Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Eight: Is This the Right Moment?

I realized Alyssa was snapping at me. It wasn't just because of last night; it was because she had her period. I should have known. I know her schedule; I need to know when she needs extra attention or to be left alone. She is extra clingy and needy. She can go from happily snuggling to pulling away and complaining because I radiate too much heat. She has bad mood swings, but it's fine. I know how to handle them and make her feel better. I know how to take care of her, even if she tries to tell me to leave her alone. It's the last thing she wants me to do.

I gathered my things and headed out. I told the receptionist to cancel my meetings because I had a personal issue to deal with. I stopped by the store and picked up some essentials: ice cream, chocolate, painkillers, and some other snacks—her comfort foods. I saw some teddy bears on the way to the register. I grabbed one but didn't examine it closely. It was cute; Alyssa would like it.

Once I had everything, I made my way to her place. She may not be happy to see me, but she'll get over it and be demanding in no time. I pulled up outside her building; she should be home. I gathered the things and hurried inside. I let myself into the building and into her apartment.

The place seemed quiet. She was either ignoring me or asleep. I checked the bathroom in case she was in the bath. She wasn't. I checked the bedroom next, expecting her to be curled up in bed asleep. She wasn't there either. Where the hell is she?

I took my cell phone from my pocket to call her. It started ringing, but I soon heard it ringing from the living room. I started to worry. I darted through the entire place, double-checking that she hadn’t had an accident and that I hadn’t missed her. She might have gone for a walk. The exercise would be good for her and help ease the cramps. I wish she had taken her cell phone. I've told her multiple times not to leave without it. What if something happened to her, or someone tried to hurt her? How could she call for help? Perhaps I am being overly paranoid and protective. I have a feeling where she may be.

There's a beautiful park about a fifteen-minute walk from her apartment. It's surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers. There's also a duck pond. She likes to visit it when she needs some escape. There's a large oak tree she likes to sit under and read. If she isn't there, there are a few other places to check. I put everything away and left, taking her phone with me.

I stopped at a frozen yogurt store to get us some. I chose a strawberry one with a couple of toppings and a watermelon-flavored one with four toppings for Alyssa.

I continued the walk to the park. It was pretty quiet; I thought it would be busier. I took a moment to remember which direction her favorite tree was in. It didn't take long for me to spot her underneath it, her face buried in a book. I smiled, watching her for a moment. I snapped a quick photo of her. I love natural pictures of her. I put my phone away and strolled over.

Alyssa was too engrossed in the book to notice me approach. I wish she would be more alert when she's on her own. I crouched before her and held the frozen yogurt in front of her face.

“For you, beautiful,” I said softly.

She finally lifted her head to look at me.

“Wyatt, what are you doing here?” she asked, looking surprised.

“I came to your apartment, and you weren’t there. I assumed you would be here. Why did you leave your cell phone behind?”

“Did you come here to… to have a go at me?” she exclaimed, glaring at me.

“No. I came to make sure you were okay. I am sorry, angel, for everything that has happened in the last twenty-four hours. I shouldn’t have left last night.” I sighed and stroked her face.