Page 67 of Love is Strange
The last thing I remember was feeling his arms wrap around me after he crawled into bed with a whispered “I love you, good night” as he snuggled his head in closer to mine on my pillow. Holding his arms closer, I pull his body flush with mine, finally ceasing my battle to Mister Sandman.
***
Morning comes all too quickly. I feel as though I had just fallen asleep.
The alarm chimes frantically next to the bed. Stretching to reach it, I shut it off a little more forcefully than I intended to. I’ve never liked alarms. They normally startle me, and I hate being woken up that way. I would much rather just wake up when my body and mind are ready to. The girls have always been the same too. Nathaniel, on the other hand, is up and out of the house without so much as a cup of coffee. I know he left in a rush this morning because the coffee maker I set up last night still has a full pot. Sadly, I won’t see or hear from him until he gets home this evening—whatever time that may be.
I pour coffee into my oversized mug and sip the delicious caffeinated liquid while walking up to the bathroom, starting the shower, and pulling out my clothes for the day. My email notifications have already started to come through on my phone. Those don’t normally start for another hour or so, which signifies that it is going to be another long, busy day. I quickly shower and get ready to leave for work, throwing on of my favorite skin-tight dresses.
Before I head for the door, I wake the girls up, reminding them to be awesome and have a terrific day.
Busy days at work make the time go by a lot faster. There was no down time today. Surprisingly, I actually managed to sneak away long enough to pee a few times. There are already four calls pending that I have to return in the morning as well as a page of emails to respond to.
There was a meeting with a client who had been running late. Lunch was skipped, so luckily, I was able to leave an hour earlier than I thought I was going to. After the day I had though, there was no way I was going home to cook a gourmet meal, so I stopped by the market and grabbed two bags of premade shrimp and pasta. Yet another favorite in my home. Getting out of the car, my phone vibrates in my pocket with a text from Breann.
Hey Mom, I know you won’t but don’t forget about Delilah today.
A wide smile spreads across my face as I read it. Before I put my phone back into my pocket, I reply.
I won’t.
I throw the bags of pasta into the freezer and quickly clean up the living room. Adjusting things and planning the evening in my mind. As I carry the last armfuls of stuff up to the girl's rooms, I hear the knock on the door I have been waiting for. Quickly, I put their things inside of their rooms and walk back down the stairs, opening the door with a bright smile.
“Delilah, come on in. The girls aren’t here, but they said you would be coming over.”
“Thanks. I saw your car in the driveway. Are you sure it’s a good time?”
“Any time is a good time for you.”
Once she is inside, I shut and lock the door. For two reasons. One because it’s my obsession. Two…is hopefully about to happen.
“I won’t be long. I’ll make sure to let you know when I’m leaving too.” I watch her from the door as she walks up the stairs. This girl has no idea just how long I have been waiting. I can tell you, almost down to the minute, just how long—four-hundred and thirty-seven days and if I had to guess twelve minutes. I made sure to surpass her birthday, so that she is more than legal. I wouldn’t want to get myself or her into any trouble for what I’m about to initiate.
A few minutes later, I hear her huff as she comes back down the stairs.
“That didn’t take you very long. Got everything?”
“Yes ma'am. I just needed to print the last assignment and update the log. Thank you again. Ours should be fixed this weekend. If not, I’m just going to buy one myself. I've saved a bit from my weekend shifts at the burger joint.”
“You know we don’t mind you being here. Everything okay? I heard you huff as you were coming down the stairs.”
“Yeah,” she shrugs. “Things are fine. Just a stupid boy.”
“Oh. Yup. That will definitely make you huff.”
“He's dumb. I know I shouldn’t let it bother me. Besides, once I leave for college I’ll probably never see him again.”
“I don’t want to pry, but if you want to talk about it, I have time. You could always stay for dinner too. The girls won’t be home for a while though.”
“That would be great Mrs. Jameson. My parents won't be home until later and I was just going to order a pizza.”
“It’s a date then. We can talk now, and you can help me later. How about that?” I ask with a smile before adding, “can I get you anything?”
“Sure. Maybe just some water?” She places her backpack on the couch and follows me into the kitchen.
“Here you go, sweetheart.” I turn to hand her the glass and bump into her, water soaking the front of her shirt.
“Oh, that's cold!” she yells, trying desperately to pull her shirt from her chest.
