Surprises and Smiles

A gentle knock sounded at the bedroom door.

Nora, still half-asleep, rolled off her bed and stumbled across the room to answer the door.

She found Alex standing there, a friendly smile on his face. "Hey," he said, his voice quiet but warm.

Nora blinked, trying to shake off the lingering fog of sleep. "Morning," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alex glanced around the room, taking in the tousled blankets and the discarded pajamas on the floor.

"Did I wake you?" Alex asked, his voice full of concern.

Nora shrugged, her movements still slow and sluggish. "It's alright," she said, her voice thick with sleep. "What's up?"

Alex's smile broadened, his expression brightening. "I'm taking you somewhere today," he said, his voice brimming with excitement.

Nora's brow furrowed in confusion.

"Where?" she asked, her voice slow and groggy.

Alex gave her a playful smile. "It's a surprise," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "But you'll need to get ready. Think you can do that?"

Nora rubbed her eyes again, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Sure. Give me a minute."

Alex nodded, his smile widening. "Great. I'll go make some coffee while I wait."

As Alex retreated from the room, Nora's mind whirled with questions. His smile seemed almost out of character, his disposition lighter and more cheerful than usual.

She yawned, stretching her arms high above her head as she let her mind wander. Was it possible that Alex was trying to cheer her up? Her thoughts drifted back to the previous day, to her mother's harsh words and disapproving tone. Maybe he was trying to distract her, to make her feel better.

Nora shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips.

She padded into the bathroom, her footsteps silent on the cool tile. She turned on the shower, the water cascading over her in a soothing stream.

As the warm water loosened her tense muscles, she let her thoughts drift, her mind drawn back to the previous day's events.

She stepped out of the shower, drying her skin with a fluffy towel. She fished through her wardrobe, settling on a soft, flowing sundress in shades of blue.

The dress was a sea-spray of blues, a froth of light and dark tones that complemented Nora's hair and eyes. It was loose-fitting but flattering, its folds draping across her frame like a summer breeze.

She ran a brush through her hair, the copper strands falling in soft waves around her shoulders. She paused for a moment, studying her reflection in the mirror. Despite the tears and the tension of the previous day, her eyes were bright, her smile genuine. She descended the stairs, her footsteps light and airy, like a summer bird. She entered the kitchen to find Alex waiting for her, two mugs of steaming coffee on the countertop.

"Hey," she said, her voice light and cheerful. "This smells amazing. Thanks."

Alex turned, his smile wide and genuine. "You're welcome," he said, handing her one of the mugs. "How are you feeling today?"

Nora sipped her coffee, its warmth seeping into her bones.

"I'm alright," she said, her voice taking on a contemplative note. "Better, I think." She flashed him a half-smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thanks "

After finishing their coffee, Nora and Alex made their way to the parking lot, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the pavement.

Nora slipped into the passenger seat of Alex's car, a smile playing on her lips. It was the second time she'd entered his car, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity, of closeness.

Alex started the engine, the purr of the engine filling the air.

As the car pulled away from the apartment complex, Nora's curiosity piqued. "So, where are we going?" she asked, her voice laced with playful inquiry.

Alex grinned, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "It's a surprise," he said, his voice light and teasing.

Nora's brow furrowed. "Come on, give me a hint."

Alex shook his head, his smile widening. "Nope. You'll have to wait and see."

"You're smiling a lot today," Nora observed, her tone laced with bemusement. "Did something happen?"

Alex chuckled, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "Nah," he said, his voice light and easy. "Just trying to make you feel better."

Nora cocked her head to the side. "So, you're smiling to make me smile?"

Alex nodded. "Yep." He shrugged.

"I'm not sure it's working," Nora replied, her tone playful.

Alex laughed. "Well, if it's bothering you, I'll stop."

Nora shot him a sideways glance, her lips quirking into a small smile. "No, no. Don't stop. It's…different, but I kind of like it."

Alex's smile widened, his cheeks dimpling slightly.

Nora let out a small gasp, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. She stared at Alex for a moment, his smile lighting up his face like a beacon.

"You're…adorable when you smile," she said, her voice soft and tentative.

Alex chuckled, a slight tint of pink rising to his own cheeks. "Thanks," he said, his voice equally soft.

Nora looked away, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery, but her mind was still focused on the man beside her, his smile like a butterfly dancing in her stomach.

Nora fished her phone out of her pocket, determined to capture the moment. She held up her phone, angling it to get the perfect shot.

Alex, catching sight of her movements, turned his head, a questioning look on his face. "What's up?" he asked.

Nora grinned, her finger hovering over the camera button. "Just taking a picture," she said, her voice teasing. "Gotta capture this moment. It might not happen again."

Alex shook his head, his smile still in place, though tinged with a hint of embarrassment. "Very funny," he said, his voice playful.

Nora clicked the camera button, the sound of the shutter echoing in the car. "Got it," she said, her grin widening. "I'll make sure to show this to your future girlfriends."

Alex laughed, rolling his eyes. "Oh, great. Thanks a lot." She giggled, slipping her phone back into her pocket.

Nora's fingers glided over the dashboard, her fingers finding the stereo buttons. A haunting melody filled the car, Lana Del Rey's "Summertime Sadness" lilting through the speakers.

Alex's eyes flicked towards the stereo, a smile flickering across his face. "Ah, Lana," he said, his voice taking on a wry, teasing tone. "Didn't know you were into her music."

Nora sighed, the corners of her mouth lifting into a faint smile.

"Her songs are great for when I'm painting," Nora said, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. "They're kind of melancholy, but they help me capture the mood I'm going for."

Alex nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You know, I can kind of see that," he said, his voice soft. "They're very…emotionally evocative, I guess you could say."

Nora smiled, her eyes glinting in the sunlight.

"Hey, I was thinking," Alex said, his voice turning thoughtful. "I don't think I've ever actually seen any of your paintings."

Nora shot him a glance, her expression tinged with surprise. "Really?" she asked, her eyebrows lifting in question.Alex nodded, his expression contemplative. "I'd really like to see your paintings," he said, his voice sincere. "Maybe when we get home, you could show me some of your work."

Nora smiled, a shy grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Yeah, okay," she agreed, her voice soft. "I've got some stuff in the apartment, so I can show you when we get back."

Alex's smile broadened, his eyes dancing with excitement. "Awesome"