The Awakening

ing knowledge of the dating scene, she decides against changing. If Jack would be donning his work clothes, so would she. Keeping the tan dress pants and white collared shirt, she

s 'sexy-casual' before running her fingers through her hair. With one last no

through the double doors of the kitchen. One more deep breath and she knocks softly. Hearing her knock from a few feet away, his eyes immediately meet hers. He appears to visibly relax, and his lips curl into a smile. Within seconds, Jack is holding the door open for her, welcoming her inside. Sera's eyes greet him shyly before glancing about to notice the whole ambiance has changed. The ho

irt uncomfortably, Sera realizes then, maybe she should have listened to Amanda. To be

I've made us a little something to e

ere right—I'

r back, guiding Sera to the center tabl

es the time to take one last gaze about. Garland wra

t smells like warm caramel in the other. His arms gracefully place the plate and coffee in front of her before slipping into the remaining seat. Jack's eyes scan Se

? This place is

that, you know this is a ne

blinds causing Sera to jump. Thankfully, Jack doesn't appear

n look at you." His hand motions toward her."Me?"

cause he abruptly stops talking and looks at the blank space beside her

Ja

got she is sitting only a few inche

shirt. Her skin prickles. She looks around the shop once more. It appears different somehow; darker. The candles dim and the December n

eeting his blue-green eyes. There's that feeling again, the strange one

es for the coffee, desperat

de hers. Words escape her as she stares down at their clasped hands. For months, she had been fantasizing about this moment, yet deep down, she

ears from the double doors, she doesn't miss that he's rubbing his arm. "It was just a pot that fell, must've piled them too high." His tone indicates there is nothing to worry about, but his

was delicious

the cash register behind the counter starts beeping incessantly. He freezes. The drawer clinks open, and they are both on their feet this time. Jack swings around the bar, but Sera approaches the countertop apprehensively. He inspects the ma

He tries to joke to disp

want to stick around to find out what exactly it is. Quickly, she racks her brain for an excuse to leave as Jack comes around the counte

t going as

anned f

tri

, Jack, don't w

ally good sport. I'

ppenings, she has to sa

able to move, when commotion springs to life in the kitchen once again. The clanging doesn't stop, pots and pans bang around, beeping starts, and a crinkling sound begins. Sera is on Jack's heels as he dashes for the back door, not bothering to hide his alarm anymore. He attempts to block her view, but Sera pushes past him