Chapter 4 One Call, One Song, One Heart

It was well past midnight when Sonia tiptoed into the apartment, the soft click of the door echoing in the quiet night. Her heels dangled from her fingers, and the faint scent of perfume and nightclub smoke clung to her clothes. She stretched and yawned, her mind still replaying the fun of the night out.

"I'm home!" Sonia called, dropping her shoes by the door and walking further inside. The soft glow from the living room lamp illuminated Bella, curled up on the sofa, phone in hand, and a dreamy look on her face.

Bella looked up, a mischievous glint in her eye. Without saying a word, she playfully pushed Sonia's head as she passed. They both burst into soft laughter.

Sonia plopped onto the armrest of the sofa, kicking off the tiredness for a moment. "What's got you smiling like that, hmm? Spill!"

Bella, unable to contain her happiness, closed one eye in a playful wink but said nothing.

Sonia narrowed her eyes, smirking. "I'm smelling something fishy here."

Bella waved her off. "Get some sleep, you party girl."

But Sonia wasn't fooled. "You met someone, didn't you? Someone online?"

Bella sighed, caught. "Yes... you got it right."

Sonia's face lit up. "Really?! Oh, Bella! That's amazing!" She settled in more comfortably, clearly eager to hear the details. "Come on, tell me about him! Who is he?"

Bella hesitated, then said softly, "He's a Black man... from London."

"London?" Sonia's eyes widened. "Girl, you're crossing borders now! Wow!"

Bella chuckled. "Yeah."

Sonia tilted her head. "Okay, so what does he do?"

"He's a waiter in a restaurant," Bella answered honestly, glancing at Sonia to read her expression.

Sonia blinked. "A waiter?" She raised a brow, surprised.

Bella smiled and nodded. "Yes."

"Well..." Sonia shrugged, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Okay, I'm happy for you."

Bella gave her a look. "Then why did you ask again? Is there something wrong? Or were you hoping for some rich guy like Eric?"

Sonia sighed, looking at Bella fondly. "Honestly? Yeah, I kinda was. But it's your choice, Bella. Just... be careful. Get to know him well before you let your heart fall too hard. I've said it before-it's hard to find the right man on these dating apps."

Bella nodded, still smiling. "His name's Raymond. I don't know... I just have this feeling. I think he'll be a really nice person."

Sonia smiled gently. "Alright. I'm so tired, though. I need to freshen up."

"Okay, go freshen up," Bella said.

As Sonia walked off toward the bathroom, Bella leaned back into the sofa, hugging her phone. I just wish Raymond is the right man, she thought. Why do I feel this special connection already? She tapped her forehead lightly. What's wrong with me? Just one day of chatting, and I'm acting like a teenager in love. Insane.

Unable to resist, Bella opened the app, hoping to see Raymond online. Her heart sank when he wasn't. She sighed, lying back on the sofa, holding her phone above her face, waiting. Minutes ticked by. Nothing.

Restless, she stood, pacing the room, glancing at her screen every few seconds. Still no Raymond.

I need to sleep, she finally muttered.

Just then, a notification buzzed on her phone.

Hi, good evening. It was Raymond.

Bella's heart skipped. She quickly texted back, Good evening, her lips curling into a bright smile.

How are you doing? I hope you're good. How was your day? Raymond messaged.

I'm good. And you? Bella replied.

My day was actually stressful. I'm so tired.

Bella felt a pang of concern. So sorry. Have you eaten?

I'm not feeling hungry.

Why? she asked, frowning.

I don't know. I just don't feel like eating tonight.

Please go and eat so you don't upset your stomach, Bella urged.

Raymond sent a laughing emoji. I can't have that. I'm a strong man.

Bella giggled softly to herself. I know you are. But still, try to eat.

Okay, I will, Raymond agreed.

Better you do, she teased.

What about you? he asked.

Yes, I've eaten. And you have to, too-or I won't be your friend anymore.

Really? Raymond sent.

Yes.

Can we do a video call? I want to see your face... and hear you say that again, he texted.

Bella hesitated, nerves fluttering in her chest. Sure, she agreed.

Moments later, the video call request came through. Bella smoothed her hair, took a deep breath, and answered. She kept her expression serious, trying to hide the growing feelings inside.

Raymond's face appeared on the screen, and his eyes lit up. "Hi," he said softly. "You're so beautiful."

Bella blushed. "Thank you so much."

Raymond grinned. "Can you say that line again?"

Bella pretended to think. "What line? I can't remember."

Raymond laughed. "If you don't remember, I won't eat again."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Bella crossed her arms, smiling. "You don't want to eat? If you don't eat, I won't be your friend anymore."

Raymond chuckled. "Say it again. I like the way you're doing your face."

"Hmmm... no."

"Then I won't eat."

"Why?"

"Because you don't want me to eat."

Bella laughed. "How?"

"I don't know. I think I'll just sleep hungry today."

"No, please don't. I'll say it again. If you don't eat, I won't be your friend anymore. There. Are you okay now?"

Raymond smiled warmly. "Yes. But tell me-why do you care?"

"I... I don't know."

"Do you like me?"

Bella's heart raced. "I'm just getting to know you."

"Okay," Raymond said softly.

Bella cleared her throat. "So... can you eat now?"

"Later."

"No! Go and take the food so I can see you eating."

Raymond laughed. "Okay, ma. Hold on." He stood up, disappearing from the screen for a minute. When he came back, he held up a small bowl. "I'm back."

Bella grinned. "I can see that. What's that?"

"Noodles. Would you like some?"

"Yes, so give me!"

"Okay. Open your mouth."

Bella opened her mouth, giggling as Raymond lifted a spoon of noodles toward the screen.

She acted as if she tasted it. "Wow! So yummy and spicy."

Raymond laughed. "How did you know?"

Bella tapped her chin. "Because I know it's delicious."

Raymond grinned. "Okay, what are your hobbies?"

"Reading, singing, dancing, watching movies, cooking. You?"

"Swimming, singing, sleeping... and I love meeting new people."

"Nice," Bella said, her heart full.

Raymond smirked. "So, Chef Bella-what's it like cooking for people who don't know how much effort you put into every dish?"

Bella laughed. "It's like falling in love with someone who keeps asking for ketchup."

Raymond burst out laughing. "You're funny. So what would you cook for me if I walked into your kitchen right now?"

"Depends. Are you a good tipper?"

"Oh, I see how it is! Trying to empty my wallet before you even bring out the spices. Well, if the food's as good as that charm, you might just get a tip that covers your rent for a month."

"Hmmm, I see."

"Yes. Now... can I hear you sing?"

Bella hesitated. "I'm shy."

"Please? Please, please?"

Bella finally started singing softly, her voice sweet and clear.

Raymond's face lit up. "Wow. Nice voice."

"Can I go on?"

"Yes."

She sang more confidently, and Raymond leaned back, smiling as her lovely voice filled the air. The sound was soothing, gentle-so much so that his eyes slowly closed, and he fell asleep like a baby during the call.

Bella, with her eyes closed as she sang, noticed the silence. She opened one eye and peeked at the screen. "Raymond is falling asleep?" she whispered.

A fond smile touched her lips. "So he has fallen asleep. Okay... good night, Raymond. I love you."

She gasped, covering her mouth. Damn! What did I just say? She peeked again-he was fast asleep.

"Good night," she whispered softly, ending the call.

Bella walked to her room, lay down, hugged her pillow tight, and smiled. I'm already falling for him. She closed her eyes, whispering to herself, "I believe I'll miss you one day." And with that, she drifted off to sleep, heart full of hope and longing.