Sea Glass: Marie and Lauryn

Chapter 8

When Lauryn woke, she heard Marie moving in the kitchen, the news on at a low volume, the smell of coffee wafting in the air. Usually, such low, gentle noise soothed Lauryn. But this morning, she was still worried about Marie. She hadn't been awake for when Theo left, but she assumed it had something to do with why she had been awoken by the sounds of Marie sobbing on the balcony. 

While Marie being so upset had pushed her slightly out of her little space, it was clear that her being little, and thus allowing her to be in her "mommy headspace," had made her mama feel better. After Lauryn had curled up in her lap, Marie had just rocked her back and forth, repeating, "Mama loves you so much, baby, never forget that," over and over again. Eventually, Lauryn, still not feeling well, had fallen asleep, waking up only when she felt Marie restless next to her in bed. 

Slowly, she sat up, her head pulsing. The day of recovery yesterday from her night episode had helped, but she still felt off. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was just past four in the morning. 

She's up so early. Not a good sign. 

As soon as she felt she was steady enough, she put her feet on the floor and slid out of bed slowly. She didn't feel little anymore, so walking into the bathroom, she changed herself carefully before putting on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt with a clean beanie. Then she walked slowly into the living room, holding onto the walls for support.

If she was honest with herself, she didn't feel that well and should probably still be laying down but was pushing herself because she was worried about Marie. She sensed that she needed her, and that was enough for Lauryn to push herself a little harder.  

Marie was standing in the kitchen, just staring at the empty coffee cup in front of her, despite the fact that there was a fresh pot behind her. Uncharacteristically, Marie was neither dressed to workout nor dressed for the office. 

"G-g-good m-m-morning, b-b-baby," Lauryn said, trying to sound better than she felt. 

Marie looked up and forced a smile, the signs of a sleepless night etched on her tired face. 

"What are you doing up, sweetheart?" she asked, coming to kiss her. 

"I c-c-could ask y-y-you the same."

"Just woke up a bit early to get some work done."

No laptop or drafting supplies could be seen anywhere. No, Marie wasn't up to work. 

"M-m-marie, b-baby, I know there's a lot on y-y-your m-m-mind."

Not answering, she turned and filled her mug with coffee. 

"Are y-y-you s-s-sure y-y-you're alright?"

"I'm fine, Lauryn. Promise," she said quietly, not looking up. 

She frowned.

"I d-d-don't b-b-believe you, b-b-but okay."

"Honest."

"H-honey, I just know y-y-you have a t-t-tendency to b-b-bottle up whatever is b-b-bothering you. I w-won't p-pester you; I just h-hope y-y-you know that you can t-t-tell m-me about whatever's b-b-bothering you. You aren't up to d-d-do w-w-work. Y-y-you were t-t-tossing and t-t-turning all night long." 

Marie frowned again and took a sip of coffee. 

"I'm fine. Please don't ask again," she said. 

"I'm j-j-just w-w-worried, that's all." 

"Just leave it alone. You never used to force me to talk when I clearly didn't want to. You're so different now," Marie said, her tone flat, cold even.