Blood and Water

Chapter 100: Everybody Hurts

Everybody Hurts - R.E.M.

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As she put the cut on the back of the chair, Mina dusted off the shoulders of the leather. She walked back over to the closet and looked into the bedroom. Chibs shifted onto his side, still sleeping. Mina walked into the bedroom and carefully laid down next to him, making sure not to disturb his sleep.

While he slept, Mina stared at him, watching him breathe. After about twenty minutes, she started to fall back asleep, until she was pulled over to his chest. She chuckled a little and looked up at him. He closed his eyes again, resting his chin against her forehead. Mina folded her arms so she could move closer to him.

A few hours later, Chibs woke up, still holding Mina against him. He kissed her forehead, waking her up a little bit. "Sorry, didn't mean to wake ya, love."

"It's okay," she smiled.

"What time is it?" he asked.

Mina turned to look at the clock. "Almost ten," she sighed, turning back. "You okay? Want anything?"

He shook his head. "Nah, I'm a'right."

"Wanna talk about anything?"

"No," he said. "No, I don't wanna talk about it."

Adjusting in the bed, Mina looked up at him. "I don't want you to shut down over this, baby. You gotta talk about it at some point, okay?" He nodded, kissing her forehead again. "I'm gonna go get some coffee. Want one?" 

Chibs nodded, "Please." As Mina sat up, he dragged his fingers down her back.

Mina walked back into the bedroom carrying two coffee mugs. Chibs sat up, taking both mugs so she could sit down easier. He handed it back to her and she smiled, "Thanks."

They sat, silently drinking their coffee. After a few moments, Chibs sighed, "I dunno what to do." Mina turned towards him, wondering what he was talking about. "I asked Jackie...I asked him to be the best man," he said, taking a deep breath.

"You don't have to think about that right now."

He shook his head, "I want to. What d'ya think about Tig?"

She nodded, taking a sip of her coffee. "Yeah, it's up to you."

"I've been thinkin' about it," he said, scratching his forehead. "We should look into movin'."

"What?" Mina chuckled, turning more toward him.

Chibs sighed, "One bedroom house ain't big enough. Gotta start gettin' ready for the kid and sh*t."

"Don't think it's too soon?" she asked.

He shrugged, picking up her hand, rubbing his thumb over her ring. "Takes a long time to sell a house, find a new one, pack, move out, move in. Time we're done, the kid'll be born. Won't hurt to start lookin'."

Mina nodded, "Okay."

"I'm gonna pack about my sh*te from my apartment. End the lease and put it all in storage."

"You can keep it here," she sighed, "We'll make it work."

Chibs finished his coffee, setting the mug down on the table. He slid back down in the bed so he was on his back. "I can't believe he's gone," he whispered. "He's really gone."

Mina leaned over, setting her mug on the table next to her. She laid down, putting her head on his chest. "I know, baby. It'll get easier," she sighed, tears filling her eyes. She buried her face a little deeper into his chest to hide her tears from him.