One Day
When the Flowers Bloomed
-•-•-
"Take responsibility of me"
These words held so much power to her
Enough to make the flowers in her chest bloom
Enough to water them too.

The feeling of guilt doesn't really mix well with happiness. Right now, as William continues to lead me towards the elevators by my hand, I can't help but feel a fitting blend of the two emotions.

I feel guilty because the hushed whispers we are slowly walking away from will continue to spread around the hospital. Eventually, that will become highly awkward for William.

I feel happy because, despite all this, William is still holding me by his side. He thinks this is the right thing to do. He thinks I'm good enough to not be kept hidden away. I'm still feeling his warm skin against mine.

When we come to stop in front of an elevator, I can only stand beside him and wait for the doors to open — Wait for some more people to see the man holding my hand.

Just then the doors of the elevator pings open, and I watch wide-eyed as the two male doctors look up from their iPhones, straight at the two of us.

Watching their eyes widen in surprise while their gaze snaps from William and I's face to the part where our hands are joined only makes me shuffle closer to William awkwardly as we step into the elevator with the two of the doctors.

The ride is awkwardly silent. Thankfully though, when the doors of the elevators open again, the two doctors silently stride of the elevator with only a polite nod at William. I can only hope that they do not have a knack for gossip.

"Are you okay?" I find myself asking William in the newly acquired privacy of the elevator. Tilting my head up towards him, I eye the man standing in front of me — still holding one of my hands firmly in his.

"I think I should be asking you that," William looks at me with a small smile.

He has me there, I don't know what to say except let myself shamelessly blush harder in front of him.

"Detectives," William observes once we're out of the elevator and nearing Saara's room. Contrary to the surprised tone in his voice he doesn't seem surprised at all. I suppose he's used to this coming from a rich family himself.

"Yeah," I shrug though, already feeling irritation at the thought of the guy who was here only an hour ago, calling and demanding authorities to set up tight security since his psycho ex-girlfriend had fled the scene after hitting my innocent cousin.

"Thank you for the hard work," I smile at the one I know to be Inspector Richard.

"I thought you both might be hungry," I mumble, extending the plastic containing snacks and drinks I got them before coming to the hospital to the other man whose name I don't know.

"Oh thank you! You didn't have to, it's our duty!" Richard grins at me brightly, glancing at the plastic and then at me before nodding politely at William.

"If you don't mind, what relation does—" Richard leans forward squinting his eyes at the ID card hanging from William's neck, "— Dr. Noo have to Miss. Malik?"

I feel surprise bubble in my chest when instead of answering questions regarding him like he usually does, William glances down at me, waiting for my answer.

For a second I'm a little stunned. Contemplating exactly how to put this information out there. I had a feeling it was quite obvious, but I guess not.

Then I lift our joined hands up. "Her cousin is Dr. Noo's girlfriend," I hand inspector Richard a sheepish smile.

"Ah! Thank you for the snacks! Also, don't worry we're here. You should go see your cousin," the other inspector smiles at me appreciatively before Richard can say anything. I can see he's trying to defuse the awkwardness.

"Still, it's just a small thank you," I smile at both of them before turning towards the door.

"I should go check how she is now," I excuse myself politely, feeling as William's fingers tighten against mine and already begin to open the VIP room's door.

When the doors click closed behind us and we slowly make our way into the room, I feel William's hand leaving mine.

Instantly I take the chair placed by Saara's bed. Leaning forward, I sigh as I trace the purple bruise on her arms and her right cheek with my eyes. They look bad.

Putting the bags on the guest's sofa, William finds his way to the bed as well. He lifts up the clipboard hanging from Saara's bed and silently begins turning the pages.

"She's fine. She's just sleeping because of the medication," He says assuringly — after a few minutes — placing the clipboard back where it's supposed to be.

"Will you be okay here all night?"

I sigh, closing my eyes and leaning back onto him when I feel him come to stand behind me. At this, his hands silently come to rest on my shoulders.

"I'll be fine, don't worry. Don't you have to go home soon?" I mumble, letting myself just relax for the first time today. It's been such a long day.

"I'll make one last round and then go home. Isaac must be throwing a tantrum by now."

"If he's moody, don't scold him please,"

This time William sighs, pressing my shoulders comfortingly, "I won't."

"Have you taken a leave from work for this?"

"I was thinking of informing the chief editor tomorrow."

