I danced around Rosa, who was cutting vegetables for side salads, to the music blaring from my phone. This was so much fun, and Rosa seemed to be enjoying herself too. The smile on her face never left. I was in charge of the mac and cheese, while Rosa handled the sides.

Grabbing an oven mitt, I opened the oven and slid the huge pan out. The smell was practically making me drool. If it hadn't been steaming hot, I'd have shoved my face directly into it.

I dished out huge scoops onto three plates, and Rosa put the salad into small bowls. I set the table with the bowls of food as Rosa pulled out her cell phone and called Allen, who was outside working. He was in his "man shed," as Rosa called it. He came rushing inside once he heard there was food.

We all sat down, and pleasant conversation flowed as we waited for the mac and cheese to cool off. I was picking at my side salad as we talked.

"Oh my GOD," Allen suddenly exclaimed, startling me and making me drop my fork on the floor. It clattered against the tile loudly, and I cringed, bracing for the impact of a fist.

"What's wrong?" Rosa asked, furrowing her brows.

"Who made this?" he asked, pointing to the mac and cheese with his fork. He scooped a huge forkful up and shoved the entire thing in his mouth.

"Melanie," Rosa chuckled, and Allen stared at me blankly as he shoveled the rest of what was on his plate into his mouth.

"I did," I admitted sheepishly.

"That was amazing, Melanie," Allen complimented, and I felt my cheeks heat up.

"Thank you. I'm glad you liked it!" I replied happily.

Heavy footfalls down the stairs interrupted Allen's reply, and Dante appeared at the bottom. He was dressed in a full dark blue suit; the shirt underneath was a pale gray. His hair was styled perfectly, a small piece of it falling free against his forehead. His smell wafted toward me as he walked from the stairs to the kitchen, and I had to close my eyes.

He smells so fucking good. Like pine needles and citrus.

"Son, try some of that mac and cheese before you go. It's amazing," Allen called out, but it was too late. Dante had already loaded a plate up and was standing in the doorway with it. I watched as he looked me in the eyes and lifted the fork to his mouth, taking a huge bite.

"Who made this?" he blurted, mirroring his father's reaction. Both of his parents laughed at his wide, surprised eyes.

"Melanie did," Allen told him, his voice conveying how impressed he was.

Dante remained quiet, choosing to finish his food and then head out. Excusing myself, I took my plate to the sink, rinsed it off, and stuck it in the dishwasher. I decided to clean the kitchen a little bit so Rosa could enjoy her afternoon relaxing. Once I was done, I took my leave up to my room and opened my laptop, ready to write a little more.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

But my phone went off just as I placed my fingers on the keyboard.

DING it went off again.

I pulled it from my pocket and opened my messages.

You have one new message from:

Dante Dayholt

"I didn't know you could cook.."

You have one new message from:

Dante Dayholt

"Impressive."

I rolled my eyes and locked my phone, choosing to ignore him. I couldn't ignore the giddy feeling I had inside, though.

He liked my cooking. Everyone liked my cooking, but especially him. He liked it!

I shook my head, clearing my thoughts.

What is wrong with me?

A few hours later, I cheered as I wrote the last part of my short story. Now, all I had to do was edit it, and I could post it on my blog. I didn't have very many readers, but the ones I did have were pretty loyal.

By now it was dinnertime, but I was still stuffed from lunch. My appetite was slowly going back to normal, but I still couldn't stomach more than one whole meal a day yet. I was slowly gaining weight, though. I felt a little heavier, and my face was a little bit fuller. I wasn't complaining. I looked better with a little bit of extra weight.

A soft knock on the door startled me, and I jumped, knocking my phone off the bed.

"Is it okay to come in?" Rosa called from the other side.

"Yep!" I replied, and the door opened slowly, revealing Rosa. She was carrying a small box and a full ziplock baggie.

"I got this for you. I'm not sure who was paying for the phone you have now, but it's likely that they will stop soon," she said, handing me the small box. "I added a new line to our phone plan."

I gasped as I opened it and saw a brand-new iPhone sitting there. The newest model, too. The phone I had currently was an older iPhone model, one that was probably new ten years ago. It did what I needed it to do, so it wasn't ever an issue. What Rosa didn't know, though, was that I'd gotten into the family computer at my aunt's and had added an extra line to their phone plan. They never knew they were paying for my phone, and I never felt inclined to tell them. It was my only solace and connection to the outside world.

"No way, I can't accept this," I told her, trying to hand the box back. She shook her head and firmly pushed my hands away.

"It's yours. It's already activated. You just have to sign in with your account and transfer your stuff over," she told me sternly as she handed me the ziplock baggie. It was full of cookies.

"What is this?" I asked, confused.

"Well, what do they look like?" Rosa replied, laughing. "They're for you to snack on so you don't always have to come back downstairs when you're a little hungry. We all have snacks in our rooms. Whatever food is in this house is your food too. Don't hesitate to eat stuff you like," she added, then turned and walked back out of the room.

I don't deserve these people.

After setting up my new phone and transferring everything over, I lay back on my bed, feeling a sense of gratitude and comfort that I hadn't felt in years. I felt like I belonged somewhere for the first time in a long while. Rosa and Allen had welcomed me into their home and their hearts without any hesitation, and that meant more to me than they would ever know.

As I drifted off to sleep that night, I couldn't help but think about Dante. Despite his teasing and the complicated feelings he stirred in me, knowing he appreciated my cooking made me smile. Maybe there was hope for something more between us. Maybe, just maybe, I could let my guard down and let him in.

But for now, I was content. I had a new family, a new home, and a sense of peace that was slowly mending my broken heart.

I still didn't deserve it.