Down and Tired
The next morning, only three of them showed up for breakfast. While Maria was stilled curled up in her bed, Laila, Steve and Noah were sitting in the dining room as they were sharing a meal before they got started on what they had planned for the day. But where Laila and Noah were feeling well-rested and were looking cheerful, Steve looked like had been up all night. Gaining the attention of Laila and consequently that of Noah as well. They both exchanged some looks and whispers as they glanced at him. "What is up with him? Do you think something happened between him and Maria after we went to bed?" Noah shrugged, "I don't know either. We saw them coming up with us and you were in Maria's room until Steve had closed the door to his. We did what we could. If they looked each other up after we went to sleep, that is on them. All I know is that he looks like he hit a brick wall."
With a concerned look on her face Laila said, "Yeah, you are right. I just have a feeling that his current state has something to do with Maria. Though I'm not sure how either, nor if it was a positive thing or a negative thing. Looking down and tired are so similar." Noah glanced up from his paper and took a better look at his friend's expression before turning back to his paper and saying, "Well, I might not know what has happened but I can tell you that this isn't Steve looking down. If he was feeling upset, he would certainly add more sighing to it all. To me he only looks tired. If anything, he is probably dreading that he has to go to work when he would rather stay here with Maria and sort out whatever might have been said or has happened. But if you are that worried about it, then you should ask him about it or wait for Maria to get down and grill her."
As Laila was quietly agreeing with Noah and thinking of how to approach the subject, Steve's thoughts were proving that Noah was right. After saying goodnight to Maria for the second time, he had a hard time falling back asleep. He was feeling much too excited and in his mind he was reliving their moments together. With each time he imagined their little early morning date, he started to feel more doubt as to what had actually happened and what Maria had actually said. Wondering if he had dreamed up some of the words or made them bigger in his mind. Because of that, his morning had basically started at four in the morning instead of the seven-thirty in the morning he had planned on.
As if his lack of sleep wouldn't have enough of an effect on his focus for the day, him being unable to clear things up with Maria would most likely make matters even worse. Since he had much to do at work, he won't be able to stay and talk to Maria about this morning nor last night for that matter. This meant that he would be probably be trying to figure out the meaning of her words by himself. Something that could keep his mind occupied all day, instead of what he focus should be on. Just like it was on his mind right now as he was playing with his food.
His thoughts were interrupted by Laila, who had finally decided to ask Steve about whether something had happened after they had gone to bed, instead of speculating about it, since her curiosity and concern for Steve could not handle waiting for Maria to get out of bed. Especially since she had enough to worry her with what she had been tasked with for today, planning a date with Olivia.
A bit hesitantly Laila asked, "Steve...Are you okay?" Steve looked up from his plate and smiled a bit weakly as he said. "I'm fine. Just a bit tired." Laila was happy to hear that it was just him being tired and hoped that this was the truth but tried to make sure by asking, "Are you sure it is just you being tired? If that is the case it is fine. It is just that I was worried something might have happened between you and Maria. Because if so, I can help you know?" Steve looked at Laila with a bit of shock. Had he been so obvious? Could he be read so easily? But when he saw the earnest look in her eyes, his feelings towards her questions changed as well. She had been his supporter from the very beginning. So, maybe asking her for some advice and perspective on this morning wasn't such a bad idea.
He let out a sigh and said, "Yeah, maybe it isn't just me being tired. Maria apparently had a hard time falling asleep yesterday and decided to go downstairs for a snack. As you know, I am quite sensitive to light and when she triggered the hall lights, I woke up." Though this little fact was news to Laila, who did not have any memories of Steve from before her waking up in this timeline, she didn't interrupt his story and listened quietly and with great interest as Steve continued.