"That'll work. I'll come by tomorrow,"

"Okay," I smile. My hands slowly find his and I curl my fingers around his own. The musk of his cologne mixed with the nostalgic smell of a hospital that's lingering on him does wonders to calm me down. It's strange, me pulling peace from the scene of him. It almost feels warm in my chest. Warm and comforting.

"Mary and Isaac want to come visit tomorrow after Isaac's kindergarten ends for the day," I mumble, rubbing the pads of my thumb against the fair smooth skin of his hand.

"Okay. Text me when they get here,"

"Umhm," I nod, on a whim I open my eyes and before I know it I'm standing up and facing William.
I guess it's alright. He should get back to his patients.

"Let's go," I mumble, slowly beginning to pull him towards the room's door.

"Where are we going?" William asks, clearly sounding confused.

"I'm dropping you at the door," I turn to look back at him with a soft smile.

We stop in front of the closed door, his hands still in mine. Suddenly it's silent between us and I find myself turning around so that I'm facing him. He's quiet, just standing here watching me, waiting for me to say something, do something.

I lift my gaze up to meet his, and my heart jumps in my chest. William's looking down at me with an expression he's never had before. His usual unreadable eyes are staring down at me, searing into my own dark pools.

When his fingers tighten around mine and he pulls me closer, I feel like my heart is threatening to melt. Still, he doesn't speak. He doesn't do anything more.

I wait... and then run out of patience. My crazily beating heart fuels my actions as I slowly begin to lift his hands up with mine and then take it back until I can softly place it around my waist. Then without much thought, I put my own arms around his neck.

It comes as a complete surprise when all of a sudden William's arms tighten around my waist he leans forward, his warm breath suddenly grazing my lips.

We're so close, so close that I can almost swear that the smell of his cologne will now linger on my skin for the rest of the night.

"I'm mad at you," William whispers against my lips, his lips softly grazing mine when he speaks. He's upset I didn't tell him, I realise. Guilt begins gnawing at my chest.

"I'm sorry," I squeak quickly, pressing my lips against his in a quick peck.

"I'm sorry," I quickly press another kiss on his chin this time.

"I'm sorry," and another one on the cheek.

"And thank you for today," On another cheek.

Under the showers of my kisses, William chuckles, and pulls me into a hug, resting his chin on my shoulder. I almost have a heart attack when I feel him press a kiss on my shoulder.

"I'm still mad," he sighs and tightens our hug, squeezing me against him.

My cellphone rings right after William leaves the room. Slipping the device out of my back-pocket I send a whisper of a cuss when I see the name flashing on the screen. Quickly I accept the call and press the phone against my ear.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry, I totally forgot! I'm already up in the room!" I cringe when all I hear is silence on the other hand.

"Oh, I thought you got caught up in traffic or had an accident," There's silence again and I can't help but groan, knowing I'd be really upset if I were in August's place.

"It's okay. I'm coming up, don't worry," he mumbles before the line disconnects and I find myself beginning to parade in front of the room's door.

When it finally opens and August's dark eyes find mine, I'm almost left struck on the spot. The heck? Is he crying?

"Are you okay?" I rush towards him, stopping only short of grabbing the tall man.

"I couldn't get through, I thought you had an accident too or something,"

Oh dear, he must be traumatised about Saara's case.

"I'm fine," I smile brightly at the man, reaching forward to grasp one of his large hands with two of mine I pull his hand up and place it on top of my head, "See?"

For a moment August just stands and stares at me with his hooded eyes. Then he scoffs, chuckling as he fluffs my hair with his hand, "Yeah, I can see that."

"What's the update on the CEO and his ex?" I grimace at the thought of that awful boy. Flashes of him just sitting against the hospital floor, stunned, comes to my mind and I almost roll my eyes.

"Khristian's at the office. I don't think he's going to sleep tonight. Clara is still on the run."

"I don't like him," I turn to glance at my battered and bruised cousin, "What if this reaches the public, what will he say then?"

"He's already gotten all the news removed from getting printed."

"Watch TMZ or someone not give a damn," I shake my head, already feeling light-headed just thinking about it.

"I think he likes her," August assess, his voice low. He sounds like he believes it, and pities the boy too. I'm confused. He likes Clara or Saara?

"Likes who?"

August motions towards my battered and bruised cousin lying on our right, "Saara. He's been trying to secretly make her jealous but I think it's gotten too far. This has made him realise that."

"I'd never go out with a boy who dates a dozen girls to make me jealous,"

"He's never really liked someone like he likes Saara. It's been a learning process for him too, to be honest,"

I shrug, "I'll have to see what Saara feels about him. I don't like him so far though."

