Flames Reignited - Chapter 3

The long school holidays has started, and the boys seem to be more energetic than usual as I made breakfast.But, it's not all fun and play for them. Because later they'll be helping out at Kris' café part time to save on their allowances. And will be nicely rewarded with a holiday trip together with Dave, Lester and Jacky. Of course, Kris and Greg will be watching over them.

While I on the other hand will need to go with Alex outstation to attend a conference event and meeting. And since it'll be only the two of us, I feel that it's time for him to know the truth. I did some last minute check on my luggage and made sure I brought the box along as well. I put on a simple t-shirt and jeans and waited for Alex to pick me up. About a few minutes later, there was a knock on my door and I went to open it. Alex was looking as good as he always does. With a navy blue shirt that was buttoned up with one left open, showing a bit of his chest muscles. The sleeves were short, revealing his strong lean arms that used to carry me up like how I used to remember. Then it tapered down his V-shaped waist that I remembered so clearly and ended with a pair of blue jeans that fitted his legs nicely and a pair of brown loafers.

"Ready to go?" He asked while giving me that gigawatt smile that I used to love so much.

"Sure...uhm...my bags are all here." I said and pointed to the bags beside the door.

"Great...make sure everything is switched off. I'll meet you at the lobby." He said as he took my bags and started to move towards the elevator. I did a quick check, locked the door and followed. Once I got out from the elevator, Alex was standing outside the main entrance.

"Wait here...I'll go and get my car." He said to me and made his way to the parking lot. A few minutes later, a sedan drove up and he got out to help me put my luggage inside.

"Let's go grab some food at Kris'. I'm starving right now." He said with a smile.

"Okay, I'll get a drink then. I've already had my breakfast. " I said as we got in the car and made our way to the café. The kids were waving their hands as they saw us entering the café. I gestured them to come over.

"This is Adam and Leon, the twins. The little one here is Timothy." I introduced the boys to Alex.

"Nice to meet you guys." Alex said with a smile.

"Nice to meet you too." The twins greeted as they shook hands. Little Timmy was hiding behind me.

"Awww...Timmy, Uncle Alex here is a very nice guy." I said to him as I kneel down.

"He's actually a superhero in disguise." I whispered in his ear. Alex gave me a curious look when he heard that statement.

"Really?" Timmy asked. There was a twinkle in his eyes.

"Yup...and I'll make sure to keep William safe and sound until we return." Alex said with a wink.

"Promise?" Timmy asked.

"I promise." Alex nodded his head. Timmy then went and gave him a big hug and Alex picked him up in his arms. If only the circumstances were different, my heart wouldn't feel the ache it's feeling right now. Alex proceeded to order a sandwich while I ordered iced chocolate. Dave and Lester proceeded with our orders as we took our seat and Kris joined us.

"I hope the boys were not troubling you." I smiled at Kris.

"Not at all, they were practically good little angels." He replies a bit louder on purpose for the kids to hear.

"And make sure you be good for the trip later, okay?" I reminded them again.

"Yeah, yeah, William. You have fun on your work trip too." Leon said to me.

"They don't call you Dad or Father or any of that sort?" Alex asked curiously.

"Nope...we're used to that routine. The important thing is that we will always have each other's back." I replied to him. He was deep in thought for a moment while munching on his sandwich.

"Well, I'm not gonna delay you guys any further...have a safe trip, have fun and hope everything goes well." Kris said as he got up and made his way to the counter.

"So, shall we make a move?" Alex asked after we have finished our meal and rested for a bit. I nodded and we got up to start on our journey. It was a five hour journey as we make occasional stops to rest and also to take in the beautiful scenery. Eventually, we have reached our hotel and proceeded through the lobby for check-in with our luggages in tow.

"Good morning, sir. How may I help you?" The receptionist smiled as she greeted us.

"Yes, I believe we have made reservations for Alex Moreno and William Kim?" Alex enquired as he stood next to me. Which made me felt a bit self conscious. The receptionist took a few minutes to check in the hotel system before confirming and handed us our keys.

"Kindly take the elevator to the highest floor to access the presidential suite. We hope that both of you will enjoy your stay Mr Kim and Mr Moreno." The receptionist said as we collected our bags and made for the elevator.

When we reached the top floor and entered our room, I was breathtaken. It was huge, nicely decorated and comes with a kitchen, living room and even a private pool outside and jacuzzi and bathtub in the shower room. In the middle if the bedroom was a single queen sized bed, which made me stopped in my tracks. Because it means that I'll be sleeping in the same bed together with Alex. And I felt my face heating up at that thought.

