Page 57 of The Curve
10
Charlotte
The early morning ray of sun is spotlighting our entwined fingers. His, so masculine, able to protect and please me. Mine, feminine and able to sooth and hold him gently. I’ve been awake for an hour, lying in Atticus’s arms. It’s the only place I feel safe. It’s unfathomable to think we might have to live apart. We’ve talked about making things work long distance and I know we’d do everything to make it happen. But what’s the reality?
The more I think of it the clearer it gets. I’ve got to convince Mallory our best chance at happiness lies here, with Atticus. Even if I have to home school, even if she needs to be in a private school. I’ll work three jobs and do whatever it takes to stay. It seems clear now.
High school orientation is today, and so’s our appointment with Mrs. Wagner, the Principal. I’m trying to be hopeful about both because school starts soon. After talking things over with Mallory, she hesitatingly agreed to go today if Paige could go with her. It was a small request and one I was happy to arrange. The girls wanted to have a sleepover at Paige’s then go together.
The two have been secretive lately. I think they’re planning something they don’t want the adults to know about, because every time I walk in the room they stop talking. I’m okay with that. It’s the time in her life for secrets.
When she came back from talking with Atticus, I felt like something had shifted in favor of staying. There was some glimmer of hope at least. But as today got closer, she got more afraid.
I think about it every night, even when Atticus and I can sleep together. It’s always in the back of my mind. It picks away at my happiness one bit at a time, like a termite eating a house.
“Morning, beautiful. What time is it?”
His sleepy voice is the best. If I wasn’t thinking about sex, that would prompt me.
“Morning. It’s early. About seven I think.”
He pulls me closer to him and kisses my neck. “Good. We’ve got at least an hour, right?”
I look over my shoulder and into his dark eyes. “Yes. I’m obsessing a little about what today could bring. Can you make me forget?”
He rolls me on top of him. “That’s a good girl. Let me look at you and your bed hair. It’s sexy as hell.”
I sit on him and lift my hair up with a stretch of my arms. Moving my hips, I feel his cock grow beneath me. His hands lift to my breasts and he plays with them. Softly, slowly, never taking his eyes away from mine.
“I love you so much,” he says.
Then he rolls me under him, his face close to mine.
“I love you too. Forever, Atticus.”
He kisses me with such tenderness it’s heartbreaking to think I’d ever live without it. We go slow, savoring each moment, and every touch. This is making love. Funny thing is, I never knew you had to be in love to recognize it.
* * *
Drivingup to the school takes me back to my high school years and how fun it was to be with my friends. I want that for Mallory. There’s so much I want her to experience. I think this is the place that could make it happen. If she’s able to take control.
“I’m glad you thought of taking your car instead of mine,” Atticus says turning into the back lot.
“The roar of a Ferrari isn’t the best way to stay undiscovered.”
He parks close to the entry, just as Mrs. Wagner instructed. When we get out, there’re no students entering the building this way. Good. She said her door’s just inside.
When Atticus opens the door for me I detect some nervousness on his face. It’s kind of adorable.
“You nervous?”
He gives me a look that says I’m ridiculous for even considering the thought. “No! Why would I be?”
“Because you’re going to speak for Mallory. Have you ever advocated for a child?”
He curls a lip and changes his expression from sure of himself to out of his wheelhouse.
“No! Oh my God. If I say something stupid just kick me under the desk.”