"Let's see," August sighs, moving to drop down on the sofa by the corner of the room.

"Are you going to stay here overnight?" I frown, suddenly wondering why he's still here when it's almost nine at night.

"Yeah, I should go back home. I was just waiting for you to come back," August shakes his head, getting up on his feet and raking his fingers across his dark hair.

Standing up and beginning to walk, he comes to a stop beside me and turns around. Suddenly he leans forward until his face is at the same level as mine, and I feel his hand on my hair. I blink.

"You should rest. You look tired too," He smiles at me softly, caressing down my hair like my father usually does.

"Yes dad," I smile back brightly, making him chuckle again.

He straightens to his full right shaking his head, still chuckling.

"I'll be late tomorrow, I need to handle the PR and everyone else surrounding Saara. It's a bit of a mess."

"Okay," I nod, "See you tomorrow! Goodnight!"

My phone rings for the second time in the room tonight when I'm taking a shower. Rushing out in a towel, I quickly grab my iPhone and rush back into the bathroom, not wanting to risk getting caught by any of the staff or the detectives.

"Hello," I accept the call without much of a glance at the screen.

"Gemma Windly! Why isn't your cousin receiving her call?!"

I freeze.

Isma Khala.

"Oh! She had dance rehearsals till noon today and then she just went back home, bathed and fell off too sleep after taking some pain medication. I think they cause drowsiness. She's been asleep since I got home."

"You're not lying to cover up for your cousin, are you Gemma?"

"What!" I shoot out, "No! No way! Why'd I do that! I'd call you and complain myself!"

"Gemmmaa," Khala must be frowning suspiciously on the other side of the line. I'm sure about it. I can't afford this, I can't afford to have her March here and then proceed to sue everyone. She has always been wary of Saara's profession. This will give her an opportunity to force Saara to make use of her degree in some other way.

"She really is sleeping, Khala. When she wakes up, I'll tell her you called, okay?"

"You're sure, nah?"

I gulp. No, I'm not.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Acha then. I'll talk to you girls tomorrow. Sweet dreams bubbah."

"Goodnight, Khala!"

When I put my phone away and slowly begin walking back towards the shower, I let out a long tired breath.

I'm going to have karma come to bite me in my arse.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Oh Lord, you won't believe how crazy it is downstairs. The media is having a field day," Magenta complains as she strides into the room, letting the door swing shut behind her while she continues to drop down unceremoniously onto the chair beside Saara's bed.

A glance in my wristwatch's direction and I shake my head when I notice that it's just nine in the morning. The paparazzi really know no sleep.

"I'm surprised how the security is able to filter the genuine people from these Paparazzis," I reply, feeling pity for all the people who must be having to face the brunt of the situation.

"They were already beginning to clear them out of the vicinity by the time I arrived. No one can do much, this is a private hospital and not government-run. It has its rules after all," Magenta shrugs before extending a paper-bag towards me, "I packed some chicken sandwich and that milk chocolate Isaac likes. There's enough for the both of you. Rich people rooms like this one have fridges, right?"

I can't help but laugh at that. Moving towards the mini-refrigerator, I pull the door open and taking a sand-which out, put the rest of the stuff into it, "Thank you so much for the breakfast, Mrs. Red! And to answer your question — " I smirk, tapping the door of the fridge, "This privileged room does have a fridge."

Mrs. Red scoffs, "Knew it!"

"So," her tone turns serious and she takes Saara's hands in her own, "How did all this even happen!?"

I let out a small sigh, and find myself moving around Saara's bed to the other chair placed there, "I don't know much myself, except the fact that Saara's CEO's ex-girlfriend ran her over because of jealousy."

"Oh Lord, that's awful! She should have run the boy over now, shouldn't she? Why bring an innocent girl into this?" Mrs. Red hisses scandalously, covering her mouth with her hands and then waving it around while she spoke.

"Exactly what I'm confused about! Only Saara and that CEO can answer us, to be honest,"

"Has she woken up yet?" Mrs. Red smiles at me sadly, rubbing Saara's arms lovingly while she does.

"Not yet. Her doctor came by around seven in the morning. She said Saara will hopefully wake up before 12,"

"I sure hope so," Mrs. Red shakes her head before turning back towards Saara.

"I hope so too,"

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I stare at the screen of my laptop, the page with my almost finished email requesting for my absence for the next week is open and I've been staring at t for the past five minutes trying to make it the utmost professional and convincing.