"Don't worry, I don't bite." Alex teased as he whispered in my ear and laughed at my reaction.

"Nor do I toss and kick around in bed a lot." He added as he put his luggage down.

"I knew that..." I muttered softly to myself. Thinking back about how it was when we were together. And fearing what might happen after tonight. We had a quick shower and changed into comfortable wear. When I came out from the bedroom, Alex was looking through the stocks in the refrigerator.

"Just relax while I make our dinner." He gave a warm smile as I blushed a bit. I went back to lie on the bed with the box that I brought along in my hand, going through the contents inside while he cooked our dinner. A delicious smell soon drifted into the room as he announced that dinner is ready.

"I hope you like the food." Alex said as I sat at the dinner table. I must admit, they do look quite tempting...just like the cook who made them.

"I'm sure they're delicious." I complimented and took a bite. Judging from his facial expression, he seems to like my response to his cooking.

"That's good...you know, those were his favourite food too." Alex said with a sad smile. And I was reminded of the food he used to cook back when we were still together. We continued to eat mostly in silence, with occassional chit chat in between.

As he cleaned the dishes and utensils, I looked at the box again and made my final decision as I stepped out of the room.

"Did something happened? You looked like someone whom you know just died." Alex said as he dried off his hands.

"Close...but that's not it..." I said as I took a sit on the couch while he sat on the other side.

"I think you should have a look first..." I said while passing the box to him. He had an awkward smile as he took it from my hand and opened to look at the contents. His face immediately changed while I waited for the worst outcome.

"What is the meaning of this?" He asked in confusion as he looked through the pile of envelopes in the box and pulled out a locket from the bottom. Our initials were carved on the outside and within it, was a picture of us on our first date as a couple.

"So, it really was you all along." Alex said in his icy cold voice. I flinched at his realisation.

"Yes, it was me all along. The one you loved, and the one you left broken hearted." I turned away to hide my tears.

"10 years, William. All those time I've waited for you, and I gave up when you wouldn't reciprocate. And now you are back!?" He raised his voice.

"Last I remembered, it was you who couldn't get committed. I thought we could be together forever but you pushed me away and shut me out. I left because I don't want to live everyday in the shadows of that memory." I cried and hit him on his chest.

"And Kris knew?" He held my hands to stop me.

"Yes, I told him to keep it a secret. So that I wouldn't have to let the past haunt me again. Just as how you have moved on with your life. Going to events and functions, always a woman by your side holding your arms." I said to him out of spite. He winced at that comment.

"Then you have never known me well enough. I suggest you read those unopened letters and reconsider your opinion...and have a great dinner." He said to me and left the room.

I slowly gathered up the contents and placed them back in the box. I sat at the dinner table, looking at food he has cooked, and took a bite. I ate in silence, and in tears as his cooking is just the same way that I liked it. I didn't have much appetite so I kept the leftovers, cleaned up and went back to my room and slept.

Flames Reignited - Chapter 2

It's been a few weeks since we've moved to Sommersville. We've adapted to life here fairly easily. It's a typical Sunday morning as little Timmy was giggling while he sneaks into the twins' room. A few moments later a loud scream came from the room and the little devil running away laughing.

"I'll get you for this you little pipsqueak...!!" Adam shouted as both he and Leon ran out only in their briefs.

"You can't catch me...!!!" Timmy teased as the three of them were running around the place.

"Alright you three...go and get ready for breakfast." I told them as I served the food on the table and scooped Timmy up from his escaping attempt.

Huffing and puffing, the twins went back to freshen up at the mention of food without any argument. Followed by Timmy as he ran after them. I had a quick shower and change of clothes and joined at the table for our warm and simple breakfast. Today we'll be spending time at the mall together.

After cleaning up, we left our home and made our way to the mall by bus. Waiting for us there were Kris and his sons.

"Good morning, William." Kris greeted as we walked over to them. His elder sons, Lester and Dave are slightly older than the twins but studies in the same school. Little Jacky is in the same class with Timmy in kindergarten.

After making some arrangements, we've split up and agreed to meet later for lunch. Kris and I went to the botanical supplies located in an open air area first. The home needs some greeneries.

"You know, Alex is not the same person you still perceived him to be back then." Kris started the unavoidable topic.

"What I think of him back then has nothing to do with my current condition." I replied him.

