His Little Amelia

|36| • Everest

This was the first time I had been the one confessing to a woman before she did. I knew I was keen on baby steps but I got a bit impatient. As my baby said, it was okay to be a little selfish at times, right? Ah, I had no idea.

The giddy feeling in my chest proved stubborn even though a day had passed since we last saw -- since I told truly told her how I felt.

To be honest, when I did, my heart squeezed in anticipation, and the thought of her nose scrunching up in fear or disgust washed through me.

I knew we wanted to take things slow, so what if she fled feeling my emotions were too much pressure?

All sorts of thoughts ran through my head when I said those words; they all vanished when she lounged at me, enveloping my larger stature in a warm hug.

The words she whispered I couldn't make out, but what I did hear was her whining my name, 'Evie.

..' she called as though she was flustered.

I laughed. We remained in each others' arms for a long time, before she told me I was forgiven.

I had almost forgotten the reason I brought her there was to settle an issue.

Today was Saturday, the picnic.

I wanted it to be near perfect, perhaps that was why I had awoken before the sun, checking recipes of different pastries I had in mind.

On the third try of baking the apple crumbles, I began rethinking my choices.

Why didn't I settle for store-bought pies?

Gathering the sandwiches, dessert, and our main dish, I neatly placed them in the trunk of the car, sliding the black cover over it.

I looked over to the kitchen, making sure everything was in order.

The flowers, the wine, the food, the blanket; what else did one need for an afternoon picnic?

Courage. My conscience mocked, making me scoff.

I was flustered, so what?

Even though I had seen my little lady the day before, my palms were still sweaty. Taking a deep breath, the engine roared to life with a swift turn of the ignition. It was time to pick my little lady up.

I thought back to the way Amelia stared at me yesterday, her eyes filled with an expression I couldn't quite read, her lips parted to speak but she shook her head, hugging me again.

Perhaps I had made her speechless. It didn't take long before she looked up at me again, her lips slowly connecting with my cheek, then the side of my lips, only an inch off from being a kiss.

I held myself, I had to. Even though all in me wanted to pull her into a deep kiss, I restrained myself with a smile.

She was worth the wait. For the rest of the while, Amelia was flustered, her words coming out with a stutter, I even caught the drop in temperature in her small palms.

A toothed grin covered my lips, ah, when last did I feel this way? I kind of liked it.

Did this mean no more baby steps?

Shaking my head, I parked the car next to her house, wanting to calm myself before going to knock at the door.

Come to think of it, I was going to start apartment hunting soon enough, having enough money to do so.

I had taken out quite a bit for Amelia's culinary dreams but it still remained enough for a downpayment on an apartment for about three years.

I never did spend my money on anything until now.

This made me chuckle, Amelia would freak if she found out I'd already set aside money for the cooking school, so I didn't want to tell her just yet.

From the side mirror, I adjusted the strands of hair that fell to my face, making sure I looked presentable.

After much debating, I went up to her gate, announcing my arrival by ringing the bell beside the gate.

It didn't take long before the gate opened to reveal an older man, Abel seemed like a carbon copy of this man.

The realization hit and my posture straightened, I cleared my throat.

This was Amelia's father.

He was darker than her, Amelia had brown skin while he was close to being black, the man's chest broad, and his stature intimidating. His hair seemed as thick as wool, cut just a few inches above his head. As the silence went on, his nostrils flared, thick eyebrows raising up in question.

"Yes?" He asked sluggishly, taking in my appearance.

"Abel isn't here, are you one of his men?

" The man questioned, leaning against the gate.

For some reason, his gaze held me in place, I could see how dark his iris was, perhaps Amelia got her faded green ones from her mother.

Pursing my lips, it occurred to me that I'd just been staring at him blankly.

Dusting the minuscule speck of dust I had imagined on my attire, I gave him a thin-lipped smile. "I am here for Amelia." Those words immediately knitted his eyebrows, he stood straight.

"Who are you?" Right, maybe it would have been best to start with my name and not his daughter's.

A grin stretched my lips, hopefully not a disturbing one.

"My name is Everest, Everest Simon. I, I'm actually taking your daughter out today.

" Ah, what was I thinking? This man towered to me, his countenance wasn't so friendly either, was it wise to seem so cocky?

