A New Discovery 

Silver came down in a white T-shirt and gray pajama pants that her boyfriend had lent her. The T-shirt was oversized, revealing her pale collarbones, and the pants were loose, but the elastic kept them in place. Her hair was still damp from the shower, adding a fresh and relaxed look to her appearance.

"Good morning, Silver," Charlie said as he turned off the vacuum cleaner and walked over to her. He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Silver smiled sleepily, her cheeks warming at the soft kiss. "Good morning," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of sleepiness.

Charlie looked at her with concern. "How are you feeling this morning? Are you okay after last night?"

Silver blushed slightly but smiled. "I'm good, just a little sore. But it was a great night."

Charlie's expression softened. "I'm glad to hear that. I've been tidying up and thought I'd make us breakfast. How does that sound?"

Silver's eyes lit up. "That sounds great. What are you making?"

Charlie led her to the kitchen with a grin. "How about pancakes and fresh fruit?"

"Sounds good," Silver said, smiling.

"Then sit here," he said, guiding her to the kitchen counter.

"Why? I want to help too," Silver pouted.

Charlie chuckled as he started preparing breakfast. "You can help by relaxing," he teased, setting a steaming cup of tea with milk in front of her. "I thought you might like this while I finish up the pancakes," he added with a warm smile.

Silver took the cup gratefully. "Thank you, Charlie. This is just what I needed."

Charlie flipped the pancakes, his movements easy and practiced. "So, how do you feel after last night?" he asked, glancing over at Silver with a soft smile.

Silver blushed, taking a sip of her tea. "A little sore, but really good. It was... special." She looked at him with a shy but happy smile.

Charlie flipped the last pancake onto the plate and brought it over to her. As he sat down, he looked at her and said softly, "I'm glad it was my first time."

Silver blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing deeper. "Really? It was your first time?"

Charlie nodded with a teasing grin. "Yeah, it was. What do you think? I've loved you for so many years. How could I go sleep with anyone else? I'm loyal, you know," he teased, his eyes twinkling.

Silver laughed softly, looking down at her cup of tea, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "It was my first time too."

Charlie's playful grin softened into something more tender as he reached for her hand across the table. "I'm glad we waited. It felt right with you," he said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

Silver felt warmth spread through her chest. She met his gaze, her eyes shining with emotion. "I feel the same way. I couldn't have imagined it any better."

They sat together for a moment, the silence between them comfortable, filled with unspoken feelings. The smell of freshly cooked pancakes filled the air, but neither of them rushed to eat. 

Charlie leaned in a little closer, his voice soft. "You've always been the one for me, Silver. I've known that for a long time."

Silver blushed again, but this time her smile was wide and genuine. "I'm lucky to have you," she whispered.

Charlie chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "We're lucky to have each other."

With that, they finally started on their breakfast, the weight of the moment making everything feel a little more special.

When Charlie dropped Silver off at home, she walked inside and found her mother waiting. Her mom's eyes quickly noticed Silver's oversized shirt and baggy pants with the jacket.

"Are those your boyfriend's clothes?" her mother asked with a teasing smile.

Silver blushed and nodded, nervously taking off her jacket. As she did, her mother's eyes widened when she saw the love bites on her daughter's neck.

"Oh, I see," her mother said, grinning. She stepped closer, holding Silver's chin and looking at the marks. Silver thought, Oh no, I forgot about those!

"You'll have to introduce us to this boyfriend of yours soon. Looks like he's quite the lion," her mother teased.

Silver's face turned even redder, and she quickly tried to cover her neck. "Ma!" she said, embarrassed.

Her mother just laughed. "What? I'm just teasing."

Silver, still red-faced from the teasing, tried to change the subject. "Where is everyone?" she asked, hoping to move the conversation along.

Her mother smiled, noticing Silver's attempt to switch topics. "Your dad's at work, and Parel and Ruby are out with Jayden." 

Silver's eyes widened. "You let Ruby go with them?"

Her mother looked a bit puzzled. "Yes, why?"

Silver's mind raced, connecting dots from her memory. This isn't right. Ruby never went out with Jayden and Parel before. Something's definitely changed.

Her mother's voice broke through her thoughts. "Go shower, dear. I'll be in the kitchen preparing lunch."

Silver nodded absently. "Sure, Ma." As she headed toward her room, her heart pounded with worry and determination. She knew she had to act fast to protect her family from Jayden.