Elora
"Wait baby, Cal will be here soon." In the past three months, Isra has become really attached to Cal. Every time he's not around, she cries and I can barely calm her down.
And every time he takes her in his hands she smiles and giggles like she was not crying minutes ago.
It must be because he spoils her a lot. He plays with her every time he's around, throwing her in the air which makes her laugh out loud and fill the room with her sweet giggles. Everything she wants, he does.
"Isra, baby, please. I know." Today we were going to visit Cal at his house. His work was finishing soon and he said that he was going to pick us up. I felt guilty that he had to drive here just so he could take us because I didn't have a car nor did I have a driver's license.
I took her in my arms and started walking around the apartment, I gave her toys in her hands but she dropped them and continued to sob. My heart was breaking.
The phone started to ring and I quickly went to grab it. Cal's name flashed and I let out a sigh.
Pressing on the green circle, I brought the device close to my ear.
"Hey, Elora." His strong voice echoed through the speaker. Before I could respond, he spoke again. "Is everything alright with Isra?" He sounded worried as he heard her soft cries.
"Yeah, I just feed her but she misses you. And I can't seem to calm her down." About ten minutes ago I breastfed her and she was quiet for about five minutes before she started to cry again.
"Oh, okay. I'll be there in..." He paused for a second and I heard ruffling noises, also some of his coworkers talking. "Probably ten to fifteen minutes. I'll try my best to be there as quickly as possible."
"I'm sorry Cal. Really." He shouldn't be in a hurry just because of us but I couldn't calm my Isra. Her tears soaked my sweater and she rested her head on my shoulder.
"It's fine Elora. Don't worry, I'm finishing with work." We said goodbye and I threw the phone on the couch. I walked towards my bedroom and took some newly washed clothes for Isra.
I placed her on the bed and started changing her diaper and then clothes. Her hair was starting to grow longer and I used that opportunity to tie a small ponytail on top of her head. Also, her hair was getting lighter, almost like mine.
Taking her hands, I lifted her on her legs. She was able to stand but only with my help. My baby was getting grown up and I felt a pain tug on my heart. It's like yesterday when I held her in my hands for the first time.
I was sad yet the happiest person in the world.
The next thing I did was prepare her bag. I put diapers and a few of the essentials that I needed. We'll be there for dinner but I don't know what Isra might do. She loved smearing her clothes with food.
The doorbell rang and I sat Isra on the couch and hurried to the door. I opened it and I was greeted by Cal.
My mouth stayed open as I roamed my eyes over him. He was still in his uniform. The jacket was open and revealed a tight black t-shirt that was stretched over his torso.
I felt my throat get dry at the sight in front of me. I have seen him in a uniform before but this time, it was more... casual.
"I was able to leave a few minutes earlier." He said but no words were able to come out of my mouth. I nodded instead and let him in.
The apartment suddenly became too small with his presence here.
"How are my girls doing?" He extended his hands and took Isra in his arms. My stomach tightened with a foreign feeling at his words.
My girls
He must have said it subconsciously, but my heartbeat increased. I had to keep myself in check. He was my daughter's uncle after all.
Isra's face immediately lightened up and a barely audible giggle escaped her lips. Her head fell on his chest as she glued her small body to his torso. She was always happy to see him. And so was I.
Cal has been in our lives only for three months but it felt like I have known him for years. He was always here with us. He made sure to help with everything I needed and was determined to be the best uncle for my Isra.
"I'll just grab the coat and we can go," I said as I hurried to my bedroom. I took the coat and threw it over my shoulders. My hair was down and I didn't care to put up.
When I walked into the living room Cal was holding Isra and they were waiting for me at the door.
I took everything I needed and we got out.
His jeep was parked in front of the building and Cal placed Isra on her back seat. He secured the belt around her and then opened the door for me. I noticed that he started doing this and I can say that I absolutely enjoyed it.
"We'll go to the store quickly. I didn't go before because I was rushing to pick you two up." He said as he started the car.
"Okay. Again I'm sorry you had to hurry up."
"Don't worry about that, Elora." His eyes found mine for a second and a smile formed on his lips. I loved how he was saying my name. I actually started loving it.