After what seemed like a dreadful minute, he cracked a smile.

This gesture made my beating heart calm down ever so slightly. When he smiled, he looked kind.

"I see, you're that friend. Aren't you? The one who's not Darrick."

That friend? Had she told him about me? Chuckling nervously through my teeth, my hands stretched out robotically. "I guess I am. It's nice to meet you, sir."

The man didn't have a chance to respond because a lighter voice called out to him, the sound of heels clacking filling my ear.

"Papa! I thought you were inside! Oh...I see you've already met!

" Amelia finished with a cute smile. She held her Pa's shoulder, whispering something into his ear.

Her father nodded. "I know, I was just telling him so. "

"Call me Joseph. I believe our discussion is right around the corner.

" He took my hand which I didn't realize was still outstretched, his grip was firm and curt.

" Joseph -- Amelia's father responded. His words made me laugh, what discussion?

I nodded anyways. "Whenever you're ready, Joseph.

" He gazed over at Amelia, then at me. "Have a good day.

" It didn't take long for him to disappear behind the gate.

Amelia blushed, fumbling with her fingers.

"Was that too soon? Meeting my dad? He did tell me he wanted to meet you but--I'm sorry if it freaked you out, he's an intimidating man--and I know.

.." She was rambling again, but I wasn't complaining.

Before Amelia could chew her tongue off, I gently took her palm, drawing her closer to me.

"It's fine, baby. Perfectly fine." She narrowed her eyes, her cheeks brightening.

I wrapped my arms around her smaller waist, taking her in a hug.

"Although I was a bit nervous. He is intimidating, I won't lie.

" I whispered in her ear, not having to bend too much seeing as she had on a pair of white block heels.

His eyebrows knitted, face full of concern.

"See? I knew it! I'm sorry, I would have come to the gate sooner.

" Of course, she'd worry about something like this, but as Joseph said, our meeting was right around the corner, and dare I say inevitable.

I was in love with his daughter, of course, we'd have to see eventually.

So, I placed a kiss on her cheeks, awfully close to her glossy lips.

"Stop apologizing, Amelia. I said it's okay."

"Are you sure?" She pouted, her arms still around my neck. I liked how close she was, her fruity scent invaded my nose. Taking in her appearance, a smile nearly tore my lips. How beautiful could this little lady be?

She had her hair sleeked but the end was a fluffy bun.

Two strands lay pretty on both sides of her face.

Her cheeks were slightly pink, perhaps it was what Saffron called blush.

I noticed how trimmed and accentuated her eyebrows were, with pink eyeshadow highlighting her eyelids.

Where my eyes lingered on the most were her heart-shaped lips.

It reflected the light from the pole, the gloss making her entire appearance brighten.

"I'm sure, by the way, you look beautiful, sweetheart.

" Her concern faded away and was replaced with a grin.

Taking her palm, I gave her a spin, her white dress blew in the wind as she twirled.

The dress fitted her like a glove, flaring from her waist down to below her knees.

Amelia giggled, her hand casually resting on my chest.

"I do, don't I? I paid extra attention to my appearance today."

This made me smirk.

"Really? Why's that?" My voice lowered a tone.

Amelia shrugged innocently, taking my chest. "Just because, I'm going on a date with a man who says he loves me.

Of course, I have to impress with my looks.

" My cheeks warmed, "And who's this man that has taken the words right out of my mouth?

I must challenge him to a duel," My hand caressed her jaw, trailing down to her shoulder.

"Then the man would regret saying such things to my woman. "

This earned a hearty laugh from her.

"Oh, Evie! You're so cheesy! It's cute." Amelia completed fits of giggles on her lips.

"Also, you look handsome, mister." She said this close to my ear, before backing away from me.

Our hands were intertwined as we made our way to the car.

After she was buckled in, I circled the car, going in as well.

"Oh my!" Amelia gasped.

"What is it?"

"Here smells so good!" Starting the car, I simply chuckled.

At least the pastries I made let out a good scent.

"Prepared to be amazed." I grin, allowing myself some bragging rights.

Before driving off, I took the bouquet from the back, handing it over to her.

"Do you really like flowers or should I switch to something better?

" Although she'd told me she liked flowers, I wanted to know if this was becoming predictable.

Amelia giggled, taking it with a big grin.

