Simple Beginning...

Under the gentle morning sun peeking through the curtains, I stir to the sound of his oh-so-familiar voice.

"Morning, beautiful," he greets me, like clockwork. I stretch lazily, half-opening my eyes to meet his gaze. There he stands, holding breakfast on the cutest rabbit-shaped tray you ever did see.

At twenty-two, I might be officially an adult, but the way he fusses over me like a treasured baby still secretly tickles my heart. He sets down the tray, closes the gap between us, and pulls me into a cozy embrace.

"I wish I could keep my little one like this forever," he whispers all affectionate. I can't help but roll my eyes at his dramatic flair. Dad's struggling to let go, knowing I'm about to head off to work nearly 150 km away.

"Dad, come on," I chuckle, freeing myself from his grip.

"I promise, your little baby will visit every weekend." I flash him a reassuring smile, hoping to ease his worries. Thankfully, he relents, and we decide it's shopping time for some new college clothes.

Later, stepping out into the world, my neighbor shoots me a warm smile.

As I head out, my neighbor beams at me.

"Hey, Ara," she says, sounding genuinely glad to see me. I return the greeting, although maybe not quite as enthusiastically. I catch her eyes trailing behind me, and suddenly her smile fades.

"I still can't figure out where you got those killer genes from," she muses, a look I've come to loathe creeping onto her face. I offer a polite smile and a grateful response.

"Guess I lucked out they didn't come from the same place as your daughter's." With that, I grab my dad's hand and dive into the car, eager to dodge the awkwardness.

As we drive along, an awkward silence hangs in the air. I glance over at my dad, trying to find the right words.

"Dad..."

"It's okay, sweetie," he interrupts, his voice gentle and understanding.

"I know the deal. These genes are not mine, but having a daughter as drop-dead gorgeous as you is a blessing I'll take any day." He chuckles, trying to lighten the mood. I manage a smile, though inside it's a whirlwind of emotions.

"But you know," I continue, his eyes full of love, "to me, you're the most beautiful person on the planet, regardless of where my genes come from.."

"Absolutely, my kiddo," he says, all tender, his heart wrapped around my words.

I tease, a grin tugging at my lips, "And where did you learn all those cool slangs? Quit hanging out with kids half your age!" We burst into laughter, the sound filling the car as we share a lighthearted moment.

And in that moment, as we laugh, I realize it's not where I got my genes from or what anyone else thinks—it's the love and bond I share with my dad that makes me feel gorgeous, cherished, and oh-so-understood.

Today's the day I leave, but I've got a weird pain in my right leg. Oh well, beautiful day, beautiful life, and hey, beautiful me. Ready to rock my new adventure out of this town!

"Ara!" Dad's in a full-blown panic mode, making sure I don't leave anything behind that I'll bawl my eyes out for later.

"Dad, I'll be back every weekend, remember?" But he's still bustling around the house like a worried hen. That's when he slips and his wig goes flying. Embarrassment colors his face, but he tries to muster a smile. I rush over, helping him up and carefully placing his wig back.

"No biggie, it's alright "I assure him, my smile reflecting understanding. . I want him to know he doesn't need to be flawless; he's perfect to me just as he is.

"Now, let's put the running on hold and bid each other farewell." I wrap him in a tight hug, and he holds on like he's never letting go, tears trickling down his cheeks. I pat his shoulder, my own eyes a bit misty, and we share a heartfelt embrace.

"I'll be back every weekend, just watch."

He chuckles through his tears, wiping them away before planting a soft kiss on my forehead.

"Take care," he whispers.

I drive away, feeling the breeze on my face. It's strangely refreshing.

The house stands grand and imposing, radiating an air of history. The colors, the stone choices, it all exudes a captivating old-world charm. It's a feast for the eyes and a hug for the soul, this beautiful place.

My finger brushes the doorbell, and like a magical response, the door swings open revealing a good-looking, fine tall guy with black hair, blue eyes. He's in his early twenties and he's softly tousling his hair. Now, it's clearer why he's been considering a complete modern overhaul for this house. The current ambiance feels slightly too aged for his taste. He beams at me with a sincere, generous smile.

"Hello, Charlie here," he introduces himself, extending his hand, and I respond with a handshake.

"Hey, Ara here."

"Please, come on in," he gestures, inviting me into the living space and pointing towards the sofa.

"Would you prefer tea, coffee, or perhaps something cold?" he inquires, he asked with his doe eyes struck on my doe eyes.

"Anything is perfect," I reply, my smile warm as he retreats to the kitchen.

I glance around the house, appreciating its beauty and meticulous upkeep, yet sensing a void that leaves it feeling somewhat empty.

I decided to head into the kitchen, eager to make this place friendlier since we'll be sharing it for a while.

"Hey. Would it be alright if I joined you here?" He chuckles.

"Absolutely, I'd welcome the company." I understand that he's a decent guy, but maybe a little lonely. And he wish he could find a lover that can hold him. Crying in his roo...

*"You good?" he is definitely confused.*Yeah, I zoned out and was probably belting out a tune in my head, complete with expressions. Time to switch gears.

"Are you residing alone in this grand house?" I ask, settling onto the counter beside the stove. He understood I avoided the topic and chuckled lightly and then answered.

"Yeps. My parents left me at two days old, and my grandparents parted ways when I turned fifteen. Hence, I've been flying solo ever since." Oh! This is totally heart breaking.

"I am so sorry."

"Please don't be," he responds with a smile.

"I'm adapting well, and now, I'm genuinely very happy to have a friendly roommate who's comfortably perched on the counter, chatting with me as we've known each other forever, when we have just introduced ourselves"

His laughter echoes, and I close my eyes, trying to look embarrassed, yet I'm unable to suppress my smile.

"Well, this is simply my nature, and for the coming months, you'll have to bear with it," I admit and he wears a warm smile. 

"Regarding work, my team will be here bright and early tomorrow."

He nods, saying, "That sounds fantastic. Now, would you prefer to move and have your tea or stay here and enjoy it?" I can see his playful expression so I observe him with a slight narrowing of my eyes.

"Moving it is," I declare playfully, jumping off the counter to accept the cup Charlie offers.

"Thank you," I say with a touch of sarcasm, and together we make our way to the sofa. I can sense his laughter trailing behind me.

*"HOLD THAT LAUGHTER!!!"*That's when he bursts into a full-on laugh, like it's been bottled up inside forever. And I can't explain why, but suddenly I'm laughing right alongside him, wholeheartedly sharing in the joy.

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