Chapter 14

- Dana's point of view –

Oh boy, what to do with these two? As I glance over from the kitchen the two of them sitting side by side on the couch, I can't help but notice, there is a lot of space between them. I keep peeking. My brother finally makes his move – with his good looks he should be able to chat a guy or two up. But this foolish brother of mine. Instead of going directly for a hit he just looks him deep in the eyes.

It is like watching a movie and a voice in my head screams "Just kiss him, for god's sake!".

But we don't want to rush anything. Since I am also glad that my brother takes this slow and seemingly wants something serious with the teacher.

Well, it can't be help. I guess I have to play a little bit of cupid.

When Peter rushes in and destroys their intimate moment I quickly get the cake out of the oven. "Daniel, teacher Alex please have a seat at the table. I will bring the tea shortly. Peter, help me set the table."

"Yes, mum." And my son, a never tiring bundle of energy rushes inside the kitchen and assembles the tableware.

When everyone is seated I try to stir the conversation to topics that teacher Alex is comfortable with. He is way too tense and self-conscious. He has to let his guard down a little.

"Teacher Alex, I heard you only recently started at the day-care center? How are you adapting?"

I picked the right topic. With this Alex and Peter equally start to recount their days and the conversation flows naturally.

After the cake is eaten I tell the others "We still have two hours until dinner. I will be busy in the kitchen." As I notice that teacher Alex wants to offer me his help I quickly dismiss the idea "I don't need help. I like to have my little kingdom to myself" Daniel and I meet eyes, smiling. This is a long established insider joke our mother already used before me. She as well as I love having some space for ourselves, listening to music while preparing dinner without these huge and loud boys standing in the way.

"Daniel, how about you take teacher Alex outside and show him the garden? The dog surely also prefers to stay outside. I will prepare some drinks for you."

This should do it. Peter will be there, but he is totally focused on the dog. It will be like the adults don't even exist. This should give the two men some time to talk.

Satisfied with my accomplishments I set of towards the kitchen. The rest is up to them.

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- back to the original point of view -

Alex relaxed himself after spending an hour chatting comfortably with Daniel and his family. His heartbeat also calmed down. They head outside, Alex carrying the refreshments.

"Here, you can place them on the table and cover them with the napkins." Daniel points towards a little pavilion in the middle of the garden, surrounded by green bushes and with two pots with roses at its entrance. It was a really romantic scene.

"My sister and her husband decorated it to have their wedding ceremony here. Now she still tends to it." Daniel explains.

"It is really beautiful." Alex smiles.

"Come, I will show you the rest of the garden." Daniel guides Alex along a path and they look at the trees and plants, caringly tended for by Daniel's sister.

They walk slowly, so that Daniel's wound wouldn't hurt. Daniel points out the different kinds of trees, especially the ones which will soon bear fruit. "My sister bakes a really good apple pie. You should come over and taste it one day." Daniel smiles warmly, hiding his excitement. Would Alex accept his invitation this time?

"Oh, I would really like to try it. Please inform me when she bakes one." Alex looks straight ahead, not daring to meet the other's eyes. Nonetheless, Daniel notices his slight blush.

Suddenly, Daniel's foot is caught in a root on the ground and he stumbles some steps. He quickly catches himself but grabs his side, letting out a gasp of pain.

"Are you alright?" Alex quickly supports him, a worried look on his face. "Come, we should go back to the pavilion. You shouldn't strain yourself." Without thinking, he wraps his arm across Daniel's waist, supporting him the best he can and guiding him back the way they came.

"Thank you." Daniel doesn't say that supporting him is not necessary. Instead he places his arm across the shoulder of the other man.

Feeling the close contact, Alex' heartbeat speeds up. But since it is to support a wounded person, he only grabs Daniel closer. Or so he tells himself.

..............

Later at dinner, Daniel's sister thankfully controls the conversation again. It is enough to answer her questions or let Peter chatter on. Meanwhile, he can eat her delicious cooking. Since Alex moved out from home he only cooked the most basic meals like spaghetti or something frozen. Having a real home cooked meal is a special luxury.

"Oh teacher Alex, I just recall, I hope your girlfriend doesn't wait for you at home? We didn't let you leave all day."

Again, she managed to pick an uncomfortable topic. Alex tenses a bit but says "Oh, I have no one at the moment. Only Zero and he is happy for the company." Alex smiles and is startled when he meets Dana's eyes which seem to say 'Oh, you don't say?'.

Instead she goes on "Oh, than a bachelor. Ah, maybe I could trouble you again next weekend? It is my husband's death anniversary but Peter is still to small to really understand it when I go to the graveyard. Daniel wanted to take him on an outing, but I guess it would be boring for an adult spending his whole Sunday with a four year old. And his wound would also incommodate him"

Alex doesn't know how to respond. He doesn't want to impose on Daniel.

"Oh, wonderful idea. We wanted to go swimming in the lake. Even dogs are allowed. Teacher Alex, would you accompany us?"

"What, teacher Alex will come along? Can he bring Zero, too? Please?" Peter flashes big pleading eyes at everyone.

"I don't have anything planned for next Sunday." Alex says, speaking a bit more quietly than necessary.

"Then it's a date. That was a very good idea, Dana. Thank you." Daniel flashes a meaningful glance towards his sister that Alex doesn't dare to interpret. And with this, he had plans for his first date.