With the setting sun, came a sky of fire. The blend of orange red stretched far into the horizon, devouring the last light of day for the approaching night. The vehicle I sat in made a halt at the barn's entryway, but my heart pushed forward to wary.

My eyes were stuck in a mode of scan, looking around the house while silently praying Alfie wasn't outside. I disagreed when Peyrel offered to send me home. But she was persistent, just like the day I met her after I was released from prison.

Apparently, she owned Reypal Brew, and coincidentally, she was in town for the week to check the outlet. Her business had bloomed tremendously through the years and had numerous franchise within the state.

"Here we are." Her voice broke the silence.

I turned to her for a nod and smile before swivelling back to a position where my eyes could espy the house. While pretending to rummage into my bag for a nonexistent key, I mumbled "Where's that little thing. It gets lost easily." I slapped my forehead, letting out a brief sigh. "I think I left it at the front door. I better hurry. Thank you for sending me home. I've troubled you again."

In my peripheral view, I noticed her eyebrows drew in together in a meagre of believing, but she veiled it off with a smile.

"No, it's no big deal, I'll pass your place anyway on my way home," she replied.

I chose to nod only so the conversation wouldn't drag longer. Nevertheless, I felt sorry, but I was still cautioned for Alfie. Admitted the fact regarding transgender, she might just conclude him as one of them, but was it that easy?

After saying farewell, I strode towards the house. The same eagerness long ago made my feet move quicker, unhindered by the weight on both hands occupied with stuff filled bags. My heart longed for Alfie the entire day. At the same time, I was worried he might not be inside the house. It took only one glance back to assure Peyrel's car gone before I started running.

Once the door swung open, there he was, sitting on the sofa. With it, all hell in my heart bygone in an instant. He got up, a grin spreading across his face as he walked to me. The bags in my hand fell to the floor at the same velocity his arms wrapped me into a hug.

"I miss you so much, Charis," he started. His raspy voice sounded so beautiful in my ears.

Sinking the side of my head to his firm chest, I could hear the drumming of his heart. It was more than proof of his words.

Stupefied by the hasty move, my voice came out in a whisper. "I miss you too."

A moment later, he broke the embrace, but euphoria was still attached to his face. He leaned down as if he wanted to kiss me, only to stop halfway, and I was hit with disappointment. Although I couldn't decide if I wanted it? Or it was a form of feeling rejected?

When I looked at him, he had an expression I couldn't understand. He retracted before bending down to pick up the things scattering on the floor. I haphazardly helped him.

After putting everything on the coffee table, he held something in his hand. "A smartphone," he commented, studying the empty box.

The phone was already inside my bag so I took it out and showed it to him. "Someone from work pestered me to buy it, she said it's necessary in case of emergency and stuff--" eyeing him as he took the phone and started swiping his fingers over it expertly "--You must be used to seeing it, Amy is into gadgets after all."

"She was," he responded idly.

Unease fleet from his face upon a smile returning. He looked almost reluctant when he handed the phone back to me. "Have you eaten yet?" He inquired.

"No, I'll whip up something for us after I freshen up a bit."

Almost instantly, he replied, "Let me cook, you just rest."

Despite still dwelling about his sudden strange shift of mood, the idea of him cooking astonished me. "You can cook?" I asked in surprise.

"Yes, I had a lot of time to myself, so I learn to do many things," he replied.

For a split second, I was puzzled by what he meant. But he was already treading towards the kitchen, so I let it slide and made way to my room. I took a quick bath and put on my new bought sleepwear.

While drying my hair, I fumbled with my new phone. The beautiful colours appearing on the screen astounded me. The last time I got my hand on one, it was only black and white. I was eager to explore the countless possibility of the internet, thinking I could use it to find my mother. Unfortunately, the dealer didn't get a chance to do the settings since July rushed us for work. At least she offered to make the data configuration for me.

"Charis..." Alfie's voice echoed through the hallway. "Your food is getting cold if you don't get your pretty self here," he added.

A smile briskly formed on my lips after hearing his last line. Standing up, I looked at my reflection in the mirror and gave my cheeks a light pat to ease my blush. I adjusted my nightgown, feeling a bit shy with the design. It was silk, mid-thigh, sleeveless but paired with a body-hugging robe as I tied the strap around my waist.

I fixed my hair, letting it cascade on my chest to shroud the overexposed cleavage. It didn't help much, but it adorned my look nicely.

When I reached the kitchen, Alfie's jaw dropped. He put down the set of plates on the table and looked at me with wide eyes.

"But why," he muttered under his breath, ripping his eyes away to the side.

"What's wrong?" I asked him.

"Nothing, let's eat."

Dinner turned somewhat awkward. The table trembled lightly from Alfie's side, coming from his constant moving leg from under the table. He only looked at me once or twice when I talked to him. Other than that, he was preoccupied with wiping sweat from his forehead although the night felt chilly.

I cleared my throat, "Are you sure you are okay, Alfie?"

He only nodded, and it was unlike him. The past few days he'd been very inclusive with words.

"Let me put you to bed, you don't look so good," I told him.

"No, don't. I'm calling it a night. Remember to wake me up before you go tomorrow." He got up, put his plate into the sink, then rushed towards his room.

Confused, I was left sitting at the table with an overwhelming puzzle.

***

Opening the door to the outside, the air of dawn greeted me. Lines of gentle yellow hues were sprawling at the far end. The sheer fabric covering me didn't do any good to ease the cold, a light shiver escaped my lips from a gust of wind.

Yet I held the small sprinkling can firmly before putting it on the concrete porch railing. My hands took up the little pot sitting at the corner, crouching to inspect the tiny seedlings growing on the surface of the soil. I'd always loved gardening since I was younger; it was something I probably inherited from my mother.

"Good morning."

The sudden invasion of silence startled me, I turned around to see Alfie leaning on the door frame. His hair was dishevelled more than ever, as if he had a rough night. Again he was wrapped in his bedsheets, and the sight forced a smile on my lips.

"Good morning Alfie. How are you feeling today?"

"I'll survive, as long as you are happy, " he paused, covering his mouth while yawning. "By the way, what are you doing this early outside, I presume you aren't going to work looking like that."

"I was watching the sunrise. It's such a beautiful sight." I said while sprinkling water on the seedlings.

After awhile inhabited by quiet, I turned around to see if he was still at the door; which he was. His eyes were intense on me, so engrossed in whatever he was thinking at the time.

"Indeed it's beautiful. But I've seen something more breathtaking," he admitted.

I wanted to ask him what that something was, but he cut in, "What is love to you, Charis?"

Contemplating the matter didn't take much of my time. After all, he was asking for my point of view. "Love is when you care about something or someone, without asking anything in return," I expressed.

Despite feeling the rush of my heartbeat, I continued to busy myself inspecting the empty pots, hoping to see if there was a sign of sprouts coming. But when the floor creaked, I stiffened, knowing Alfie's approach.

He grasped my shoulder softly, turning me around to face him. "That means you love me, Charis. You asked me that question long ago, and today you answer it yourself."

I was stunned by the fact that I couldn't deny. The turmoil emotion of fear, sadness and anger, was all because of love. Even after losing the connection between us years ago, and grieving for him at the thought that he was gone, I still kept him in my heart.

Reaching up to touch the side of his face, I enunciated, "Yes, I love you Alfie. I have always been, and probably will always be."

To be continued...

***

Thank you for reading everyone. I cherished each and every comment, votes and even the silent read. I love you all.

I edited this chapter, and it's a bit different from my original draft because I don't want to end it with another cliffhanger, so it got a little longer. I hope you enjoy reading.