Of course, I'm sure Nathan will understand and agree regardless, but that's not to say my email should be any less professional.

"Oh, just press send already!" Mrs. Red whispers tiredly and pushes my hands over the mousepad of the laptop. I can feel the restlessness, I am restless too. And I'll be this way until this is done with.

I shake my head. I have written this as formally as I could have. This is it. I press send.

"Congratulations," Mrs. Red sounds relieved and I can't help but chuckle as I put my laptop away.

"Thanks,"

The sound of the hospital door opening quietly brings in the buzz of the busy hospital outside.

Both Mrs. Red and I find myself turning around to greet whoever it is that is coming in, only to stop when our gaze meets with the red-rimmed ones of Khristian.

Normally I'd be well on my way on reminding the man that he is not welcome here, but the mere glance at his condition stops me from doing anything but gape at him.

He's dressed impeccably, his hair is styled in a style that suits his face. But that face. It looks dead. Does this guy... does his guy really like Saara?

"Morning," I find myself greeting him, surprising both him and I after my hostility yesterday.

That is something else that catches my attention as well. He still came here knowing he isn't welcome. Does he really like Saara or is he scared he'll get sued?

He looks surprised. His red-rimmed, wide eyes meet mine across the bed and I can only hold my breath when he clears his throat, and finally replies, "I'm sorry."

Mrs. Red seems to catch onto the awkwardness because she immediately clears her throat and begins rummaging through her bag.

"Er, she's still unconscious," I clear my throat as well, turning back to Saara. Once again I find myself flinching at the sight of the colouring bruises on her olive skin.

"I— yes," Khristian sighs, surprising me when he runs his fingers across his hair in frustration, "I just wanted to see — I'm going back to the office now. I'm sorry for everything."

"Do you love her?" I surprise myself when I call out the question just as he reaches for the door.

"Do I even have the right to answer that question anymore?" I can hear it, his voice breaking as he tries to scoff out the question.

Despite everything I find myself smiling, "You didn't say no."

For a while, he just stands there, and Mrs. Red and I glance at each other. Then he opens the door and walks out.

"Well, that was intense!" Mrs. Red heaves out a relieved sigh.

"I know... right,"

Both Mrs. Red and I's head snaps to the bed and I find myself shooting up to my feet and cowering over a conscious Saara.

"You! Oh my God! Thank God!" I let myself grasp onto my cousin's hand, the tears that begin to fall down my cheeks come in streams and I don't even stop it.

"Do you know how scared I was!" I demand, starting to feel irritated seeing Saara grin at me guiltily.

"I was scared too. I missed you too," She sighs, her soft fingers pressing my skin weakly before giving up.

Then she turns towards Mrs. Red, "Can I get some water... please? Gem seems... useless right now."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

There was once a time in my life when I had thought of becoming a psychiatrist. Not really because of the profession. I just always liked the smell of hospitals. The people in here always seemed like they had a purpose. An aura of importance and sophistication. Then one day a rude nurse opened her mouth and my entire viewpoint on the people working in these large buildings changed.

I don't regret changing my career interests. I'm happy being an editor. Still, during times like this when the rain slides down the hospital's windowpane and everything is silent around me, I can't help but wonder what life would have been if I had ended up becoming a psychiatrist. Would I have met William earlier? Would I have liked him then as well?

"Thinking about how it would have been like you ended up being a psychiatrist?"

The smile that had somehow settled itself on my lips while I was thinking, brightens at Saara's question and I turn towards her with a grin, "How'd you know?"

"If it were up to Nani we'd both be working somewhere in this hospital today,"

"True!" I chuckle, slowly walking away from the window and settling down on the chair by her bed.

"Funny story, my grandma wanted me to become a rich man's wife," Mrs. Red scoffs, sounding amused just thinking about it.

"Sometimes I thought about getting a sugar daddy as well during College," Saara groans and I join her, "Me too! Especially before finals!" 

Just then the sound of the door click open sounds around the room, cutting short all of our giggling and grinning.

"Ah, Miss. Malik, I see you're doing better," Saara's doctor smiles at her, walking in with four more people behind her. Two nurses and two other doctors that I suspect are fellows or trainees right now.

"Yes, thank you so much, Doctor,"

Strangely, though, the nurses' attention isn't on Saara. Instead, their eyes find me and I witness as one of the nurses nudges the trainees who also snap their attention to me instantly.