The weather was getting colder and I tightened the coat around me.
It was mid-November and as much as I loved the cold weather, I was rather in a warm place, wrapped up in a blanket.
I couldn't wait for the snow though. Isra was going to experience it for the first time.
Cal parked the jeep in front of the store and we got out. He held Isra in his hands while I pushed the cart around.
He said that he was going to cook us dinner so followed him around while he shopped.
When we walked past the fruit section, my eyes stayed on the oranges. I loved them.
I watched Cal go to the vegetables as he took whatever he needed and then put them inside the cart. My gaze wandered around when I saw Cal place a bag full of oranges next to the other products.
I tilted my head to look at him. He didn't say anything as he smiled and continued with shopping.
"You're probably tired and now you have to carry Isra around. I can do that if you want and you can push the cart around." I said after a while.
He turned to me. "I can carry both of you in my arms and I won't get tired, Elora. Don't worry yourself about me. Hmm?" As soon as he said the words my cheeks heated.
It was not a secret that Cal had a strong build. It was evident. So I nodded and we continued.
Isra tried to reach for the shelves but Cal successfully stopped her by distracting her with her hair.
After he took everything he needed and added a few more products that I liked, we made our way to the cash register.
The worker was a young guy, maybe around my age. When he scanned the last product he threw a friendly smile my way.
As soon as he did, I felt a hand sneak around my waist. It was Cal.
The guy nodded and then I watched Cal pay for everything. He again placed his hand on my back while I pushed the cart to his car.
We went inside and he drove off.
Cal lived outside of town, at least that's what he told me. He only worked here. Maybe that's why I've never seen him around.
It's not like I was going out and meeting new people but I lived here my whole life and I would have seen him somewhere.
The road became more peaceful as we started to approach his house. The trees decorated everything around us and I wanted to get out and run my hands over the branches and leafs.
A small house appeared in my vision and Cal stopped the car. We got out and he took Isra in his hands.
The house was two-story yet very beautifully structured. It had a terrace at the front and a big garden all around. There were a couple of more houses here and there.
I helped him carry the bags.
"This is beautiful Cal." I roamed my eyes all around. There was a swing chair on the terrace. I always wanted one.
"You like it?"
"I love it. It's truly beautiful." And it was. The house looked more like a modern cottage. Like the ones you see on the internet. All kinds of flowers decorated the garden. White, red, pink, purple.
I didn't know that Cal would have a nit yard like this one.
"Let's get inside. It's cold." We walked up the stairs and he opened the door. As soon as we stepped inside, the warm air welcomed us like a hug.
It was cozy and very clean. The first thing I noticed was the living room that had big comfortable-looking sofas. Then on the side where the window was, stood tall bookshelves filled with all kinds of books.
There was also a fireplace opposite the couch.
The kitchen was on the left and had a small island in the middle. It was made of dark wood and complimented the whole place.
I could say that Cal was full of surprises.
"I'll shower first and then, I'll be back to you." I nodded as he disappeared through one of the doors which must be his room.
The bags that were in my hand were placed on the kitchen counter before I walked to Isra and sat her down on the fluffy carpet.
I gave her some of the toys I had in my bag and she began to play.
On the other hand, I walked towards the bookshelves. I miss reading. I used to read a lot of books in high school and at the beginning of college. But after I had Isra, I didn't have much time to do so.
I ran my fingers over the beautiful hardcovers. They were in different colors and textures.
The door opened and I turned around. Cal stood there with grey sweatpants and a black long sleeved t-shirt.
"I didn't know you like to read books," I spoke after a second, trying not to stare at his perfectly sculpted body.
"Yeah, I was kind of a nerd back in high school. Mom always complained that I used all of the money I made on books."
"I used to read a lot as well."
"You can borrow any book you want." Warmth spread through my body. It was the small things he did and said that made my heart flutter.
"I also want to show you something." He said and took Isra in his hands. "You too." She dropped her toys and stayed in his arms.
I followed behind him and then he opened another door in the hallway.
Just as I set my foot in the room, my eyes widened.
