IX
I wake up to a sound of harsh breathing and huffing, coming form somewhere very close to me, and I quickly open my eyes, investigating my surroundings. I frown at the unfamiliar white ceiling and almost too comfortable bed, wondering where exactly I am, until I remember - Axel's house.
I'm in my boyfriend's house.
Yesterday afternoon I was finally able to leave the hospital, and Axel brought me here. I know that this is all normal and the way it should be, but it still feels a bit weird.
I know that I know him, I just don't feel like I do.
He gave me a tour around this enormous apartment after we came here, and I learned that I have spent about two months here, comatose. It all feels so strange to me, living in England instead of America, not living with my dad and mum, but my boyfriend.
Boyfriend- that is the weirdest part. I have a boyfriend. An insanely hot and considerate boyfriend that I have a crush on; I can't help but have a crush on him.
Any girl in my position would be completely smitten with him; I guarantee it.
My thoughts bring me back to reality and the huffing that still hasn't stopped, coming from the ground, next to the bed, and I look down to see where it's coming from.
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise; Axel in on the floor, shirtless, doing what looks like push-ups, sweating and looking as good as ever.
He glances up and stands up, showing me his wonderful abs, and I feel like I might start sweating just by looking at him.
"Oh, you woke up." he smirks at me and I softly nod, blushing. "Are you hungry?" he asks and I nod my head again.
He chuckles. "You can speak, you know. This is a free country."
"Sorry." I say. "Are you hungry, too?" I quickly add, and he smirks, lowering himself so that his mouth is just next to my ear. "Starving." he replies and then straightens back up, offering me his hand. "Come, let's go eat."
I nod, and then quickly add:"Okay." He turns to lead the way and out of the corner of my eye I see a look of victory painted on his face.
Bastard.
I gasp when we enter the kitchen; on the kitchen counter is my favorite breakfast - pancakes with American blueberries, and I can smell Nutella as well.
"Oh, my god." I run towards them in absolute delight and happiness. It feels like it's been ages since I last had these pancakes. "Thank you." I whip around to look at Axel, looking so proud of himself, standing there shirtless and looking at me, and I immediately know this is all his plan to woo me.
"You planned this, didn't you?" I ask him with narrowed eyes and a small smile. "This is all a part of your plan to woo me, right?"
He cocks his eyebrow. "Is there something wrong with that?" he asks and I smile widely. "Absolutely not. If your plan includes making these pancakes for me, then I support it completely."
He chuckles at the way I wave my arms as I say that.
"You're so cute." he smiles and then comes close enough to wrap his arms around my waist. I blush and smile shyly at him. "Do I get a thank you for making this for you?"
"Thank you." I immediately say and he shakes his head, dimples in his cheeks. "I didn't mean that kind of a thank you. I meant something like a kiss." he declares and then adds:"On the cheek." when he sees my reluctance.
I happily lean closer and press my lips against his cheek for a moment, hoping this is going to be enough for him for a while until I get used to all of this.
It's not that I'm not attracted to him, it's just weird - like we've just met, and I can't just go french kissing and making love with someone that feels like almost a stranger, no matter how good looking they are.
"Let's eat." he announces and grabs the plate filled with pancakes and then leads me to the table with his hand on my lower back.
I'm dressed in his shirt that basically looks like a dress on me, and some yoga pants because Axel dressed me last night when I fell asleep in jeans and a sweater.
I think he has a thing for my bum.
We eat the pancakes in peace, with the exception of Axel constantly attempting to take a bite at my pancake, even if he had the same exact pancakes.
"I was thinking we could spend the day with coach and your mum, if you'd like that. Maybe even go sight-seeing." he says when we're close to finishing breakfast.
"Don't they have a job or something?" I ask Axel and he shakes his head. "No, your mum is still looking for one, and coach's job is basically yelling his ass of at me, but because I'm on a break, he's now on one as well." he explains.
"Oh, right. The boxing." I say and he smiles. "The boxing, yeah."
"How's that going?" I ask him, genuinely interested. As far as I can remember, he is in the top.
He shrugs. "Okay, I guess. I'm not the first at the moment, but I a the fifth, and I'm sure I'll improve now that you're awake and well, with our baby healthy and alive."
I take a deep breath, looking down at my belly and placing my palm on it. Right - I'm pregnant.
This is so weird, it's unbelievable.
Axel's hand joins mine on my belly, and he gently caresses it. "As long as the two of you are okay, everything will be perfect." he tells me, and I get the urge to kiss him despite the circumstances.
Axel gulps and edges closer and closer to me, and I get ready for the kiss, and then the doorbell rings. He closes his eyes in frustration, letting out a breath, completely close to my face, and I chuckle at his reaction.
Somebody really wanted a kiss.
"I'll go see who the cockblocker is." he announces and stands up, turning the corner to get to the doors.
I hear nothing for about half a minute, and then hushed aggitated voices coming from the door. Curious, I stand up, my hand still on my belly, and turn the corner to see who's there.
Surprised, I stop in my track. "Theo?"