"I love flowers, Evie. You can keep giving me this for as long as you want.

They're beautiful, and I love the thought behind it.

" I noticed how articulate Amelia had become, she didn't mutter things under her breath anymore, she said them with a bold face.

I loved when she was comfortable around me, it made my chest puff in triumph.

Nodding my head, I started our journey to the park.

It wasn't so far from where her house was, about half an hour passed before I was reversed into the green area. Throughout the ride, I listened to her talk about random things, it was a relief that she wasn't as quiet as yesterday. Goodness, how I'd missed her chatter.

"I've never been to a picnic before, Evie. I don't know what to expect!" She explained, playing with the petals of the flower, her gaze on it. "Well, me neither honestly. Expect the best." I grinned, narrowing my eyes her way to see the little lady smirking.

"Someone is cocky today." Her light voice sassed, scrunching up her nose. "I am?" I couldn't help leaning in once the car was parked. Amelia didn't move back, she just held in a smile, shrugging her shoulders.

"Yeah, you are."

"My goal is to make sure you have a great time today," I told her after some time, leading her out of the car and towards the trunk.

"I guess you have to work extra hard." The lady teased, twirling the bouquet in her hand.

By this time, I was already grinning from ear to ear.

Amelia's lips parted as I took out the basket and cooler.

Her little arms stretched out so she could lighten the load. This made me laugh, the kid would surely bring her down. "You could get the laying cloth for me, love." Amelia pouted, crossing her arms.

"I'm stronger than I look!" I would have ruffled her hair but I knew the next thing she'd do was scold me on how long it took to style it that way.

Smirking to myself, we continued to make our way to the park.

Amelia hummed to herself, the rolled-up cloth in her hand, the sun made her brown skin glow, her lips reflecting the light.

"The green is so pretty." She awed, looking down at her feet while ruffling the grass.

The park had grass running through acres, it was a bright green colour, the dark green on the trees adding more pizzaz to the environment.

It was pretty indeed. She unfolded the cloth, laying it under a large tree which provided shade from the hissing sun.

"Thank you love."

Amelia grinned. "I should be thanking you, Evie!

" She giggled after, kneeling on the now clothed grass before setting with both legs to the side.

As I set down the basket and cooler, my heart began to thud harder.

Goodness, when did I become so giddy? Dusting the nonexistent dust of my breeches, I began to lay down the appetiser.

Cheesy bacon toast with a glass of orange juice.

Seeing Amelia's eyes light up was worth the burn I got when my arm kissed the frying pan. "You really made this for us?" She squealed, giggling into her palms. I nodded, putting a sandwich for her and one for me. "Go ahead."

"It's really good." She muffled after the first bite, her cheeks puffing up to resemble a squirrel full of acorns. Thank God it was. I watched her chump down on the sandwich, her hands going up to cover her lips as she did.

"Evie?" She asked after she was done. I hummed, my eyebrows raising simultaneously.

"This d-date is to know each other better right?

" My ears felt hot, and not wanting to over analyse the question, I nodded.

Amelia smiled. "Good, because I do want to know you better.

Can I ask you questions?" Oh, so that was what she meant.

"If you answer mine as well."

"Deal!"

She was too cute. I took a sip of the orange juice, letting the sweet yet sour taste feel my mouth. What did I want to know about her? I did feel like I knew her better even without asking questions.

I knew she loved sweets.

She got flustered when the attention on her was too much.

She hadn't dated anyone.

She got jealous but tried to hide it.

She was kind.

Those were reasons my heart chose to follow her, chose to jump as though it hadn't seen her in the past day. Smiling, I continued to sip my juice, waiting for my dear Amelia to finish pondering on the questions to ask me.

"Did you grow up here?" Amelia asked, her curious eyes holding me in her gaze.

I guess I'd been in this town long enough to think I was brought up here.

My Ma gave birth to me in New Zealand, it was when I turned 6 that we moved into this town.

Although it wasn't in the home we stayed now.

We only moved out when she died, Pa couldn't bear the pain of staying in that house.

When I told her this, her lips downturned.

"Oh, I'm sorry. And you were born in New Zealand? " She seemed even more intrigued.

My parent travelled there for their honeymoon and after I was born, I guess they decided to stay a few years until I could tell wrong from right. "How about you?" I was also interested.

