They are at the hotel packing their things. They are going back since their purpose has been achieved. It was a day ago when they were able to talk to Nathaniel. What he learned is not what he expected at all. It didn’t come to him that Father Wesley could be dead and the worst is, he’s been killed. Nathaniel said that he had gone to the church to perform his duties. It was supposed to be an ordinary day. He should’ve been safe in it, like every other time he went there. But it wasn’t. His heart skipped a beat when he saw Father Wesley lying on the ground. He had a sword through his abdomen.
“He was still conscious when I arrived. I was supposed to call for help but he stopped me saying if I could get help, he would still not be able to make it. I still remember his voice sounded weak and breathy from having so much blood flow out of him. But he still kept talking and telling me things I should do after he’s gone.”
“I’m sorry about what happened,” he said
“Are you really sir Kendrick’s friend?” Nathaniel asked and they nodded.
“I remember he mentioned someone named the same as you, sir Alexander. He said that you are a copy of Sir Edward. And I do think he was right, now that I am looking at you, sir.”
“You know my father?”
“Yes, sir Kendrick and your father would visit in the convent often. But after we’ve heard that your father died, sir Kendrick rarely visits anymore. And that day after sir Kendrick’s last visit, Father Wesley decided we should leave this place and not come back for a while.”
“Do you know the reason?”
“Not at that time. But before the day of Father’s death, he told me something about an item.”
“And what is it?”
“I don’t know sir. Father said was to give sir Kendrick his diary. He said everything he wanted to know is there. But I think I should give this to you since sir Kendrick is dead.”
Nathaniel pulled out a notebook from his bag and handed it to him. After a few words, they left.
They arrived late at night. He looked at her window and the lights were out. She might have been sleeping already. Maybe not? Or perhaps she was awake, waiting for his arrival? He would be glad if that is true but she is still reluctant of him. He decided not to get his hopes up and just went directly to his room. It is enough for him that she shows no sign of going away.
In the morning, he gets ready as usual; his clothes, combed hair, and shoes all in a place. There was a breakfast waiting for him when he arrives in the kitchen. It must have been prepared by the housekeeper. But it was a bit unusual because the coffee has a different taste. It is sweet but something else lingers on his tongue. Something he can’t put his finger on yet. After he drank the last drop, he goes to take a look at the food, which seemed very well prepared, with some spices here and there.
After having his breakfast, he went to his study and brought the diary. He was reading and wanted to have that coffee. He called the housekeeper and asked for it. He took a sip and found that something was wrong with it. The sweetness was there but it seemed too bland. Not even the slightly sweet. It tasted like…he couldn’t say what but he could feel it. That was strange but also quite pleasant. But he was sure that that is not the coffee he had earlier.
“Nana, I want the coffee I had in my breakfast.”
“I’m sorry sir. It was Kelly who made that coffee. I had an emergency earlier after preparing the food so I asked for her help. I would go and tell her to make you sir.” she said, then bowed and went out. But he called her again.
“Nana. Have her serve the coffee here herself. You may now go.” he said calmly and gave her one more nod. Then she left. He didn’t know he was smiling until then.
Kelly knocked and came in with a cup of coffee in her hand. She placed it on his desk without saying anything. Then she turned around and left. He took another sip of coffee. It tastes really nice and not like any other coffee he had tried before. Then he turns to another page of the diary and continued reading.
He decided to look for her and thank her for the coffee. He found her in the field sitting under a tree with a book in her hands. She was reading something but he couldn’t really make out what it was. As she saw him approaching, she put the book down to meet his gaze.
She looked at him with a warm smile on her face. She looked in a good mood.
“Hello there. What can I do for you? she asked.
He smiled back at her and sat beside her.
“Thank you for the coffee. It was very good.”
“Oh. You are welcome.” she looked at the ground as if she wanted to ask something else, but instead changed her mind.
“So… how have you been lately?” he said trying to get to know her more.
She looked at him for a few seconds before smiling again.
“I am well. Yourself?” she asked looking at him through her long eyelashes.
He skipped a beat seeing her smile. How could someone so beautiful be so damn sexy? He wanted to kiss that perfect mouth of hers but he controlled himself not to.
“Good. I have been doing great.” He replied trying to stop the blush forming on his cheeks.
“Good to hear,” she answered still with a smile.
He knew she must be curious about why he was there and what he had to say, but he didn’t want to tell her. Not now, anyway. Maybe once they become friends. But before that, he would need to gain her trust first.
He looked away from her.
“So… what is your favorite color?” he asked looking around at the beautiful scenery.
“I don’t have a favorite color… I guess black or blue would be my preferred color. I prefer white over red though.” she answered smiling.
He nodded thinking. They kept talking for another half hour until it got dark and they needed to go back. They had dinner together and he felt something strange in his chest when she laughed and smiled like that. He thought it must be the same feeling he got whenever he saw someone else laugh, or smile like that. Like he could just see into her heart through those sparkling eyes and the light blush on her pale cheeks and the way her lips curled into a tiny smile. He felt that they have gotten close. His fingers itched to reach out and touch her cheek, run his finger across her lips, and leaned in close and kissed her
‘Stop it! Just stop it right now.’ he told himself sternly but he still continued.
Their kiss was getting deeper and slower than before as his hands reached up and cupped her face. He moved one hand down to tangle in her hair pulling her closer as their mouths fused together. She tasted so sweet and he wanted nothing more than to eat her whole.
But she broke apart. Breaking the kiss with a gasp. She stared back at him wide-eyed and flushed as if she couldn’t believe what she had done. Tears welled up in her eyes and she turned away quickly running up the steps of his house and entering her room. His stomach dropped. The guilt gnawed at him. He had been so stupid. Of course, she wouldn’t want that. And yet, he couldn’t get the image of her so perfect, pure, and innocent, and now he had just completely defiled her, out of his mind.