"This will be a room for Isra when she visits. What do you think? It was originally a storage room but I'm still working on it. Also, I started building her bed." He pointed to the frame for a small bed.
"Do you like it, Isra?" He spun her around.
"Cal you didn't have to do this. It's too much." My eyes almost welled up with tears at the thoughtfulness of all this. He was making a room just for Isra.
"Of course, I have to. You two will be always in my life. I don't plan on being in her life now and then disappearing later on. I'll always be here." My gaze wandered around and I noticed the packages with more furniture.
The room was painted in beige colors and had some stickers shaped in all kinds of animals and cartoon characters.
"It's amazing. Thank you." He then showed me his plan for the room. He told me where he would put all of the stuff and also how he was going to build her a wooden rocking horse.
Cal was excited to show me all around the house.
He said that the garden was his mom's doing and he continued to watch over it. His mom apparently lives pretty far away from here and visits only when she can.
"Let's make the dinner, I'm sure you are starving." I hummed because I really was starving.
I put Isra on the carpet again and she continued to play with her toys. I rolled up the sleeves of my sweater and began to help Cal around the kitchen.
He was making a steak with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes. It was one of my favorites.
Cal was going to be cooking the steak while I started with cutting the vegetables and then continued with the mashed potatoes.
We worked around the kitchen, and in the mean time, we shared how our day went. I was always curious about Cal's stories about his work. It was always something interesting.
Then I told him about the new products that I had in plan. Which were new scents for the bath bombs and for the candles.
After a while, I took Isra in my hands and sat her on the island.
I took some of the cooked vegetables and potatoes and mixed them together in the blender. It was her time to eat. I did so while Cal was still preparing the steaks.
I scooped some of the mixture into the spoon and brought it to her mouth. Because she was hungry, she eagerly parted her lips and ate the food.
Her hands reached for the bowl and before I could stop her, she placed her palm on my hair and smeared the food all over me.
"Isra..." I stepped back and looked down at myself. She laughed and smeared some more on herself.
"What happened?" Cal stepped towards us and looked at the food all over us. "Oh..."
"I'll go and change her." I wiped her hands and then took her in my arms.
"You can shower if you want." He said as he pointed to the food on my hair and sweater. I didn't have clothes though. Also, I didn't really know if this was a good idea.
"I'll borrow you some of my clothes. A t-shirt and sweatpants." I chewed on my lip and then slowly nodded. I didn't have any other choice.
"You first change Isra and I'll go and find some clothes and a towel."
"Okay." I went through my bag and took Isra's extra clothes. Thankfully I always carry underwear with me because my period tends to surprise me.
I cleaned her and changed her clothes. "You cheeky little thing." She extended her hands and I kissed her small palms.
We walked towards where Cal was and he took Isra while I took the clothes he prepared for me.
He showed me where the bathroom was and I went in. It was small yet very organized. It had a bathtub next to a big window. The shower stall was on the other side and I stripped from my clothes and stepped in.
The shower I took was very quick. His shampoos smelled amazing and after I was done I dried my hair with the towel and pulled his clothes on. I must look ridiculous because they were too big on me.
When I got out, I spotted Cal with Isra while they were preparing the table with the food.
I ran my hand over the t-shirt and made my way over to them.
Cal's eyes ran over my body and he quickly averted them away.
"The food's ready." We sat down and dug into the dinner. Outside the sun was set and the stars started to appear.
I didn't plan to stay here this long but I guess we'll stay for a while.
Isra was on Cal's lap and we slowly finished with the food. "You're an amazing cook." I praised him and wiped my mouth with the napkin.
"Thank you."
He laid Isra on the sofa while we went into the kitchen and started cleaning. I must say that this felt really nice. I wish we could have nights like this more often.
My hands would occasionally go to the sweatpants to make sure they were not going to fall. That would be the peak of embarrassment.
"Thank you for everything, Cal. I appreciate you cooking for me. Isra also really enjoys your company as you know. She tends to be in a bad mood when you're not around."
"I always miss her as well. She knows how to get people to love her." He laughed at the last words and I grinned. She really was. Isra was very cheerful and playful around people she was comfortable with.
She didn't really cry as much and didn't complain even if you gave her the most basic toy. She only complained when Cal was not around.
