Page 15 of My Turn Petal
Theo: I’m sorry I came on strong.
Theo: It wasn’t my intention.
Frankie: I know.
Frankie: You just surprised me.
Not in a bad way because if there is one person who I would feel comfortable doing this with it is Theo—as bizarre as it may sound.
Theo: I’m sorry.
Theo: You don’t have to accept my offer if you don’t feel comfortable with me.
But I do.
That’s why I’m afraid that it’ll ruin our friendship too if it doesn’t work. And I treasure the friendship we built over the last three years.
Frankie: Let me think about it.
Theo: Take your time.
Theo: Goodnight, Frankie.
Frankie: Sweet dreams, Theo.
I switch my night lamp off and stare at the ceiling.
“Mmm,” I grunt as Theo’s familiar embrace cloaks me.
“Come on, let’s get you to bed.” He helps me to stand and carefully guides me to my room. “I put your chicken nuggets in the fridge, you can eat them tomorrow.”
I stumble on my bare feet but he stabilizes me with each step.
“Oh, I really wanted those chicken nuggets.” I rub my eyes. “Listen,” I point to my belly, “She growls.”
His sweet laugh tickles my skin.
“Alright, petal, I’ll bring you chicken nuggets to bed.”
“Yay.” I grin.
I eat them in bed while Theo stays with me the whole time, making sure I’m not falling asleep with a nugget in my mouth.
I pat my belly, eyes fully closed, “This was delicious.”
“I’m happy you enjoyed it.” He takes the box away. “Get some sleep, I’ll close your apartment with my key. I put mine in your tissue box as promised.”
“Thank you,” I comment with a yawn.
“Goodnight, Frankie.”
“Sweet dreams, Theo.”
I recap everything in my head again until blackness encases me.
Frankie
StandingoutsideofTheo’sthreshold the next day, I have no idea what I’m doing.
