Just Another Tuesday

A soft sigh escapes my lips. The soft, slightly dewy grass feels pleasant to the touch. I must have taken a nap here, a break. Why else would I be here? In a park, I don't recall going to.

Well, at least the weather is nice. That's something. Better than flames, rubble, and dark skies. I still don't get where that nightmare came from. Weird. The blood and smells were so vivid. I can still feel it on my hands. And his head… as soon as the image flashes in my head, I feel the acid coming up again. I'm barely able to keep myself from vomiting all over the grass. My head is spinning, the metallic scent piercing my nostrils as I feel the wet liquid on my hands.

But when I look down, nothing is there. No blood, no bruises, or cuts. Nothing. It's spotless.

I shouldn't have watched that horror anime. Yep. I've always been bad with them, but Liam insisted on watching it together. Of course, I didn't tell him I'd had nightmares for several days after it. And I've been watching my back every single moment of each day.

It's just a stupid nightmare. My mind is playing tricks on me. I'd probably die on the spot in grief if it had happened, but it didn't. It was a nice day. The air was clean, the skies clear, and it was a perfect time to shop.

When I stood up and dusted off my clothes, a loud rumble went through the air. I could feel the pinches of pain in my abdomen, my stomach crying out for food. Maybe I should get a bite to eat first. Tacos? Burrito? I haven't had that for a while. Afterward, some groceries and then go back to Liam.

After a quick check, I noticed I did not have my phone, but at least I had my wallet and some cash. Enough for some food and essential ingredients for a pasta dish. It would have to do. Liam likes my cooking, and I'm glad I have my keys and some money.

If I remember well, there should be a decent Mexican place nearby. It has some takeout and extremely well-filled burritos. That was the plan. Good food. Shopping. Surprising Liam.

"Good plan," I tell myself as I walk to the restaurant.

Okay, okay. It's more like my stomach is making my decisions today. I'm starving and feel like I haven't eaten in days. And the thought of burritos hadn't left me ever since the idea had popped into my head. They are to die for. Or to kill for? I'd rather not die, thank you very much.

I nod as I try to convince myself during the walk. With just two more streets, I can finally calm my roaring stomach. Even now, I just know people are watching me. Idiot. Why do you have to be so embarrassed in public? I'm so glad Liam isn't here to see me.

It takes me five more minutes of embarrassing behavior and speaking to myself to reach the restaurant. It has a bar, and you get to choose all your ingredients. It's pretty nice that you get to mix and match, though I often get the same burrito. I don't like change, huh?

With a soft chuckle, I shake my head and get ready to order. Only to be stared at with secondhand embarrassment for a good moment. Shit. I must seem crazy, or I'm just an idiot. The cashier has this strange mix of disgust and wonder on her face. It's somewhat silly.

Quickly I give up on my dignity and order my food. She seems to be staring at me, keeping her distance and refraining from touching me. Not that it was anything new. Omega's just get treated that way. It's fine. I don't care. There is only one person whose opinion matters. And that is mine when it comes to this burrito.

With a way too cheery smile, I thank the woman and take my food. When I respond with so much kindness and energy, she seems slightly taken aback. It's fun every single time. They don't even notice how my eyes are not smiling, and I'm just faking it. Idiots. As soon as I turn my back to her, my smile fades, and I shake my head a little.

It is killing them with kindness. Overwhelm the stupid silly people with so much energy and happiness that they forget to be mad. Or try to talk you down. And otherwise, just apologize and say you're sorry, even if you're not. Don't let them get the upper hand.

As soon as I'm outside, I free my burrito and start eating it. I still have two or three hours left before Liam is done at work. With the time and money left, I should be able to go grocery shopping and finish the dish.

Taking another bite, I start my slow and steady walk to the store. There is one reasonably close to our house. It should save me some time if I go to that one instead. However, having a blue sky and the sun out is excellent. I'd rather love to go back to the park, finish my lunch and then take a good nap in the grass. Yet sadly, I love Liam too much.

I'm unsure what I'd do with my life if it weren't for him.

With that thought, I devour the last bite of the burrito and up the pace. Only ten minutes left until I reach the store. It's nice out. Peaceful. Children are playing together outside. Families are going shopping. And here I am, wandering alone. Even now, there's this sense of dread.

Something is wrong.

It's like this weird itch at the back of my mind. Something is screaming at all my nerves. My brain is trying to either tell me something or hide it. I can't tell why. But for some reason, it doesn't seem that important. It's probably something like me forgetting to close the fridge door again anyways. I must just really be off today. First, that nightmare about the apocalypse and then Liam's corpse. How does my brain do it?

I should stay away from horror movies and watch some excellent romantic comedies. That's a lot better to dream about. I'd rather have some lewd or embarrassing dreams than these. Those are a lot better. Not that I don't have those during my heat. Wait, no, not the point. But it's still better than those horrific scenes.

A shiver runs through my body as I once again see the flashes. Never again. Nope. Horror is banned now.

I sigh a little as I finally enter the store. Within a few minutes and with practiced ease, I found everything I needed: all the ingredients I would need and even a lovely tiramisu as a dessert. Yep, I'm set. This is going to be great. He's going to love this.

Just thinking of Liam's usually stern or angry-looking face when he smiles softly makes my heart race. I can feel my cheeks flush brightly. Ah, even my ears. Shit no. Stop. God no. Why do I have to be this hopeless?

With my newfound embarrassment, I rush home. I open the door with my key and start prepping. The house is exactly as I expected it. The same as always, only this time without a corpse and blood all over the walls. Way better. The kitchen is spotless, like always. Seeing such a model kitchen is funny, but I'm the only one using it most of the time anyway.

I quickly start prepping the ingredients. It does take me a while to find all tools, the knives, and the cutting board—even the pans. The more I search, the harsher my headache becomes. It's fine. I'm tired, and it's getting to me. I will be happy if I find it in the end.

Some garlic and onion, add some leek and mushrooms. Basil oil and parmesan make a solid pesto, some thyme and oregano for the taste, and, well, mainly their medicinal properties, precisely like how basil is good for one's metabolism. I should also get a new mint plant; it would've been good in water, a smoothie, or tea, especially after a heavy pasta like this.

A shame.

I'm a failure. How couldn't I have thought of that? Liam will be so disappointed. Well, at least I got the tiramisu. Yep, that's something. It's not a disaster. It'll be fine. He'll love it. Liam will appreciate my offers. I'm sure he'll compliment me and love it.

I quickly drain the pasta in the meantime. I stir the mixture of meat and vegetables drowned in pesto. It looks good even though I'm the chef and shouldn't judge. But I love it. It smells heavenly.

For some reason, I can't help but smile and smirk. The thought of Liam's happy face makes me giggle like a teenage girl. God, fated partners do the weirdest things to you. Or it's just the fact that I can smell him everywhere here. And I'm the only one who can. There I go again. I can't help it. Idiot. Stupid. Embarrassing mess of a person. No.

The sound of the front door quickly derails my train of self-deprecating thoughts. His steady footsteps went through the hallway. The door swings open, and there he is. Liam. His short red hair, the fiery expression in his hazel eyes his perfectly shaped body. My entire being flares up as soon as my eyes meet his. The mark on my neck stings as my body goes hot. It's almost like my heat.

It's unbearable. I love him. I want him. My body screams for him. It wants him now.

"Liam! Welcome home!" I say, well, more like scream at him with a smile.

But it takes a while for him to respond. His eyes go wide, and he looks confused. Even now, he's just looking at me, his body tense and trembling slightly.

"Liam? Are you okay?"

"Who... the hell are you?" He snaps back; the anger is now apparent in his eyes.