#3 - The Flash

The Flash

by lenniez

He held her tightly in bed that night, cradling her head on his chest. His fingers gently ran down her hair. The scent of her shampoo filled the air. His arms tucked her body closely to his as she found that special spot that fit her head comfortably, just below his shoulder. Their feet, messily intertwined under the covers, reluctant to move an inch. Their breathing were melodious, matching the gentle beats of their hearts. She smiled, silently thanking the star, thinking how close they were to losing all this a few days earlier.

A bright light suddenly lit up the room, stealing both their attentions away from each other. She felt him swallow hard, and her heart sunk. It was a text message on his mobile, and she knew who it was. It was 1.30 in the morning... She couldn't be wrong, and his reaction, although very subtle, had confirmed her thoughts.

She tried to convince herself that he was making an effort to improve things between them. After all, he had turned off the volume on his mobile, knowing the sound of his text alert always turned her cold. If only the lights weren't working either, or if she was blind, then maybe she could easily put this issue behind her.

He didn't move. He didn't turn over to grab his mobile. A mixture of bitter sweet emotions washed over her. "You can check your message if you want, you know," she said to him quietly. He still didn't move.

"It's okay. I'll do it tomorrow."

She felt a tug on her heart. She was disappointed at herself for not being able to let things go, but more disappointed that the problem hasn't gone away. He kissed her forehead, as if to acknowledge her pain. She closed her eyes and allowed his lips to wander around her face, down to her neck, and finally meeting her lips. Her worries and insecurities peeled away. Her arms circled his body, fingers gently digging into his back, symbolically and desperately trying to secure him to her.

A light flashed around the room again. She pulled herself away, hurt. Hurt again.

"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Don't ask me what's wrong."
"Well... sorry for trying to show you I care."
"Don't you dare be sarcastic with me."

Silence.

"I dont want you to ask me 'what's wrong' when you know what's wrong," she finally explained.
"I can't stop people from texting me at this hour honey," he said defensively.

She was crushed. To her, all she could decipher from that remark was that he's telling her this is how it's going to be, and she needs to live with it, because he isn't going change. The younger brunette, whom he calls a "friend" isn't going to disappear. She bit her lip and held back a tear, and said -

"I want you to know that I am making an effort to put this behind us. To accept what's happening, and not let it bother me."
"Thanks honey."
"But right now, its not working. And I can't promise you how long I can put up with it."

She turned away from that safe spot she had grew accustomed to, feeling abandoned and insignificant. A tear rolled down her cheek, hitting the sheets with a loud thud.

#2 - Just Before that Time of the Month

Just Before that Time of the Month
By lenniez

It was 10 o’clock on a Monday night. She opened the door to let him in. He had his bright smile on as usual. She smiled back and led him into her house. They sat on the couch to watch Sex and the City half way playing on the television as she continued folding her pile of fresh clean clothes. He got comfortable, slouching on her suede couch.

As the show ended, he turned to her and said, “baby, are you going to feed me? I’m hungry.”

“Its past 10 at night and you’ve not eaten?” she asked, feeling a dash surprised with a pinch of annoyance.

He gave her another smile, which somehow failed to project humour or his usual cuteness. She fought the urge to make a frown. He is innocent, she reminded herself.

Last night, she was an angel to him. She prepared dinner and packed him a lunchbox to take to work. She pleasured him during the night, and woke him up the next morning with another round of love making. She couldn’t blame him for the high expectations tonight. But at the same time, she couldn’t shake off the irritation.

She offered him instant noodles. It was all she could bare to prepare. She was feeling very tired and moody. He didn’t seem to understand. She rationalized with herself not to be too hard on him.

He had two packets of noodles with an egg on the side. She made it just as he liked, sunny side up with a half cooked yolk. She washed up while he ate. She was not happy. She felt like a maid. Yesterday, she spent the whole day teasing him about marriage. She almost convinced herself that she was ready for it, and that he was the one she wanted to settle with. Now, 24 hours later, that was the last thing on her mind. In fact, she felt silly for even having it on her mind in the first place.

She watched him eat from the corner of her eyes. She held back a heavy sigh. She was tired and getting moodier. He needed to play his cards right tonight.

When he was done, he came around to her side. She was still washing. She eyed the stack of wet dishes beside her. Drying the dishes would be the least he can do for making me cook and wash, she reasoned.

He wrapped his arms around her instead. He didn’t let go. He didn’t grab the blue towel to dry the dishes. She got frustrated.

Turning off the tap, she shrugged him off and grabbed the towel. He kept quiet. He couldn’t stay oblivious to her weirdness any longer. She marched around the kitchen, furiously drying the dishes and cutleries, dropping them loudly into the cupboard.

“Need a hand babe?” he asked, sounding unsure.

She was practically done in the kitchen, and he offered his services now? A tad bit of her felt his sincerity, while the rest of her wished she could just scream at him.

“It’s ok. Go take your shower.”

She took several deep breaths silently as he walked off. She felt like a mother and instantly hated the feeling. She never enjoyed having dependants. They tend to ick her out after a while. After she’s sick playing the role of the caretaker. That’s usually when she decides to walk out of the relationship.

She ignored him for the rest of the night. Ignored the puzzled look on his face. Ignored his puppy dog eyes burning question marks on her forehead. She needed time to think. She needed to know if this was a valid plea of temporary insanity due to the hormones, or whether she was really over all this.

End

#1 - Wrapped in the Warmth of Love

Wrapped in the Warmth of Love
By lenniez

She felt a chill brush over her legs. Goosebumps prickle her skin. She opens her eyes to a room, dimly lit by a candle tucked away in a little corner. It was almost burnt out. She closes her eyes, feeling a faint strawberry scent tickling her nose. She covered herself under the doona, rubbing her body to find warmth. She was naked.

An envelope of heat wraps around her as she felt another body press up against her back. She closes her eyes, melting into the sanctuary of his protective arms. Last night couldn't have been more perfect.

"I love you," a breathy whisper fills the room.

Rose petal lips left trails on the nape of her neck, provoking her to verbalise her pleasure. A soft moan escapes as she sunk deeper into the moment. His arms tighten around her, bearing a message of its own.

"Don't let me go," she pleaded, yearning to be surrounded by his touch.

"Never." His fingers gently stroke the softness of her cheek.

She slowly turns to him and cups his face in her tiny hands. His beautiful eyes pierce into her soul. It was impossible to imagine her life without them.

"I love you," her heart spoke, tearing down her defensive walls. This is the man she knew she can trust to guard her tender heart. And because of him, she knew she was ready to love again.

End