Page 47 of Light in Your Eyes (Romero Brothers #1)

Layla

One year later

"Over here, Layla," my friend's voice calls me as soon as I step into the coffee shop.

My eyes dart to her waving her hand enthusiastically. She's sitting with two of our other classmates.

A smile forms on my lips as I walk toward their table with my backpack slung across my shoulder. I take a seat and take out my laptop.

Naomi — who just waved her hand at me — squints at me, resting her chin on her fist. "Are you not going to order something first?" She tilts her chin toward the counter.

I shake my head. "I'm good." I usually take my coffee outside.

"I'm sure we can finish our assignment quickly today," Kenna, who is sitting beside me, mumbles and slurps her iced coffee. "Now that Layla is here, of course. Gosh, you're our life safer, Layla."

I almost roll my eyes. A small chuckle leaves my lips. She's hyperbolizing.

"No, really," Sofie adds. "You're always one step ahead in studying. How the hell did you manage to get a high mark on our last quiz? Our professor is a pain in the ass."

"That's what happens when you're really passionate about what you're studying," Naomi chirps, raising her brow at me. "Right, Layla?"

I shake my head, biting my lip as I try to focus on our assignment instead.

Studying nutrition is indeed my passion.

Many kids around the world — especially those who stay in poor countries — are struggling to have proper food, and I'm looking forward to participating in a volunteer program to help them.

I smile as I remember being told to make the most out of my life, and to be happy.

We do our assignments while chatting about nothing important in particular. I must admit that I enjoy being here with them. I even enjoy the bickering between Sofie and Kenna, as well as Naomi's ramble.

Being a college girl, pursuing the degree of my dreams, and hanging out with my friends after class have been my daily routines. The money from Jaxon is more than enough to cover all of Nana's insurance debt, the tuition for Archer's school and the expenses I need to pursue higher education.

I can't be more grateful, although there's still a big hole in my chest that I doubt will ever be fulfilled.

We manage to finish the group assignment quite quickly, just as Kenna predicted. I'm really glad about that because I have to leave early to celebrate Archer's birthday.

While they're still packing their things before leaving, I head to the counter to order. After grabbing my favorite cappuccino, I sling my backpack over my shoulder and wave at them. "I gotta go. It's my brother's birthday celebration today."

"Safe trip."

"Call me when you get there."

"Have a nice long weekend, Layla."

They say almost in unison, and I smile at them before pushing through the door.

The fall breeze greets me as soon as I step out of the coffee shop. I take a moment to halt and close my eyes, enjoying the feel of it caressing my skin.

I resume my steps and head toward the tunnel, but not before I pass the park where I usually sit and enjoy the sunset while listening to the kids playing in the playground.

A soccer ball almost shoots my drink, but luckily, I manage to dodge it with a little yelp.

The boy who just kicked the ball runs toward me. "Sorry," he shouts from afar, rushing toward me.

I smile and pick up the ball rolling beside my foot. I throw it at him, and he catches it with a wide grin on his face.

"Thanks," he says.

The boy is cute and still so little, probably not more than five years old.

I sigh, walking closer toward the playground. I lean against the railing, watching the kids play as I slurp my cappuccino. I moan as the warmth of the drink sips into me. Even the warmth of the cup against my palm feels so nice and relaxing .

My gaze darts to a little girl playing the swing with her father. The children's laughter echoes in my ears, and I unknowingly let another smile curve on my lips. It's always heartwarming to watch them play. I don't think that I'll ever get bored with it.

I turn around, and just when I head to the bench, I see Mr. Grint — the old man who cleans the park — working with his broom to sweep the leaves off the pavements and the grass. He spots me.

I wave my hand at him and call cheerfully, "Hi, Mr. Grint."

"Enjoying the sunset again?" he asks with his signature grandpa's voice.

"As usual." I grin.

He nods and resumes his work again. Mr. Grint is everybody's best friend here.

I take a seat in my favorite spot, still holding the cup of coffee with both hands. I close my eyes and inhale the soothing aroma. Doing this always calms my mind.

I open my eyes again and stare at the sky. It's twilight. The setting sun is hidden by the buildings, but it's still a beautiful sight to see. Purple, red, and orange.

How I wish that I could show this view to him. The person I miss the most. The man with no sight, but the one who also said that I could give him his sight every time he was with me.

My throat starts to hurt because of the great longing I feel inside. Slowly, I take my phone from my pants and find his picture. It's a picture of him when he sat in the hammock, gazing up at the surroundings with a contented expression and a smile that rarely touched his lips .

My eyes water as I stare at the light in his eyes — his happiness — that I want to treasure forever. I miss that face.

I miss him.

So much.

My tear drops onto the screen, and I wipe my eye. I always think about him.

Is he doing okay?

Does he still have that light in him?

I sniffle, glancing at my wristwatch. It's about time for me to catch the train. Nana and Archer are waiting for me.

With that thought in mind, I put my phone back into my pocket and finish the remaining of my drink with my eyes glued to the beautiful twilight sky.