Chapter 3

Crissy’s Point of View

Waking up at three in the morning. I climb out of bed and made myself some coffee. Sitting outside on the porch. It was raining, and the smell of the earth was being cleansed by nature. I’m not used to being alone for so long; Thomas is always around the house. When I need company, I usually talk to him. Luckily, he will be returning home later today. Then I can finally show him the puppy. I decide to text Alexander.

I text Alexander, Hey, are you awake? Not even two minutes went by. My phone buzzes. It was Alexander.

Hey beautiful. Why are you up this early? The text reads.

I couldn’t sleep. I apologise for bothering you, and I know this might seem strange, but do you maybe want to come over for coffee? I text back.

The next minute my doorbell rings. I was a little startled because who would be out this early in the morning? I opened the door, and it was Alexander. I find this strange, he lives a mile away, and his car isn’t here, and I just sent the message a few seconds ago. It’s a fifteen-to-twenty-minute walk.

“How?” I stutter

“How did I come here so fast? I was out for my morning jog, and as I passed your house, you texted me.” He says with a smile on his face.

“Oh, okay, that makes sense.” Something was still off with what he had just told me. I didn’t overthink it.

“Come in, please.” I step aside for him to walk past me. “So, how do you drink your coffee?”

“Black with two sugars, please.” As he says this, he starts to scan my home.

“I see your people skills are improving.” I let out a giggle.

“I want to make you smile. You have a gorgeous smile, did you know that?” He walk closer to me. It made me feel uneasy for a few seconds.

I stutter before saying, “Thank you. Here’s your coffee.” As he takes the coffee from my hand, his hand touches mine. His hands are so soft and warm. It almost feels like home.

“Stunning place you have here. You have the best view of this town.” While he says this, he walks to the porch.

“Thank you. Yeah, when I saw this house, I just had to have it and fight off two other families, but I won.” I say it proudly.

He starts to laugh, it was the first time I had heard him laugh, and it was soft yet loud.

“So, I’m sorry that I ask you to come over. My brother is usually here to keep me company, but he’s at a friend’s house, and I don’t have many friends that will come over at three in the morning.” I stare into the abyss while saying this.

“No worries, I’m glad you texted me. Also, I already sorted out your car, if you were wondering.” He stretched out his arm and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. I smile at him.

“Thank you. Well, you probably should be getting home, you kind of stick. So, take a shower before I meet you for coffee.” I stand up and lead him to the door. I opened the door he steps out.

He grins. “I will see you later.” I closed the door, and I took a deep breath. He is sweet in his annoying way. The thought ran through my mind.

As soon as he left my house, I could feel a chill running down my entire body. I never thought anyone would ever make me feel like that. It was a strange feeling; I don’t know to explain it. What am I doing? I can’t think about him like that, but I feel drawn to him for some strange reason.

I got dressed, and I just put on some natural-looking makeup. Not too much; otherwise, he might think I’m trying too hard. Oh shit, the puppy. I think he will be fine. I won’t be gone too long. He needs to learn to be alone for a while.

I left the house and went to town to meet Alexander, as I arrive at Annie’s coffee shop. Alexander is already sitting there. I climb out of my car and walk toward him just before I sat down, the guy that introduced himself as Austin shows up.

“Good morning, Crissy.” He smiles at me. Just the way he says my name makes my knees weak. I couldn’t help but smile at him. I might have looked like an idiot at that moment.

“Alexander.” He says his name with some anger. “If you would excuse us for just a moment, please? I need a word with my brother.” He stares at Alexander as if he was about to strangle him.

“Of course, take your time,” I say, a bit scared. Finding my seat.

As they were talking, it seemed very intense. I then decide to walk over to them. My legs were shaking like crazy. Shit, I hope they can’t see it.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but I think it’s best if I go home. It looks like you two have a lot to discuss.” I say, looking at both.

“I apologise, Crissy, but my brother should have wasted your time like time,” Austin explains.

“It’s okay, really. Alexander, I will see you another time. Goodbye, Austin. It was great seeing you again.” I say this with an awkward smile. 

“Drive safe, Crissy.” Austin smiles as I turn around and start walking to my car.

Before I climb into my car, I felt someone grab me, and we fell to the floor. Then the next moment, I heard a loud crash. When I opened my eyes, I was staring right into Austin’s dark brown eyes; after a few seconds, I snap to reality.

“What the fuck was that?” I blare out and made my way to my feet. “My car.” I stare at my car and then the building. I couldn’t see where the big rock that landed on my car came from. I stare at Austin for a while. Then stare at the ground.

“Are you alright?” Austin starts to inspect me to check if I had any marks or bruises.

“I’m…” I start to stutter, and finally, the words came out. “I’m fine. Thank you for saving me.”

“It’s not a problem. I’m just glad you’re not hurt.” He gives me a sincere smile.

I just shake my head. “Can you please take me home?” I mumble to Austin.

Austin just nods his head, and we start walking to his car. I just glance at my car and climb into Austin’s car. As we drove home, I was still in shock at what had just happen. We just sat in silence the whole ride home. After the drive, we came to a stop. I just sat in Austin’s car for a few minutes. I look at him and start to inspect every piece: his nose, mouth, eyes. I took a big breath, and climb out.

“Thanks for the ride,” I say with sadness in my voice.

“It was my pleasure. Are you sure you are alright?” He asks, concerned.

“Yeah, I’m sure.” As I turn around about to walk to my house. Austin spoke.

“Here’s my number if you would ever like to talk, and I will try and sort the things out with your car.” He passes me a piece of paper.

“No, no, it’s okay. I will handle it.” I took the paper with his number on it.

“I insist.” He says convincingly.

“Thanks. I’ll talk to you later.” While saying this, I hold the piece of paper in the air.

“Go get some rest, please.”

I nod as I turn to walk towards the house; Austin screams, “Goodbye, Crissy.” I just smile and went inside my house. Why do I get these chills when he speaks to me? The way he says my name, it just… Why does he make me feel this way? I hardly know him. At that moment of the incident, it was like I felt safe and at home.

Not long after I got home, Jimmy’s mom dropped off Thomas. Thomas runs inside with his bag; he then rushes to give me a big hug.

“How was your visit to Jimmy’s?” I ask, putting on a fake smile.

“It was awesome! We stayed up late playing video games. We just had the most fun.” He says with excitement.

“That’s amazing. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Oh, I got you a surprise.”

“Really, what is it?” He says with curiosity.

I called the little puppy, and it jumped out of his bed and ran to Thomas.

“A puppy?” He freaks out once seeing him. “Where did you get him?”

“I found him wandering the streets, and I know how much you always wanted a dog.” I couldn’t stop smiling. Seeing him so happy made my heart glow. “He still needs a name.”

“Thank you, Crissy! His name will be Max. Can I take him upstairs?”

“Sure, remember he is still a puppy and needs to be trained,” I say with concern.

“I will take good care of him, I promise.” While saying this, Thomas runs upstairs with Max.

My heart just jumps with joy, knowing Thomas was happy. Time for bed. After everything that had happened, I’m glad Thomas didn’t notice my car wasn’t in the driveway.