You know what pains me more when I find out that it is all about me. Her last piece is symbolic of me which I didn’t interpret. I couldn’t understand it. 

But... mom... everyday, whenever I visit her at the hospital, she asked me once but I just gave her a smile. 

“Hey,” I smiled at Noah when he placed a hot cocoa on the center table and he sat beside me. 

I took the mug and it's hot. I blew it a little so I wouldn't get burned. I can feel his stare and he caresses me on my back. 

“Hmmm, this is good. You are a good cook and a barista.” I said while savouring the chocolate.

“Well, I can make you a coffee here and I work in the coffee shop.” 

I look at him, “Oh right! That’s a plus.” Okay. We were silent for a minute after a soft laugh, “Um, I... I should get home.” 

“You can sleep here.” He said and I stared at him, “Um, I will sleep here on the couch, you should sleep on the bed. Don’t worry, I'm fine here.” 

I know he is worried and refraining himself to ask. So, I hugged him and buried my face at his neck, “Thank you, Noah. Can we stay like this for a minute?” 

I felt that he hugged me back, “Of course.” 

I smile underneath and he makes me feel calm and at the same time, feels warm in this cold winter. I didn’t realize that I fell asleep in his arms. 

The next morning, I woke up from my bed—his bed. Oh no...

I raised myself up and stretched my body from a good sleep. I haven’t slept well in a long time. 

“Good morning sleepy head. Here.” Noah handed me the mug of coffee. 

I took the mug and stared at the floor, narrowing my eyes as it felt de javù. I cleared my throat, “Um, is it weird... if I ask if this happened last night? Because it felt like that.” 

Noah smiled, “Yeah, I gave you a hot cocoa.” 

Still narrowing my eyes, “So it is not a dream?” 

He nodded, “It's real.” 

“Um, I’m sorry. I hate this part of me like I don’t remember anything when I get too drunk in an emotional state. Like I was drunk when we didn't even drink alcohol and it's—god this is so embarrassing.” I massage my forehead and squeeze my eyes. 

“You’re cute.” Noah said and I looked up at him. He was drinking from his mug while looking at me. 

“Don’t look at me like that.” 

“Why not? I like it when you are acting like this.” 

“Embarrassing myself?” I was sarcastic and rolled my eyes. 

He lowered his mug, put it on the side table and held my chin up then kissed me. He gave me a fast peck on my lips and I just stared at him. 

Okay. I'm speechless. He's not using words but actions. He is smiling at me and I'm still staring at him for a minute then I realized something. I blink my eyes, “Um, did we..." I motioned my fingers to him like I wanted him to understand what I am saying and he did so. 

“No. I won’t touch you without your permission.” He calmly said and I heavily sighed as I smiled at him, “Um, don’t you have class?” 

He asked and my eyes wide open, “Oh my god! I have!” I reach for my phone that was lying down on my side and turn it on, “I have to go. I will be late in a minute.” I stood up as my eyes located my things, “Do you have a spare shirt?” 

“Yes. Wait a sec.” Being with Noah, I lost my mind. And time! Where is it? I found my bag and my coat, “Here.” 

He handed me the shirt and it’s a girl's cloth. I remove my dirty shirt and wear the shirt he gave me. I wonder who owns this shirt. A plain black shirt that really fits me. 

“I will go to the kitchen.” 

I wear my coat and bag. I just made my hair bun, “Noah, I’m leaving! See you later!” 

“Wait! I'll drop you off!” 

“No need! I just take the bus!” I left his apartment and ran towards the elevator. 

I heard a beep sound in my pocket and I picked it up then a message from my boyfriend—are we really... maybe, because we both didn't react when his friend thought of me as his girlfriend. We both liked each other and started dating. Like yesterday. 

Actually, I don’t know when it started. Time is manifesting my mind like it didn’t ever move. 

Noah: You forgot something. 

I narrowed my eyes and replied, 

Me: What is it? 

Noah: Me. 

I stared at my phone for a minute and I just smirked and giggled. 

Me: That’s a corny pick up line. Where did you get that? it hits me. Anyway, see you later. 

Noah: Miss you already. Don’t forget your drawing. 

Me: Oh, are you serious? 

Noah: Yeah! 

He impressed me yesterday and I remember how he looked at me when he interpreted my mother’s painting. He was talking about me. Like he can see through me. 

Like my mom. She always has. 

After my class all day, students were still looking and talking about me. But, I don’t care as long as they don’t step on my boundaries. 

It was like high school. Junior year. My brother Zeus always has stalkers. And I always had to hide my identity because I don’t want anyone to bother me and when they know, they don’t stop giving me favors for my brothers. 

So, mom always had to drive me to school because I didn't want to go with them since we were in the same school. 

I stop from my tracks when two girls appear in front of me. They smiled at me like an idiot and glanced at each other. 

“Is Zeus your brother?” 

Okay. 

Those questions echo in my head like I have been always hearing those words. I smiled awkwardly and shook my head. 