"Then you shouldn't have lied to him from the beginning when you came back." Kris said to me. I kept quiet and continued to look at the plants and supplies that are available.

"Your silence says it all." He said smugly.

"Oh, for god's sake, Kris. I don't want history to repeat itself. I don't think I can live through that again if I let him back into my life." I turned around to look at him.

"I know how hurt you were back then. It's not that easy to bounce back from such a heartbreak." Kris gave me a little hug.

"Trust me...just give Alex another chance. Did you know that since the day you left, he was in a self destructive mode? It almost ruined him." He said to me.

"That's a bit hard for me to believe. Based on the papers that I've read over the years." I scoffed at him.

"You of all people should know him better. You've been through a lot to be together." Kris replied.

"Yeah...so much yet he managed to let it all go to waste." I said.

"Look, just give him a chance to prove himself. He still have you in his heart." Kris told me as he held my shoulders.

"Alright...I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. But only on my terms." I gave in to Kris.

"Okay, but you know you can't leave him in the dark any longer. The paper can't wrap around the flame for long." Kris warned.

"Don't worry...I'll let him know soon enough." I told him as we continued with our shopping. Picking a few plants, pots and supplies and gave our delivery address. A few hours later, it's lunch time as Kris and I met up with the boys. Little Timmy and Jacky both had their faces painted like animals while Lester, Dave and the twins had a few books, stationeries and some balloon animals.

We had lunch at one of the fast food outlet, chatting and laughing away. Followed by a movie session and dinner to end our fun day together. We've said goodbye to Kris and his sons as we went our separate ways. Timmy being tired from all the fun and excitement today that he quickly fell asleep in my arms.

Deep in the night, sitting alone in my bed while the children were sleeping, I quietly took out a box and opened it. Looking back at the contents and remembering the times when Alex and I were a couple, and the day when it all came crashing down. Thinking to myself how is the best way for the both of us to settle what was left hanging for ten long years. Warm tears streaming down my face as I closed the box and went to sleep.

Flames Reignited - Chapter 1

In a condominium unit, an alarm clock went off in one of the bedrooms. There were a few grunts and groans and then the alarm was silenced.

"Adam, Leon...get up and eat your breakfast. Or else you'll be late for your first day of school." That would be me, William Kim. A 35 year old guy with dark hair and charming good looks that can make people swoon.

"Just a few minutes more William..." Adam moaned in reply.

"I'm gonna finish your breakfast...sausage, egg and toast...!!!" A small child's voice replied giggling. That's little Timothy. A 6 year old angel that can get away with almost any kind of crime with that cute innocent look of his.

"Touch them and we'll finish you off, Pipsqueak." Leon warned. Little Timmy scuttled to the twins' room after finishing his share of the breakfast.

"You guys won't finish me off." Timothy said confidently.

"Oh yeah? Why is that?" Adam asked with a smirk.

"Because you love me so much." The little boy jumped into their arms as the twins tickled him. Squeals of laughter sounded from their room.

"Ok you two. Go and get ready." I walked into their room and picked up the little rascal.

Adam and Leon are 16 year old twins. Good looking with dark hair and athletic body. The kind of guys that can make girls go wild. The one thing about our family is that we're not related by blood at all. I took in the twins and Timothy years ago when they were abandoned on the streets and decided to adopt them as my sons. Since then we've stuck out for each other.

The twins freshen up themselves and changed into their school uniforms. While they were enjoying their breakfast, I combed Timmy's hair in the living room.

"Better hurry up, we still need to catch the bus. " I urged them as everyone got ready to leave.

"But it's Friday." Adam started to complain.

"It's still school day for you guys. Even if we've just moved here to Sommersville." I told him while carrying Timothy in my arms as we're walking to the bus stop.

"So how does it feel for you? To be back here again?" Leon asked.

"I'm not sure, a lot seemed to have changed over the years when I'm not around." I replied unsurely.

I accompanied the boys to the school and see them off before going to my new workplace. Luckily Sommersville has a kindergarten,  primary and secondary school in one compound. So at least the twins can keep an eye out for Timmy.

I continued to my new office at a place called G Corp. A multinational conglomerate that is involved in a few industries. Starting my new work as a personal assistant to the CEO. A guy by the name of Alex Moreno, a name that brings back some painful memories which I kept locked away in the deeper part of my brain.

After reporting to the HR department and a brief orientation, I was brought to meet my superior, the person that I wished I wouldn't meet again.