Something in my chest curls in discomfort but I manage to send them a smile, regardless of whether they send one back. Of course, I know what's happening. I know it. The nurses did their thing last night. Everyone knows now. I wonder how William must be dealing right now.

Thankfully, they smile back at me too. I notice that they look surprised.

"You must be her guardian?"

My attention turns to the doctor, and for the first time I realise she's quite beautiful. I smile, "Yes. I'm her cousin."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. We have some paperwork you need to look over," she beams at me, extending her hand towards me. I glance down to notice a big diamond on her ring finger. Wow, doctors sure are rich.

I grasp her hand into mine gratefully, "The pleasure of all mine. Thank you for taking care of my cousin."

The door opens again and I can only turn my attention in the direction of the door when Isaac rushes into the room, Mary, and Olly trailing behind him.

"Mummyyy," Isaac whisper yells as he gets closer and closer until he's wrapped his arms around my legs and is looking up at me with a big grin.

"Hello!" I grin at the child, picking him up into my arms. I notice he's gotten a lot heavier over the past few months. Strangely, although that makes it difficult for me to pick him up, it makes me happier too.

"Grandma said aunty Saara is sick. Is she okay now?" Isaac whispers into my ears, I'm sure he's aware of all the people around us. I don't even have to look at the nurses and trainees to know that they look scandalised. I guess the hospital is going to get fresh gossip after they walk out of this room.

"You have an adorable son," A nurse chuckles awkwardly when I finally meet her eyes. They think Isaac's biologically mine?

"We'll be back to make around in the afternoon, Miss. Malik," The doctor clears her throat suddenly, giving the rest of the group a pointed glance before turning to Saara and me with a professional smile, "Make sure not to try walking around a lot. It'll just delay the healing process."

"Yes doc," Saara smiles at the doctor sheepishly, and I immediately find myself shaking my head as I continue to subconsciously bounce Isaac in my arms.  Of course, she was planning on doing the exact thing before she got told not to! Oh, Saara!

"Come here handsome," Saara turns to Isaac as soon as the group of 5 leaves the room, reaching out her hands towards the now giggling boy in my arms while I continue walking towards her.

Reaching her, I let Isaac down as he carefully settles himself beside his aunt and leans his head on her shoulder.

"You seem very sick aunty Saara," Isaac glances up at Saara and Saara's just about to wrap her arm around him when I turn my attention to the rest of the three people in the room.

"Olly, could you text William that you're all here? He wanted to know when you all visited," I smile gratefully at the bulky man standing behind Mary, who is still standing by the couch, looking at me over.

"Were you able to sleep comfortably last night? We brought food. Hopefully, Saara can have corn soup,"

"I can, thank you so much, Mary," Saara's voice sounds from behind me and I glance at her to see her and Isaac already beginning to watch something on her IPad. Saara's on her way to making Isaac a major anime fan like herself. I'm sure she's having fun because I have never been able to continue a lot of the anime she's watched since our childhood. 

"Thanks, Mary. I was able to get some sleep last night. The sofa's strangely comfortable," I smile at Mary before I begin padding my way towards her.  Covering the short distance in a few steps, I grasp her hardened with labour hands in mine and slowly begin leading her towards the sofa.

"Oh I was perfect—" Mary begins blushing, shaking her head when she realises my intention.

"I'd never let you stand around. Please sit," I squeeze Mary's hand, once again being reminded how close to my mum's image she seems in my head. Granted she is almost ten years older than my mum, and an entirely different race — but over the past few weeks I have come to feel a motherly sort of affection exuding from her.  I have can't explain it. Maybe she's trying to fill the void in her chest? Regardless, I've decided that I'll let her. I'll be her daughter figure if that's what makes her happy. She's always been nice to me since day one.

"Oh oh oh! Look at the way she's spoiling you! You're a very lucky woman, Mary! I wish I could have Gemma spoil me like this all the time," Mrs. Red pouts, and I find myself grinning at both the women.

"I do spoil you okay!"

"Gemma is too good for her own good," Mary smiles at me, and for a second, under the shadows of a certain angle, I even think that it's a sad one. A sad smile. Then she turns to Mrs. Red and grins, and I shake the thought away.

"Yes! Not everyone deserves your kindness, Gemma. Remember that," Mrs. Red warns me, and I nod enthusiastically, agreeing to her scolding.

"Yes, ma'am," I will remember that. But will that change anything? Don't people usually know something isn't good for them? Don't they do that anyway? What makes me innately different? I can be as foolish as anyone, can't I?

Despite my thoughts, I smile.