“He’s not my brother and I don’t know him.” I told them and then walked away as fast as I could, “How the hell did they know?” I whisper to myself while shaking my head. 

God, this is the start of unending questions. I walked fast as I looked back to make sure they didn't follow me. I entered the coffee shop and sitted on my spot. A blue couch and wood table not far away from the counter. 

Noah smiled at me when he saw me and brought a coffee. I glanced outside and took a deep sigh as I don’t see them anymore.

“What’s wrong?” 

I looked at him and realized, he didn’t know anything about me, “Have you ever felt stalked?” 

He chuckled, “What?” 

"Like someone was following you? Ugh, they better not follow me or else..." 

“I felt that when I was in my football career and it felt good at first because people loved you but later on, it felt creepy. Has someone stalked you? Who is it? Does he harm you?” he sounds worried.

I hold his hand on the table, “Don’t worry. It was not that serious and it wasn't me. My whole life has been a wreckage because of my brothers. Let's just say, they’re kinda famous and good-looking, in others perspective, and when people know that they are my siblings, they don’t stop asking for favors and it kinda sucks!” I almost burst out my feelings but in a controlled and lowered voice.

“May I see them?” 

I took my phone out of my pocket and scrolled in the gallery. I chose the picture when me and my family celebrating Christmas and I showed it to him,  “As you can see, I'm just only a daughter in the family and this is Zeus..." I pointed at him. From left to right, Zeus was sitting on the sofa’s arm next to our mother, embracing her shoulder while she was sitting on the couch. I was sitting next to my mother, clinging my arms to her, next to me was Damon, sitting obediently then next to him was my father, embracing Damon’s shoulder, next to my father, the third son, Adonis and then standing behind him was Hector.

I just introduced my family to him and then I looked at him, he was narrowing his eyes while staring at my phone, "What's wrong?"

He suddenly blinks many times and then smiles awkwardly. He cleared his throat, "Zeus is your brother."

"Unfortunately," I laugh a little, "You may know him. You are both football players." 

"Um, yeah. He's famous though. Anyway, nice family picture. It's amazing—”

"And a headache. Ugh, being surrounded by these giants makes me want to hide every time!"

"At Least you have the giants who will protect you." He said and it made me think of my brothers. Yeah. Even though we didn't get along sometimes, I got their backs, "Family is important. They always help you."

I nod at him, "Yeah. What about you? Do you have any siblings?"

"I have. She's in 8th grade."

"What's her name?"

"Eloise."

"That's a beautiful name." I said, smiling.

"She's not actually my sister. I'm an orphan. I don't know where my real parents are or if they're still alive because I don't care about them. I care about my family who treats me like their real son." 

"They raise an incredible and loving son." I said, "Thanks for telling me."

He smiled at me and held my hands, "You're my girlfriend now. You should know something about your boyfriend."

I don't know but, hearing those labels just gave me butterflies in my stomach. It's not fling or friends, we're a couple.

"Athena?" Someone called my name and by that, a beautiful black woman with a pierce on her right eyebrow, five pierce on her left ear, her black curly hair styling in a pigtail approached us. She's also a staff here. She is looking at me with a wide smile on her face. I just smile at her, "Oh, oh! You're so gorgeous—no, a goddess! No doubt my mate here instantly fell with you!" I look at Noah who is now covering his face and he is smiling, "It's so nice to meet you in real life!" She said while shaking my hand, "I really wanted to meet you in person because I can't imagine how wonderful, beautiful, shining, smart, and kind you are. Oh! I forgot! Also talented!"

I cleared my throat while glancing at the both of them, "Um, I'm flattered. Thank you." I smile because she is so energetic.

"Now, I know why he is getting this energy boost all day!"

Noah cleared his throat and stood up, "Olivia, who's at the counter?" 

"Just a minute. I wanted to have a chat with her." Olivia sat across from me and Noah shook his head and walked towards the counter.

"Nice to meet you, Olivia."

"My pleasure. He told me that you're from Chicago?"

"Yes. But, I study here at my college."

"I see. You both have a hometown! I can say that you two meant for each other."

I narrowed my eyes while smiling, "Um, how so?"

She shrugged, "Just a feeling."

"Olivia!" Noah called her and Olivia look at him but she just rolled her eyes.

She sighed, "Honestly, I have this talent to feel destiny. Please, don't think that I'm weird because I can't help it."

I laugh a little, "No worries. I may need your help someday." 

She smiled, "I have the feeling I will like you. So do I."

"Olivia." 

She scoffed, "Coming boss!"

"Boss?"

She stood up and looked at me, "Wait, he didn't tell you?" I just narrowed my eyes, "He owns this cafe." I didn't know what to say so I just stared at her. Then, Noah approached us, "I can't believe you didn't tell her?"

She slightly punches him on the chest and laughs a little then walks towards the counter.

He slowly walked towards me then sat beside me, "Um. Yes, I'm the owner and I wanted to tell you about it but I don't want you to think of me as an arrogant—"

I kissed him on the cheeks and then he stared at me, "Step by step. We will get to know each other." I said then he smiled.