The realization
He was still smiling thinking about her face. He could imagine her flushed face and chuckled at her state.
He realized that in no time however distant he tried to keep himself from her, she was all over his mind. He had begun to understand her better.....her habit of looking down or biting her lip in nervousness, fiddling her fingers in anxiety, scrunching her nose in annoyance and much more. The things that he always used to find annoying in other girls seemed him to be the cutest things on earth in her case. She was agile, perceptive, gutsy and yet so virtuous. He didn't know what attracted him the most about her.....her innocence or the ocean blue orbs that reflected her pure soul. He knew she was an awful liar..... a very awful liar infact. Initially, he thought her to possess an enigmatic personality, but the more he knew her, he realized her to be the simplest of all the girls he had ever met before. Nonetheless, there were certain things about her which he could not yet figure out but it was the truth that his every effort to stay away from her had failed badly by now.
He knew that she loved someone dearly.....She never said much about him but her eyes spoke a lot which didn't get unnoticed by him. It killed his heart...he knew that it was wrong of him to think about her like that, especially when she already had someone but still it never felt wrong to him... to be with her, to feel protective towards her, to care of her or to like her. There were so many 'Whys' and after meeting her this time, he finally decided to know all the answers for the peace of his mind as he couldn't live like that. There was so much he wanted to realize, accept and tell but he always blocked his emotions to protect his heart, maybe from the fear of rejection. But all his attempts went in vain as soon as he saw her and now he wanted to have an enclosure to get back his real self that had been lost since she came into his life.
He finally took a seat on the dining table and was amused to see the variety of dishes laid on it. The table was laid with scrambled eggs, pancakes, breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls, french toasts, quiche, sandwiches and sausages.
"Hmmm... looks like Anna has prepared a grand feast." Richard said and smiled.
"Whatever dad... I was initially furious but after seeing all these... I think I would forgive her this time. Seems as if my taste buds have awakened and my tummy is growling like a beast." Emily beamed and caressed her baby bump which made all of them laugh. Meanwhile, Anna also joined them.
She was still embarrassed about what happened earlier and the way Regan reacted some moments before, she knew she was doomed. She was looking at him in a daze while thinking about this.
"Ah..... Baby girl you baked my favorite choco chips cookies too? You know what I love you so much. You are such a sweetheart. " Emily clapped her hands in excitement and gave a side hug to Anna. She was happy that she somehow managed to keep the atmosphere bright after a long time where there were no worries.
"I love you too Em. I know you crave for them that's why I specially baked them for you." Anna replied happily.
"Regan you must try these cookies... you will love them. Baby girl's baking skills are amazing." Emily passed the bowl to Regan which he accepted merrily.
Richard was about to take a piece from it when Anna stopped him.
"Dad? Don't you dare touch them. You are strictly prohibited to eat sugar." He immediately withdrew his hand and gulped on hearing her warning. However sweet Anna seemed to be, she never allowed Richard to have anything that could be harmful for his health.
"Oh baby girl... let him taste one. It has been long since dad has consumed any sugar. So one would not hurt him."
"No Em... I can't take any risk with dad's health."
"Princess that's not fair. I actually didn't like the idea of you cooking but now that if you have made so much... there is nothing much that I like especially after looking at those cookies." Richard pouted sadly.
Anna rolled her eyes and said, "Dad you are such a kid. Stop making these faces as I am not going to melt. But I do have something special for you too. Just wait... I'll be back in a minute." She went to the kitchen as she knew that Richard had a big sweet tooth and after seeing the cookies he would definitely demand for some. So she was already prepared. She returned to the table with something in her hand which brought a shimmer in Richard's eyes. It was an apple pie.
She went to Richard and said, "Dad... how can I forget you? This is for you. Your favorite apple pie. It's sweet and without sugar." She then served it to everyone.
Regan was taken aback by her caring nature. Indeed it was a small family but he could clearly see the love between them. Nevertheless the breakfast was superb. He never felt much ravenous before. Indeed it was the best food that he ever had as mentioned by Richard earlier. Anna was an amazing cook and he loved every bite of it.
Soon, they were finished with the breakfast. Emily excused herself as she had some work while Richard got a phone call. It was only Anna and Regan now still sitting on the table.
"I never thought that I could eat this much at a time."
"Huh?"
"I mean the breakfast was amazing Anastasia and I would love to have it again." Regan smiled and said. He wanted to speak something better but didn't know how to initiate a conversation with her.
"Of course, anytime." She too replied with a smile.
"Ummm..... Regan?"
"Yes!"
"Where are you going to stay? I mean have you found a place for yourself? It would take long to finish this project. You probably can't live in a hotel for so long. If you have not found a suitable place then... I can....."
"Don't worry Anastasia. I am not going to stay at any hotel. Actually, I already own a place here in New York and everything else has been settled by Nolan."
"Oh!"
"Well ummm... are you okay?"
She could not help but smile after hearing it from him again, "I think this is the fifth time that you are asking me if I am okay. Of course, I am. I was just under the weather Regan but you see..... dad and Em worries a lot when it comes to me. That's why they have been extra caring towards me. But I am good now. In fact I am joining the office from today. If you are okay..... then I can arrange a meeting or two with some land dealers."
"Actually, I wish the same. But I think I should take a day-off today as it was a long day yesterday and then this traveling..... I need a small break. How about we start tomorrow? In fact you can also take a break and can rejoin from tomorrow."
"He is right princess. Why don't you join from tomorrow with Regan?"
"Huh?" Anna was perplexed after hearing Richard as she didn't know about their previous discussion.
"Anna actually I asked Regan to work from our office as it would be more convenient for both of you when you are working together."
"But dad.....okay fine. I will join from tomorrow. "
They stood up from their places and went to the living room. Meanwhile, Regan bid his goodbye to them.
Richard was about to turn to go towards his room when he heard Anna's voice that startled him.
"Dad? What's going on?"