I hope not.

The door opens again, and I begin wondering if this really is a VIP room. Aren't these rooms supposed to have more privacy? More peace? 

When I see the person who's opened the door, walk-in, my thoughts fall away. A grin settles on my lips instead.

"Kris!"

"Hello, beautiful! I'm sorry I just got time to take a break, I was on call yesterday. It was hectic," Kris strides into the room, wrapping an arm around me casually before pulling both him and I towards Saara's bed.

"You're recovering faster than most would. Good job Malik!" Kris reaches for Saara's hand and she lifts her own hand to meet his halfway. She smiles at him warmly and for a second I actually wonder if something could boil up between them. Then the thought simmers down to absolutely nothing. I have a strange suspicion Saara likes Khristian. Which makes me scared. For her heart.

"Thanks, man. I can't wait till I can get out of here," Saara sighs, a sheepish smile on her face again. And why wouldn't it be? It makes sense that it is. That she can't really blame Khristian. After all, Khristian's girlfriend hadn't targeted her. She was not the one who was intended to get run over. No. She was the one who saw Khristian in the 'line of fire' and pushed him to the side.  She saved his life. At the risk of her own.

I can't help but send a worrying glance in Mrs. Red's direction. When Saara had told us about the events of the incident a few hours ago, I had found myself wondering where I had seen such a situation before. It didn't take me long to realise I had seen it many times in dramas or movies, and sometimes even in some novels.

It made me realise something. Something I am not even sure Saara has realised. And If she has, she isn't ready to accept it to anyone, maybe she hasn't even accepted it to herself. She's falling in love with her CEO.

It scares me. I suppose this aspect of love scares everyone. Maybe that's why some people try not to think about it. But will Kris catch her... if she falls? 

The dead eyes of the man in question float into my mind. His red-rimmed eyes and pale, hollow cheeks. I take in a steady breath. Yeah, maybe he'll catch her too.

"And where is our Gemma lost?" Saara chuckles with Kris and I find myself being pulled back to reality just as the door opens again.

This time in strides in William. His eyes instantly zeros onto his child before it eventually finds me, or maybe Kris' arm around my shoulder.  I notice the exact moment when he's attention sharpens on our point of physical contact and he begins striding forward.

"William! Good, you're here! I got lunch for all of us!" Mary speaks up when he reaches her range of sight.

Continuing in his stride, he glances at Mary with a grateful smile, "Thanks, Ma. I'm starving."

Mary seems thoroughly pleased at that and I can't help but smile at the man walking towards me. He always knows how to make people feel appreciated. Especially Mary.

When he reaches Kris and I, he smiles at Kris and takes Saara's clipboard from him, "Hey man. Updates?"

"She's recovering very nicely," Kris grins back, turning to a proud looking Saara.

"Good job," William smiles at Saara before turning to Isaac.

Seeing his father's attention on him, Isaac quickly begins trying to reach for him, stretching his arms towards his father.

It's truly a pretty sight to see when William immediately takes the boy in his arms and without a single moment of hesitation, places a kiss on his hair.

The warmth I always feel in my chest around these two makes a visit once again and I find myself silently echoing Saara's loud "Awwww!"

I don't think I'll ever be grateful enough for the scarceness of any hesitation towards showing affection the father and son have come to form over the last few weeks. Although it might seem a little far fetched to ask, I secretly hope that this relationship will continue. That even if Isaac is one day seventeen, he will not feel any hesitation in giving his father a sudden hug or kiss. I can only hope. Really, really hope.

"Had your lunch, kiddo?"

"Mmm... Not yet,"

"Gem?"

My eyes snap up to his, surprised, and I find myself shaking my head. A little tongue-tied at his usage of the shortened version of my name. It sounds more... endearing. More... intimate.

I notice Kris squeeze my shoulder comfortingly before removing his arms from around me when he leans forward to see something in Saara's iPad. Instantly I make my way the father and son duo looking at me expectantly.

"Not yet," I smile up at William, shivering when I feel his fingers slowly curling between the spaces of mine.

"Pretty sure everyone's starving here," Kris chuckles and in the giddiness of his actions, I surprise myself when I find myself handing William a playful pout.

I can almost swear his eyes widens and his gaze darts from my lips to my eyes.

Then his gaze hardens.

"Yeah," his voice is suddenly quite serious, "I'm starving."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Translations:
Acha = okay, Bubbah = baby, Khala = mum's sister, nah? = right?, Nani = maternal grandmother