Intensity

“Eyes tell us what our words can’t.”

I was deep in thought when someone placed their hand on my shoulder as I screamed and jumped in surprise, "Hey-hey, Rose, what happened?" Asked Aiden, steadying me as he held both of my upper arms in his while my right hand rested against my chest."

Sighing in relief, "Nothing, I'm fine." I spoke.

He brushed free tendrils of my hair from my forehead as they were sticking to my forehead, "You don't look fine, Rose." Said Aiden, searching my eyes for something.

I shook my head in denial, "I was thinking something, you surprised me." I said and smiled a bit.

But I knew I couldn't fool Aiden as he was too smart for himself. Trying to change the topic, "You need anything?" I asked.

Squinting his eyes at me for a second, he breathed out and said, "Ah-yes. Linda left for work and I thought you were sleeping so I woke the twins up and they both are ready for school."

Her eyes widened, as a smile took over her features, "Did you really handle the twins by yourself? I mean you three weren't busy playing this time." I asked, trying really hard not to laugh.

He rolled his eyes and turned around to leave before he looked at his shoulder and said, "Breakfast is ready, come out when you're ready." And then he left.

I furrowed my eyebrows as I didn't understand the meaning of his words, I was ready, why wouldn't I…

"Fuck!"

When I looked down, I found myself standing in a bathrobe. After face-palming myself, I groaned and walked towards my closet to change into something presentable.

.

.

.

After dropping the kids off at their school, I asked Aiden to drop by my favorite cafe for some time. He didn't question me as he knew whenever I needed alone time, I would always visit this cafe.

Why wouldn't I?

The cafe was situated at a place from where I could get a perfect view of the sea. Also, the staff was civilized and very important, they had the best coffee in the whole area.

Just what I need.

When we reached the cafe, I got out of the car, "I'll be back at three o'clock." Informed Aiden as I nodded at him and walked inside the cafe.

There was something calm about this cafe, the soothing aroma instantly calmed my nerves as I neared the counter.

"Hey there young lady!" A voice greeted me from behind the counter, breaking the train of my thoughts.

Looking up, I smiled at her, "Hello Mrs. Lee, how are you today?" I asked.

I've been a regular customer of this cafe, resulting in each and every one of the staff knowing me. And, Mrs. Lee was the lady who had been working here for the last ten years. She was a very generous old lady, and she helped me whenever I needed her.

"I'm good, how are you and your kids?" She asked, as her light green eyes reflected warmth.

"We are fine, they started their school a week back."

"Very good, you might be relieved for the time being they are in school." She asked while arranging the things on the counter.

"Yeah, but I'm also busy with my current assignment," I said, sighing.

"Hmm... how's that Wellesley boy doing?" She asked with an evil glint in her eyes and then I knew where this conversation would lead.

"He's doing good," I said before she could ask her favorite question again,

"Rose!" A baby voice called out my name. I looked at the source of the voice and smiled as Alexander came inside the cafe, running with his two small feet.

"Hey!" I grinned and picked him up as soon as he reached near me. He kissed my cheek and wished me good morning and I did the same, "You came here alone?" I asked.

"No, I'm with him." Answered a voice behind me, I turned around and looked at the forest greens that looked so familiar every time I saw them, but I couldn't remember where I saw them.

Remembering the dream, my cheeks warmed again, as after calming my nerves, "Xavier, good morning." I greeted him with a smile.

"Good morning," he answered as he neared us.

"How come you are here?" I asked.

"I was dropping him off at the school but before that, he wanted to eat the chocolate brownies." He said looking at Alex who was smiling widely at the mention of his favorite brownies.

I turned towards Mrs. Lee, who was observing us with great interest as I said, "Mrs. Lee," I called her and she looked at me with clouded eyes, "The kid would have some chocolate brownies, and I'll have my usual." I said, but then I remembered Xavier as I turned around and asked, "What would you like to have, Xavier?"

He shrugged, "Whatever you're having." He spoke.

His demand was a little surprising, before I could say anything, "Noted. How about you take a seat and I'll send your order." Mrs. Lee suggested as I nodded and walked towards my usual spot.

While I was going to my spot with Alex in my arms, I heard Xavier saying something to Mrs. Lee, "Please, don't add almonds to his brownies. He's allergic to it. Thank you."

I turned around and frowned, before asking anything I made Alex sit on the window side as I sat beside him, when Xavier was also seated in front of me, I asked, "He's allergic to almonds?"

He registered the surprise on my face and asked, "Yes, why?"

Again, it felt like he knew something but pretending to be unknown about the subject.

"It's just..." shaking my head, I said, "Nothing."

Before he could ask further, a waiter came with a plate full of brownies and placed it on the table, "Thank you." I mumbled it to him as he left and I shifted the plate to Alexander's side. He clapped his hands in glee and started eating a brownie as I watched him with a smile.

In order to change the subject, I turned to look at Xavier to say that Isaac and Isabella were also in the same school but words froze on my tongue as I saw him staring at me with his forest greens with such intensity that they literally caged my honey browns.

It felt like he wanted to say something, but what?