Chapter 5: Morning Routine
Sleep came and gone. My mind was working on its schedule; my body had other plans. I wake up for the 2nd time to the smell of glory. The first was when I felt Luke shift out of bed. My eyes open to the small room. Remembering last night formed a small smile. Luke was missing from bed again. That’s the first thing I noticed. My mind cleared as I could smell what was coming from the white paper bags and some paper cups on the table. I look toward the bathroom, nobody. I was confused; where was he? I then hear a faint laugh from behind. I pull the covers over me and turn to find him leaning against the door. No light illuminated the entrance, but I knew it was him—you’re so damn cute when worried. I couldn’t help smiling at his comment. Well, you weren’t in my view, so yeah, I was. He walks to the bed as I’m on my knees. He kisses my forehead, and I hug his waist. I would never leave you like that. I savored the moment. He was already dressed in new clothes and smelled like outside. You left? Noting the food. Yeah, I had to run some errands and grabbed some on the way.I nodded. I left you some warm water to wash with since I don’t have a shower. Thanks. I wrapped the blanket around me as luke went to the table. You don’t have to cover yourself. I’ve already seen your body. He spoke. I just looked at his back as heat crept up my face. He had a point; it would be pointless to cover myself and then walk a few steps. Slowly I slipped off the cover. He still had his back turned as I went to grab my bag and walk to the stall. It was a silent exchange; I’ll give you your privacy; I loved that he wasn’t cocky even after last night. He has respect.
It completely hits me then. What time was it? I saw him take a seat from behind the door, his back still to me. He said it like he was reading my mind; it was around 7:45 when I left the store. I have been here for about 10 minutes now. The time made sense, and we still had enough to make it. The parents agreed to pick up everyone around 8:50/9:00 ish. So, we could make it back beforehand. I looked at myself in the little compact mirror he had by the sink. I looked different; I looked older. If I see this change, then it’s going to show like a big sign with lights all over it once the others see me. I tried not to worry too much. My thoughts kept going back to when Veronica came back to school, and she acted differently. It was the weekend before when her and Devin first started dating. I thought nothing of it, guessed it was hormones. Now it was probably when they had done it for the first time, but it doesn’t make any sense. We didn’t have sex, so what was it?
I finished brushing my teeth and saw the 2 buckets of clean water in the corner. I pulled out my body wash and rag from my duffle bag, as well as bringing one of the buckets closer. I’ll use the other one to rinse off. I felt the water, and Luke didn’t lie; it was warm. I quickly started pouring water over me, smoothing soap, and washing myself. All while thinking that it wasn’t supposed to happen like this. I wanted to wake up to him holding me and drawing on my skin with his warm fingers. Relive what happened last night, maybe a little more. Wash each other off while in the moment. Now feeling guilty about my own thoughts. Luke gave me something I wasn’t expecting, and I’m complaining because it didn’t happen how I imagined. I sigh out loud. I’m glad it happened with him rather than some creep. Not everyone gets these types of experiences, let alone a relationship. I am grateful for what I received and will try my hardest in this relationship.
I rapidly finish and rinse myself. I put on my change of Casual clothes—fitted jeans with a plain XXL white cotton long-sleeved shirt and yellow sun beanie. I cleaned up and got out. Luke was cleaning up as well. The bed was made, and he was putting things away. I set my bag back by the door, grabbed my socks and boots, and took the seat across from his. While I put my shoes on, I got a better view of what he was wearing. Laceless black converse, black pants with a dog chain hanging, navy blue polo collar shirt with a cross-chain, and even black studs in his ears. Same ruffled hair, which was some sort of relief. a few moments later, He finished and sat on the bed; his hands formed a tent in front of his mouth, thoughts in his eyes. I pat his side of the table, and he looks at me with a raised eyebrow. Words, not actions Sam, remember what happened last time? A playful smirk on his face. I decided to play his game. Now that I think about it, no, I don’t. What happened? I innocently ask. He raises and slowly walks to me. If you don’t remember, then I’ll have to show you again. Me smirking now; oh, I learn much better with a physical demonstration. One hand on the table, one on my chair, he leans in close. Well, that’s going to have to wait until we come back to class. He’s trying to keep his distance, knowing we don’t have the time. He backs away quickly and, in one fluid motion, sits down. I’m looking at him, amazed. He looks up now, and his eyes travel to my lips. I didn’t realize I was biting it hard. Our breaths fill the void of silence. We wouldn’t make it out in time if we got delayed. I squeezed my eyes for a quick second while looking at anything but him and spoke. So, um, what did you pick up? He broke from the trance and pushed one bag to me. I took it while grazing his hands. A medium-sized breakfast croissant was wrapped burger style with a giant glazed donut in napkins. I look up and say thank you. I didn’t think you were a coffee type, so I got you a sweet tea. Luke said, pointing to the cup next to me. Well, you guessed right, tasting the warm sugar. Good to know, eat first, you can take the drink with you. I nodded and finished in a couple of bites. He began blowing out some candles as I completed getting ready. Put this, face down to your right. He tossed the flashlight that he used, and I put it in its shelf spot. Also, blowing some candles out. He nodded to the door, and I turned the bolt. It was cold on the other side and dark again as he locked it. It was quiet now like he was hesitant. Even though I couldn’t see him, I sensed a worried expression.
When we leave…. It’s back to pretending, huh?
Don’t put it like that; the others just won’t know, that’s all.
Yeah, I get that, but like we know, we’re together, but outsiders don’t. I won’t be able to…
he sigh’s with aggravation. I find him in the darkness and back him up to a wall.
I can handle hints and boys, for that matter. You don’t have to make a sign saying I’m taken; this is where trust comes in.
His hand rests on my cheek; I do trust you, he replies.
Then don’t worry, it’s going to work out.
He finds my lips and kisses me softly. I missed the feeling and kissed back. I wanted much more but knowing we were on a time crunch, I broke first. Come on, let’s go. I felt him a nod and walk toward the steps.