His office is located on the top floor, with a large meeting room on the left, a smaller room with a small round table and a few chairs adjacent to it. My workspace is just outside Alex's room. With neat cabinets and workstation. After a short briefing, the manager knocked on the wooden doors behind my workspace.

"Come in..." A deep voice sounded from inside and he opened the door. Alex's room was simply decorated. A large mahogany desk where he does his work, high-backed chair, floor to ceiling glass windows with curtains behind him so that a part of Sommersville can be seen, cabinets and shelves filled with books and files and finally a large screen television attached to one of his walls. A figure was sitting at the desk, looking through stacks of documents and jotting down some things.

"Good morning, Mr. Moreno. Your personal assistant is here." The HR manager informed.

"Thank you, Steven. I'll take it from here." Alex replied as the manager took his leave and closed the door.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Moreno." I greeted him and extended my hand.

"Please...call me Alex. And nice to meet you too, William." He stood up to shake my hand and had a curious look on his face.

"You look quite familiar, were you from around here?" Alex asked.

"No...I've just moved here." I lied to him.

"Well then, I hope you will enjoy your stay here." He said with a smile. He passed me an electronic tablet and a notebook.

"You'll need these for your job. I've already synced my schedules for the next few weeks. And if all else fails, there's still the notebook to rely on." He explained to me as I took the items from him.

"Thanks, if there's nothing else,  I'll go and start on my work." I informed him as I made my way out and back to my workstation to start work.

The whole day was packed with calls, meetings and reports. Seems that there is nothing that Alex couldn't handle. I had to keep myself busy to prevent my stray thoughts. Thinking about his deep sexy voice, his smoking hot good looks, hair that is smooth to the touch, the magnificent body behind his perfect looking suit, and other things that popped into my mind. I felt something hard in my pants and had to cover it up as best as I could before anyone notices it. Just then my phone vibrated with a message from an old friend asking me to meet up tonight at a local coffee shop. I sent back a.short reply, followed by a message to the twins to notify them.

After a long day of work, I went to see my old friend at the agreed location to wind down and relax. I reached the place and looked around. There were a lot of people here, some were relaxing and chatting, some were on the hunt for adventure. I saw my old friend waving at me from behind the counter and made a beeline straight towards him while ignoring the obvious flirting and stares from some of the customers. Unfortunately for them, this guy is currently off the markets.

"It's been a long time, William." My friend Kris said as we hugged each other.

"Indeed, did you miss me?" I teased him.

"Well, have I ever." He laughed.

Kris is quite a looker himself being at the same age as me and Alex. He's living a good happy life as the owner of a LGBT friendly café. He's managing the place with his partner and their adopted sons.

"How're your kids?" I asked him.

"Well, you're looking at them, over there." Kris gestured to the two handsome barristas who're brewing coffee and drinks and preparing the food. Each of them looked about the same age as the twins. They smiled and waved as they looked our way. His youngest son was manning the cashier with the help of his partner. He looks to be around the same age with little Timmy.

We were served with some hot coffee and iced chocolate and cookies while we sat down. I'm not a coffee lover kind of person.

"So...how is it?" Kris asked.

"How is what?" I replied with a blank look.

"Don't play dumb with me, William." He said with a sly smile. I gave a sigh.

"There's nothing between us anymore. He did suspect a bit but I lied and said that I've just moved here. And it'll stay that way." I said with a challenging look.

"You know that you can't hide it forever." Kris said as he took a sip at his coffee.

"I know...now can we talk about something else? " I said to him while rolling my eyes. We continued chatting happily until I glanced at the entrance and my jaw dropped. I looked back at Kris with a menacing glare.

"Tell me that you didn't asked him to come here." I said to him.

"I didn't asked Alex to come here." He replied immediately.

"You did...!!!" I pointed an accusing finger at him. Kris puts up his hands in surrender. Just then Alex was already approaching our table.

"Oh, I didn't realise you two knew each other." Alex said amusingly.

"We don't. I saw him just sitting there all by himself so I thought of chatting with him and make a new friend." Kris replied.

"Yeah, Kris seems quite a nice guy." I added.

"So fast already going on first name basis?" One of Alex's brows arched.

"What can I say? I'm a people person." Kris chuckled while I smiled.

"Alex comes here often to hangout after work." Kris explained.

"Well...they make good cookies...and I get special discounts for being an old friend." Alex smiled cheekily which made my heart beat a little faster.