I turned around and glanced at her. She was asleep.
"We should go. Isra is asleep..." I said as I faced Cal.
He scratched the back of his neck and looked at Isra on the sofa.
"You can stay here if you want. I mean we'll disturb her sleep. You can take my bed and I'll sleep here on the couch." I felt my throat get dry at his proposition.
"Only if you're comfortable with that of course." He smiled softly and I glanced at Isra again. Should I consider it? I mean he'll have to drive me home then be back here and also if she wakes up it will be hard for me to get her to sleep again.
"I... fine. We can stay. But I hope we are not disturbing your night."
"Of course you're not, Elora. I'm always happy to be around you two."
"Okay then. I'll take her to the bed." It wasn't safe to leave her on the sofa for too long. She likes to turn and toss around the bed at night and I didn't want her to fall down.
"I'll bring some wood for the fireplace and start it." He nodded and walked outside while I took Isra to his bedroom.
I lifted her tiny body and quietly laid her on the giant bed. I placed her in the middle so she could comfortably stretch her arms and legs.
A light kiss was planted on her head and I covered her with a blanket.
I left the door open and made my way to the living room.
I grabbed the baby monitor and turned it on. I'll feel better if I can see her through this.
After I was done, Cal walked inside and started the fire. The atmosphere changed immediately. Back home we didn't have one and I always imagined how it would be to sit close to a fireplace and enjoy the peaceful moment.
"I'll make us tea if you want. It's not that late for us to sleep." It was only 9 pm and for me, it was too early to go to sleep. Given having Isra, she usually falls asleep late but today just like on purpose she fell asleep earlier.
I shook my head up and down and I went to sit by the fireplace. The sound of burning wood filled the room. The warmth from the fire covered my face and I sighed.
A few minutes passed and I felt a presence next to me. Cal sat on my left and extended his hand that had a cup of tea. "Here."
"Thank you. It smells good." I thanked him and took a hold of the cup. The hot liquid burned my throat as soon as I took a sip but I didn't care. I craved the feeling of autumn evenings.
The baby monitor was next to me and I glanced at it every few minutes. I placed the cup on the floor.
"I sometimes get scared. Isra is growing up so fast. Also, I feel like she's missing out on a lot. By not having a father, You know?" Cal turned to me and his eyes immediately found mine. The look in them shifted into something that made me feel like someone was finally hearing me. Hearing what I had to say.
"What if she hates me for my mistake? When she grows up and she asks about her father. What am I going to say?"
"Don't think like that, please. You are an amazing mother, Elora. Isra is lucky to have you as her mom. You've gone through everything alone and you are still so strong and amazing." He lifted his hand and tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear.
His fingers lingered on my skin, tracing my jawline. They then went to my lips where he gently ran them over my beauty mark on top of them.
"You're the most incredible person I have ever met, Elora." My breath hitched when I felt him lean forward.
Our faces were so close yet so far away. So before I could change my mind, I tilted my head and our lips touched.
Cal immediately laced his fingers into my hair and tugged me closer. The honey taste of the tea lingered on our tongues as we got lost in each other.
I have not kissed anyone since the night with Rick. Never been this close to a man either.
I angled my head to the side and allowed Cal to deepen the kiss. The way our lips danced in sync made my heart skip a beat. I never knew that kissing could feel this good.
My hand went over his heart and I smiled when I felt it beat fast. Mine did as well.
"Please, stay." Cal pleaded and it sounded like his words had a double meaning.
"Please, Elora." I hummed and cupped his face. A fire started to burn in my heart at the intensity of the feelings that were emerging within me.
A whine echoed through the baby monitor and we quickly pulled away. My lips tingled and they felt sore.
"I should check on her." I blushed and grabbed the monitor.
"Yeah." He agreed but before I stood up, he leaned down and placed a light kiss on my lips yet again. It was gentle and soft. Like it was meant to bring me comfort. Which it did.
On shaky legs, I walked towards Isra and stroked her hair till she fell asleep again.
My lips lifted upwards when I looked down at her. I still felt the kiss as my eyes started to close on their own.
Thoughts?
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