A/N: For the video included in this chap, you can skip to 1:00 for the song to start. It's really funny😂❤️❤️

Mariana awakened to the twinkling music on her phone. She groaned into a sitting position and rubbed her eyes drowsily before turning it off. She didn't feel like going to work today but at least she will spend time with Micah afterward.

She swung herself out of bed and stretched out her limbs. She saw a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror near her door and her morning look was hideous. Her disheveled cinnamon curls tangled themselves up in knots. Her chestnut brown eyes were slightly watery and her freckles created a bridge around her pale nose parched from moisture.

She scowled in disgust as she quickly headed to the bathroom.

After her shower, she braided her hair into a fishtail and dressed in a white shirt and sneakers, and black pants. She sprayed herself with her new perfume and wore her mother's necklace along with the 'Marianne' one which Micah also brought for her while in Paris. The name, in gold, with a diamond swirl circling it.

Afterward, she hurried down the charcoal black with Rio trailing behind.

She poured out his food first, with some treats and water before making her own.

"Here you go Rio, enjoy." She stroked his head and kissed him.

She made herself french toast, topped with sliced bananas, apples, drizzled with honey and some coffee. She took her seat on her couch and switched on the TV to a random channel.

Despite being sleepy, her mind was fairly positive this morning. With her filling breakfast and fresh shower, she felt ready to face the day.

After she ate, she grabbed her keys and phone and said one final goodbye to Rio before heading out.

A fresh gust of air rushed down her lungs, sending a wave of serenity that gave her confidence for the day.

She sauntered towards the gate with her head high, letting the sun's light caress her rosy cheeks, and the grass crunching under the steps. Her car keys dangled and twirled around her creamy white fingers.

She unlocked her car and slid into the gray, cushioned seats. She turned the key into the ignition and the seats vibrated as the engine roared to life. She sighed happily into her seat and switched on the radio before driving away.

Music softly played from the radio, making Mariana slowly sway her head as she silently hummed away. Ever since she started playing the piano again, she paid more attention to the words, and the more she listened, the more she sang along which improved her singing voice.

When she arrived at the cafe she worked at, she parked on a side road and then started walking towards it.

Mariana pushed open the brown door and greeted with the aroma of the coffee, freshly baked bread, treats, and desserts.

She made her way behind the counter and saw the black, short curls of her friend and coworker Elena.

"Hey, Elena!" She hollered, making her turn around.

"Hello!" Elena engulfed her into a bear hug. She was a plump young girl with skin that lit up like ivory, chubby cheeks, with dimples that curved to form the cheeriest smile. She had big brown eyes, full light lips, and wore glasses.

"How are you?" Mariana asked, slowly backing out of the hug. Seeing her friend's joyful spirit in the morning always ricocheted off her.

"I'm good! Had a bit of a hectic morning but I managed to make it here in one piece," she said with a flustered face.

"Aw, I'm glad you're here though."

"Yeah, me too!"

After their little chat, Mariana wore her apron and stood behind the cashier. She loved working behind the counter and dealing with the orders, it was her favorite part.

Customers began coming and she took their orders. She loved the sound of hearing the cash machine open and the chatter among the people.

"So how was your day yesterday?" Mariana asked Elena.

"It was good! I took my little Jack Russel out to the park."

"Aw, that's cute! His name is Timmy right?"

"That's correct! Timmy and I played Frisbee, had a little jog, and met up with another dog owner."

"Did you become friends?"

"Yeah, we exchanged numbers and from now on, we will meet up every Saturday and our dogs can play together."

"Aw, that's so sweet."

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it." She smiled and looked down on the doughnut she decorated and Mariana turned back to the cash machine.

****

When her shift was over, she said goodbye to Elena and quickly made her way to her car. She couldn't wait to see her beloved Micah after the many hours that passed so tediously.

She quickly jumped into her car and started driving towards his home.

When she arrived, she called to let him know that she was there and the metal gates opened for her.

She parked her car in the parking lot along with the others that belonged to Micah's family. She climbed out and made her way toward the brightened up 3-story mansion. Its towering appearance shocked her and made her feel extremely small.

She passed the tranquil pool and the chairs outside and stood in front of the double glass door, bordered with wood. She also stood at the end part of a staircase that snaked up to the side, and another at the other end of the house.

There were several balconies and Mariana could see parts of the three stories through the giant windows that let out their golden rays.

After she had finished admiring, she knocked on the door, bubbling with excitement to be let in.

A petite woman with burgundy hair wrapped into a small bun opened the door. She wore a uniform and had rosy cheeks, small crystal blue eyes, and thin lips with a bit of lipstick.

"Hello!" She greeted cheerily in an English accent.

"Hi, I've come to visit Micah today, is he in?"

"Yes, he's in his bedroom."

"Okay, can you take me to him please?"

"Sure, follow me."

Mariana followed her as they walked through the clear, white tiles of the hallway. Her eyes traveled all over. Two white candle chandeliers hung over her, that reflected onto transparent flooring, there were some flower vases and decorations on the walls.

The cleaner ambled up the vanilla, painted stairs with Mariana behind her. She took in every detail of the main hall and saw Micah's two younger sisters sat down in the living room.

Once they made their way to Micah's room, which was on the second floor, Mariana thanked the lady and she went on her way.

She slowly creaked open his oak door and peeked through. Mason and Micah were sat on his blue king-sized bed. They took turns playing Batman: Arkham Knight.

"Hey..." she did a little wave that caught their attention.

"Hey," Mason replied wearily while he stayed focus on the screen. He had chocolate brown eyes, dark skin, and bushy hair dyed dark orange at the top with the rest all black.

"Hi princess." Micah unfurled his arms out. Mariana gracefully strolled toward him and climbed onto the bed. She fell and snuggled into his arms and made herself comfortable.

"How are you?" He asked softly and rocked her gently. He nuzzled her neck and sent kisses all the way around.

"I'm good." She giggled and wrapped herself  like a cat.

"Did you manage to find your way around easily?"

"Well, I had some help but it's like a maze around here."

"Oh that's good."

"Yeah." She breathed out a sigh and gazed up at the ceiling.

A few minutes passed and then Mason slid down the bed. "Here Micah, your turn." He tossed the controller and Micah picked it up. He started doing the second challenge which was Batman and Robin disarming some bombs.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Mariana watched Micah play and bounced around to the song that Joker sang. Even though it was a little offensive to Batman, she found it very funny.

"I drove you round the bend and I'm laughing! I'm with you to the end and I can't stop laughing! I killed all your friends and I can't stop laughing!" Mariana sang and did Joker's insane laugh.

She softly ruffled through Micah's hair while he played and sent kisses that were soft like butterflies.

"Do you want to go out this evening?" He suddenly asked.

"What, like a date?" She exclaimed while still staying close to his face.

"Yeah, do you wanna go out to eat?"

"Okay! Can you pick me up at 8?"

"Yeah, that's fine," he said and concentrated on his game.

"Any ideas where you're taking me?"

"It's a surprise." He smirked.

"Okay," she said and snuggled into his arm. She felt like a night out with him was just what she needed.