The next few days were more peace and quiet, for Leonica, than she could have bargained for.
There were no crazy spy watching her every move, no half sisters trying to kidnap her or ruin her life, no ex husband trying to win her over and the only thing she had to worry about was Ashley’s condition. But even that had shown to have improved a bit during their last
visit.
It was all perfect.
“You’re awfully chipper this morning,” Owen noted as they both stood in front of the mirror, fixing their outfits.
As per to reward herself for how well she had done so far, Leonica had decided to go all out, planning a whole day’s date with Owen.
“Why shouldn’t I be.” She responded happily, already in love with her own idea.
Getting to spend the entire day with Owen while Ashley hung out with Anastasia and regrettably, Lloyd.
She still wasn’t sure what those two were doing together.
“My life’s finally sailing smoothly and I’m even going on a date with my Fiancé, today.” Leonica said as she finished up with Owen’s scarf and pecked his lip. “Now tell me why I shouldn’t be happy.”
Owen chuckled. Well who was he to complain? He loved when Leonica was happy. Her happiness was his happiness.
“Alright, you’re all set, shall we head out?” She said, earning a nod from him before he took her hand and led her out of the room, down the stairs and out the house.
Owen held the car door open for her, expecting her to get into the passenger seat, but much to his surprise, she plucked the car key straight out of his hands, flashing him a smile as she headed for the driver’s seat. “I’m driving.”
Owen thought of protesting, but seeing as she was the one who had picked all the date spots they were going to, he decided against it.
“Okay.” He nodded and got into the passenger seat.
Once they were all settled, Leonica pulled out of the parking spot, a wide grin on her lips.
She had so many ideas, all which she was excited about, especially the first one, which would serve as a warm up before the main event.
The first place was a café, not just any café, but one of the best and most romantic in the country.
“Welcome.” The waiter greeted them with a wide smile, eyeing the couple with an obvious glint of interest. “Please, follow me.”
He gestured for them to follow him and they did. They were lead to a private table near the glass windows which Leonica had reserved.
The view was beautiful, a garden of roses in full bloom and the sight was even more amazing with the morning sun shining brightly. “Here’s our menu,” The waiter said after they had been seated.
“Actually, I called in advance to reserve an order.” Leonica said and the waiter nodded, quickly noting the orders down before turning and walking off.
“I didn’t know such a place like this existed in Oslo. How did you find it?” Owen asked and Leonica laughed, the sound sweet like honey.
“It was all Anastasia.”
And she wasn’t lying when she said that. The day before, when Leonica had come up with the idea of a whole day’s date and wanted to build a list of good places, she called Anastasia, who, being the expert, had come up with an entire list of amazing places that served amazing dishes and created the perfect atmosphere for couples.
“Always reserve the window seat.” She had said, and Leonica did exactly that.
“Well, you definitely chose well.” Owen complimented.
“Glad you think so.”
As they waited for their orders, Owen and Leonica chatted about all and sundry, the mood in the air being so calm and peaceful, just the way Leonica loved it.
“Your order.” The waiter’s voice broke through the conversation and the two paused, turning their attention to him.
They had ordered pancakes with some chocolate syrup and blue berries, topped with whipped cream and a cherry on top.
It looked really appetizing.
“Enjoy.” He said before stepping back.
Owen and Leonica didn’t have to be told twice, they grabbed their utensils and dug in.
“Whoa,” They both said at the same time, eyes widening in awe at the amazing taste that invaded their mouth.
“This tastes amazing.”
“Right?” Leonica said as she ate another spoonful, the smile on her face only growing wider with each bite. “I’m so glad we came here.” She added and Owen could only but smile, entranced by how happy and delightful she looked each time she took a bite of the pancakes.
It was so beautiful.
“Hey, don’t just stare at me, eat up.” She instructed after noticing that Owen had only taken one bite, whilst she had taken nearly a dozen.
“Right, I forgot.” He admitted and Leonica chuckled, watching as he dug his spoon in and took a bite.
“So, how is it?” She asked after a while.
“I’d give it a ten out of ten.” He answered.
“Glad you like it.”
Their next date spot after that was an art museum, Leonica’s choice.
“You really have a soft spot for paintings, huh?” Owen commented as they walked through the various halls and rooms, staring at the painting hung on the walls.
“I do, especially paintings that were done by an artist who has no intention of selling their works, because no matter how much money you offer them, they will always hold onto the work because of the value they attach to it.” “And why’s that?”
“Because a lot of their emotions and thoughts went into the piece. Their blood, sweat and tears. It’s like the product of their entire being, something that cannot be replaced and that’s why no matter what, they won’t sell it.” She explained. “But isn’t there the possibility that the piece will eventually be forgotten, that people won’t know its existence anymore?”
