sync with him, as if we were puzzle pieces. I was scared to react at first as I'm so afraid of getting hurt by him but I gave in to my heart and feelings. The kiss sent fireworks through my body that exploded into puddles, swallowing me up.

"Henry" I breathed as we pulled apart

"Melanie"

"What are we?" I squeaked just above a whisper, my question nervously spoken.

Henry ran a finger down my cheek, tracing my facial features and then to my lips where he effortlessly made shapes around them "You're my wife"

Blushing profusely I lowered my gaze "I know that but what are we truly ?"

Henry smiled warmly, his face not stiffening like usual when these questions tend to be mentioned. "Melanie... I think I love you"

Tears pricked in my eyes, the barrier weakened not being able to hold them very well. Henry noticed as a stray tear fell down my face "why are you crying?"

"B-because that is all I've wanted you to say. I love you too Henry"

This time I grabbed Henry's face, planting a firm kiss onto his lips that soon melted like butter as we moved in sync. Hungry for one another.

My arms wrapped around his neck drawing him closer to my body as his hands gripped upon my hips, taking breaks to trace my sides at the same time. "I'm sorry for treating you so poorly Melanie"

Breaking away from the kiss I rested my forehead against his "no more Chloe please ?"

Henry pursed his lips together, his hand still gripped upon my hip. "No more Chloe... but no more Tom"

I nodded almost instantly, curling my legs around his waist like a koala. Henry chuckled at this and picked me up, me still with my legs wrapped around. "Can I kiss you again?" I asked hesitantly, looking at those inviting lips which called me in. Henry grinned "you don't have to ask"

With Henry's permission I made contact with his mouth again, this time it was more forceful like we couldn't get anymore of one another. The tender kisses now a distant memory as we indulged in one another's touch.

My hand went to his hair as I gripped it lightly causing a slight moan to escape his mouth only earning me a pleased expression.

"Let's get home shall we?" Henry spoke softly as he kissed my forehead before putting me down onto the floor. I grabbed Henry's hand, lacing them together as I blushed yet again, this time it was intensely crimson "to do what?"

Henry bit his lower lip slightly "to do all the things I've missed out on..."