"Born and bred! I've been in that house since I was born." She grinned, puffing out her chest. It made me chuckle.

"Have you ever thought of going back to New Zealand?" I shrugged to her question, "I barely remember the place, perhaps a vacation there would be nice. Would you want to go with me?" I teased, keeping my gaze on her. Amelia looked away then back at me, "Wanna take me?" Was her cheeky reply.

I winked, "I don't mind."

"I'll hold you to that." I laughed, taking out the next meal of the day. It was lasagna, I made sure to stuff enough minced meat in it. She grinned, clapping her hands. "I didn't take you for a chef, mister," Amelia uttered.

"I may or may not have had some help for this."

"Who? Your sister?"

"Yeah, Saffron." She nodded. "How's your sister like? I'd love to meet her one day." Come to think of it, Saff was going to be home this afternoon, perhaps I'd take her to mine so they could meet before I dropped her off. "You could meet her today."

Her eyes lit up, "Really? I mean, isn't it too sudden? What if she thinks I'm weird or something." Amelia shrunk back, foundling with her hands nervously. "Not that I don't want to, it's just—"

"Baby, I'm sure Saffron would love you. She's been asking to meet you too. It just slipped my mind." My hand went to her shoulders, reassuringly caressing them. "She has?"

"Yeah."

A breath of relief left her lips. "If you say so..."

"Evie...?"

She asked when she was done with the lasagna. The way Amelia called my name made me wonder why she was suddenly so timid. I moved closer to her, moving her plate away. "Yeah?"

"Why...uh...."

The lady looked away, playing with her hands. Why what? I remained quiet, waiting for her to speak but when her lips opened and closed back, I held her hand. "Amelia, I'm all ears."

"I know. It's just, ah, I don't know how to ask this."

"Ask it plainly." Amelia pouted when I said this, her hand surprisingly raising to move the strand of hair from my face.

Her index curled the strand around before styling it back up.

For some reason, my chest constricted at her sudden movement.

She never really touched anywhere near my face.

A sigh left my lips before it stretched into a smile on its own.

"I'm listening, sweetheart." Perhaps I wanted to feel her soft palm on my face, that was probably why when she tried to remove her hand, I cupped it to my chin. She didn't pull away, her thumb simply caressed my cheek. I liked this. Was this how cats get when they were stroked?

"I...I don't know if I'd be enough for you...I mean, I'm pretty weird and I've never cared for a guy other than my brother. Not that I even care for him, it's just...I'm not womanly or anything. It's...I don't think I'd be enough, don't you want someone better?"

Her words went straight to my heart. Not enough? Where was that coming from? Ha, only if she knew how high on a pedestal I put her. Amelia's hand trailed from my jaw to her lap, curling it into a fist.

"Amelia, can I let you in on a secret?" She hesitated before looking up at me. "Yeah..."

"I'm far from perfect. I sometimes get panic attacks when my mind goes back to what happened during the war, it's my fault Gabe lost a gap in his life.

Heck, I'm a selfish man, Amelia. If you think you're not enough for me, you've got it mistaken.

Shit, you're probably too good for me.

" I chuckled, a bitter taste in my mouth.

"Too good for you? No, I'm not." She pouted, a frown on her lips.

"Yes, you are. And being too woman enough, I don't even know what that means to be honest. I love how you are, just the way you are. Whether you're childish or not." Amelia gasped when I lifted her into my lap, I needed to see her close up, to make sure my words got through to her.

"If you're not woman enough for me, then I'm not man enough for you." This made her giggle, playfully hitting my chest. "Now you're just being silly. You're quite the man, Everest." Our eyes met, her hand still resting against my chest.

Arching her chin, I replied. "And you're quite the woman, Amelia." I was serious, she smiled, cheeks dipping inside to form a faint dimple.

"And to be honest? I want you to be my woman."

"Y-your woman?" I was really doing this, wasn't I? There wasn't a perfect time for anything as they said. Taking in a deep breath, I cleared my throat.

"What I mean to say is..."

I could see the anticipation in her eyes, it made my chest feel all weird again. "I want you to be my lady, my...lover, my woman." With every phrase, I pecked the back of her palm, then looked into her wide eyes.

"Would you like to be my girlfriend, Amelia?"