Late into the night, the house was quiet except for the occasional creak of the old wooden floors. The cool breeze from the hills outside drifted in through the open windows, carrying the scent of fresh earth.
Jake was in the kitchen, preparing a traditional noodle dish. The rich aroma of the noodle soup, spiced with local herbs and vegetables, filled the air.Lea lounged on the single couch, a soft blanket draped over her. The cozy warmth of the living room, combined with the rhythmic sound of Jake chopping vegetables, made her feel relaxed and at ease.From the kitchen, the sound of pots clinking and the delicious aroma of a home-cooked meal filled the air. Jake was bustling around, humming a tune she vaguely remembered from their younger days.The kitchen, living room and bedroom were all in the same space.
"Jake, you sure you know what you're doing in there?" Lea called out," I can help,you know. I am just a little unwell not completely invalid."Jake peeked his head around the corner, a spatula in hand and a playful grin on his face. "Hey, you need to learn to trust me, pretty lady. I wasn't that bad back then, was I?"
Lea laughed at the way he looked and talked. It was like he was the old Jake she used to know, untouched by the city ,unadulterated.She felt the baby give a little kick as if joining in the fun as she sat up to counter attack. "If I remember correctly, you once set the toaster on fire."
"That was years ago! I've improved. Plus, I'm making your favorite today." Jake protested ," Oh shit! " He exclaimed, running back to tend the pot. Lea smiled to herself, the nostalgia wrapping around her like a warm blanket. She closed her eyes, letting the soft hum of Jake's voice and the gentle sounds of cooking soothe her."Remember when we used to race to the kitchen to grab the last slice of pie?" she mused aloud.Jake chuckled from inside the kitchen. "Yeah, and you always won. I swear you had a sixth sense for dessert."
Lea sighed contentedly. "This is nice, Jake. Just like old times."Jake came back into the room, carrying a steaming bowl.He set it down on the small table next to her and crouched beside the couch, looking up at her with a soft smile. "Yeah, it is. I'm glad we came back here. Feels like home."
"Jake, do you think anyone noticed the helicopter?" Lea asked, her voice low.Jake looked up, wiping his hands on a towel. "Nah, not at this hour. Everyone's probably asleep. But come morning, I bet the whole town will be buzzing about it.Well, we're practically celebrities now. I hope you're ready for the paparazzi."
Lea noticed how he used the word 'we' instead of 'I' and she loved him for that. She reached out, grabbing his hand and pulling him down onto the couch beside her. "As long as they don't ask for autographs while I'm eating this delicious meal."Jake leaned in closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know, you might have to share some of this with our old friends tomorrow."
Lea mock-gasped, her eyes wide. "Share my soupy noodle? Over my dead body."Jake laughed, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I love it when you get all feisty."
She smiled, her heart swelling with warmth. "And I love it when you cook for me and we are like this."They leaned in involuntarily, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. The room seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in each other.Jake's hand moved to rest gently on her belly, feeling the life growing within.
"You know," Lea whispered against his lips, "I always dreamed of moments like this with you."Jake pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. "Me too, Lea. Me too."Suddenly, Lea sat up, her eyes darting towards the window. "Jake, I need some fresh air."
Jake frowned, concern flickering across his face. "Are you okay?"Lea nodded, already rising from the couch. "Yeah, just...need to clear my head for a moment."
She walked towards the door, wrapping the blanket tighter around her shoulders. Jake watched her go, a sense of unease settling in his chest. He stood up, following her outside.The night was crisp and cool, the stars scattered like diamonds across the dark sky. Lea stood on the porch, looking out at the quiet, empty landscape. The helicopter parked in the field was a distant silhouette against the horizon.Jake stepped up beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "What's on your mind, Lea?"She sighed, leaning into him. "Just thinking...."Jake kissed the top of her head, holding her close.
Just then his phone started ringing. He pulled it out and frowned, glancing at the number. It was Rosa. He immediately put it on silent and was about to slide it in his pocket but Lea looked at him and said, " I think you should take it. It's an odd hour for her to call. You still have unfinished business with her. It might be important. "
Lea turned around and went back inside, leaving Jake gaping as to what he ought to do. But Rosa didn't give him much choice. She kept calling again and again. And Jake's screen flashed with a number of incoming messages.
He pulled down the notification bar and glanced through one of the messages. The phone almost slid out of his hand. It had a pdf report for a DNA test and pictures of Rosa in a hospital bed. The message read, " I did the DNA test like you asked, Jake even though it was highly intrusive and very painful. But I am glad that I did. Guess what? The child is actually yours. Congratulations Jake. You are going to be a father! "
The world became a complete shade of black and grey as Jake slowly turned back to look at Lea. She was walking back to the couch with difficulty. He felt like he was living in a beautiful dream where there was only Lea, her baby and himself, in their old Town, with no other problem. But in his own hand, lay that poisonous blade, which was about to slash that dream into a million pieces. Everything they did to bridge the gap was going to start bleeding all over again.