“That’s a possibility,” Leonica began. “But it’s not something that’d hurt the artist. Sure, the piece might get forgotten by the people, but as long as they still remember its existence, they won’t lose their value. After all, those were their emotions, their thoughts and the product of their entire being.”
“I see.”
They continued walking in silence until Owen’s hand came up and wrapped around hers, causing her to turn and look at him.
“If I had the choice of forgetting my feelings for you, I wouldn’t do it. Not for anything in the world.” He stated.
Leonica smiled. “What’s brought this about Mr. Loverboy?”
“Nothing,” He shook his head, squeezing her hand tighter. “Just felt like saying that.”
Leonica smiled and pecked his cheek.
“Good, because I wouldn’t let you forget your feelings for me, even if I had the choice.”
Owen’s face lit up at her words and a wide grin played on his lips.
“So where to next?”
“To the ice rink.” She answered and he nodded.
“Ice skating?”
“Yeah, you know how to ice skate, don’t ya?”
Owen fell silent at her question.
The third date spot was an ice rink, as mentioned.
Leonica had a wide grin on her face, excited to share her hobby with Owen.
“This is going to be so much fun!” She exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement.
“About that…” Owen began and she frowned.
“What is it?”
“You see, the thing is, I’ve never actually ice skated before.”
Leonica’s eyes went wide before a grin slowly broke across her face. “What?!” She shrieked.
“I never really had the need to,” He said and looked away, embarrassed.
“Oh my god, this is going to be the best.” She said and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the counter so they can get a pair of ice skates.
After paying for them, Leonica handed a pair of the skates to Owen and dragged him towards the ice rink, her eyes scanning the area for a free spot. “So, what am I supposed to do?” Owen asked and Leonica chuckled.
“Well first of all, you should put the ice skates on.” She stated.
“I’m not a kid, I know that.” Owen mumbled as he sat down and began untying his shoes.
Once he was done, Leonica gently guided him into the ice rink, intertwining her fingers with his so that he wouldn’t fall. “Just try and keep your balance, okay?”
Owen nodded and Leonica, knowing he wouldn’t fall, let go of his hand and began to skate, slowly but steadily.
“Whoa,” He gasped and reached out his hand, almost stumbling backwards, if not for the hand that suddenly caught him. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to-“
“Oh, it’s okay. You didn’t do anything.” Leonica reassured him, her arms wrapping around him so she can pull him close. “Thanks.” He said and she nodded, giving him a quick peck before releasing him.
“Now, try and mimic what I did.” She instructed.
“I’ll try.”
Slowly, Owen began to copy Leonica’s actions, taking cautious and calculated steps.
“You’re doing great,” Leonica encouraged. “But you’ll have to speed it up if you want to catch up.”
“Catch up? Catch up to you?” He questioned, earning a nod from her.
“Of course, I’m not letting you walk in my shadow.” She said.
Owen smirked and nodded. “Well, you better be prepared then, ’cause I’m going to catch up soon.”
“In your dreams.”
The competition between the two had begun, Leonica, who had been an ice skater since the age of ten, was at a clear advantage.
She skated smoothly and elegantly, while Owen could barely maintain his balance.
“Whoa, whoa.” Owen muttered, reaching his hands out in front of him, his legs shaking uncontrollably.
“Come on, don’t be a spoilsport. You have to give it your all.” Leonica shouted, skating past him.
“I’m trying my best, here.”
“Is that really your best?”
Owen scoffed and continued to skate, trying his best not to lose his balance, but no matter how hard he tried, the balance was just slipping through his fingers and eventually, be tripped.
Leonica was there to stop him in a matter of seconds, but the weight of his body pulled her along with his falling figure as soon as she tried to pull him by the hand.
They both collapsed to the floor, Owen groaning in pain as Leonica had landed on top of him.
“Are you alright.” He asked.
She swatted his chest. “Worry about yourself you big klutz. You’re the one who landed on your back.”
“No, I’m fine.” He chuckled and Leonica couldn’t help but giggle.
“”You’re more bad at this than I thought.”
“Says the person who fell along with me.” His remark earned him yet another swat on the chest.
“Is that what I get for trying to save your ass?” She said, crossing her arms and pouting once she had gotten back on her feet.
Owen who was still on the ice, looked up at her and smiled softly.
Too softly, Leonica thought as she felt her heart flutter when she saw his expression.
“What?”
Owen shook his head. “Nothing, it’s just nice to see you like this, all care free and happy.”
Leonica’s smite grew and she nodded in agreement. “Yeah. I guess with everything feeling this peaceful I can finally be myself. Now come
on, we still have to visit one last place.” She urged him to getup.
QUMS
“Alright, alright.” He said as he got to his feet, following her off the skating rink. “So where’s our last place?” He asked out of curiosity. Leonica, who no longer saw the need to keep their last destination hidden, looked over her shoulder at him and with a smiley, announced. “Ekeberg Park.”