"Oh...so that's a good thing I guess." I said while taking a drink of my chocolate.

"So you're not a coffee lover." Alex said amusingly.

"Indeed...I kinda have a little issue with coffee." I explained.

"Oh, just like someone we used to know." Alex said while gesturing towards both him and Kris. I knew exactly who he was talking about.

"Yeah...he's not really a coffee person either." Kris said while giving me a knowing look.

"Probably we share the same taste." I replied and just laughed it off. We continued to chat for quite some time. Not knowing that it's almost closing time until his partner came to our table.

"Having a good time I see..." he said with a smile and gave Kris a little kiss on the lips.

"This is Greg." Kris introduced as we shook hands.

"It's closing time already. The boys are waiting in the car. You're the last ones." Greg told us. I looked at the time and realised how late it is. Slightly worried if I can get any public transport home.

"Well...time to close shop then." Kris said as we all got up.

"I think it's better that you send William home, Alex." Kris said as he winked at me behind Alex.

"That won't be necessary..." I tried to refuse, but was stopped halfway by Alex.

"It's late...and it'll be very hard to get any public transport at this hour. Plus, I don't mind at all." Alex said as Kris and Greg tidied up.

"Ok...sure..." I replied, a bit awkwardly as we made our way out of the café after saying goodbye to Kris. I should remind myself to get back at him for this.

"So, tell me your address." Alex said while we were walking towards his car. He activated his Waze apps on his phone while waiting for my input.

"Alex, it's not necessary..." I tried to refuse again.

"It's already late, it's almost impossible to get a public transport,  and I prefer to see you safe back inside your home. So give me your address." Alex gave me a no-nonsense look as we reached his car. Which I concede to in the end.

"There...that wasn't so hard." He said while typing the information. There was a few minutes of awkward silence between us as we started on our journey.

"So, tell me about your family." Alex said as an attempt to lighten up the mood.

"Well, I have three sons. A pair of twins and a little one which is cute like an angel." I said with a smile.

"You're wife must be a beautiful person then?" Alex asked.

"Well...I'm not married actually. I'm still single." I told him.

"Then your sons?" He asked.

"I adopted them a few years ago before moving here. We've been staying together even before that. They've lost their parents and were wandering the streets to make a living." I explained to him.

"Oh, you must love them very much then?" He said with a smile.

"Sometimes I'm worried that I spoiled them too much." I laughed. Part of me wanted to know how he feels about me right now. But part of me told me to just forget about the past and move on. The first part won this battle. And now I just have to try to carefully manoeuvre my way around the conversation.

"So, the friend you and Kris were talking about must be a great person. Wish I can meet him some day." I said to him. I tried to glance at his direction, some how there was a sad smile on his face. But it vanished in a split second.

"Yes, he was a great person. We even used to be an item together. But sadly our relationship didn't work out." He said to me.

"Oh, such a shame." I tried to hide my sadness while focusing on the road in front.

"Would you mind telling me what happened?" I continued prodding him.

"He moved away with his parents one day. It happened so suddenly, even right now I'm not sure where he is or how he's doing." He told me.

"I'm sure he's fine wherever he is." I assured him.

"Probably...he's a strong and happy go lucky person." He agreed with a smile. The remaining of our journey was filled with awkward silence again. A few minutes later, we've reached my condo.

"You can just drop me off here...I'll just walk back to my unit." I indicated to the guard house up front to Alex.

"I did promised Kris I'll get u back home safely though." He said as he drove right up to the guard house and lowered down his window.

"Seriously, here is good enough." I tried to object.

"Nonsense...I'd feel better when you're safe inside your home." He was adamant and I finally gave up.

After parking his car in the visitor carpark, we went into the lift and up to my unit floor. Alex walked with me all the way to my unit. As we stopped at the door, I rummaged my pockets for the keys while he stood behind and watched. Once I've opened the front door, I turned to him.

"Thanks for sending me back." I said to him with a smile.

"No problem, so I'll see you tomorrow then." He said as he turned to leave.

"Yeah, good night and sweet dreams." I said as he started to walk away. Waving his hand at me in acknowledgement.

I closed the door and entered the living room, to find the twins and Timmy falling asleep on the couch. I gently woke up the twins and carried Timmy to his bed and kissed them on the forehead as they tucked in their beds.

As I showered, I thought about the events today. So far there were no incidents, but some day Alex will find out the truth. But for now, I'll just go along and see what the future holds as I turned off the shower and ready for sleep.