While you were Sleeping

37. The Lucky Ones

Having the flat to themselves, the girls enjoyed the freedom of lounging around in their pyjamas. After an easy breakfast of cereal, fruit and coffee, the girls lay cuddled on the sofa to watch daytime television. A lack of options meant they settled for a home improvement show but Valentina couldn't stop her mind from wandering.

Yes, her relationship with her father was a disaster but her relationship with Juliana was only getting stronger. Their morning together had been perfect, waking up with Juliana in her arms was now her favourite way to start the day. But Valentina had been surprised to wake up in her underwear with a half-dressed Juliana snuggled against her.

She smiled when she remembered Juliana pulling her into bed the night before, eager hands and lips exploring her exposed skin before Valentina had broken down, telling Juliana about dinner with her siblings.

Tears were a definite mood killer but Juliana had held her throughout, offering her unwavering love and support.

Valentina had stared at her sleeping girlfriend; she couldn't resist smoothing the tendrils of hair from her face or following the cut of her jaw with her fingertips. A smile soon appeared on Juliana's lips as she stirred, her hand moving dangerously close to Valentina's breast. Valentina froze, her heart beating frantically against her ribs as she waited for Juliana to wake.

As Juliana stretched, her hand moved upwards ghosting over Valentina's chest. Valentina's breath hitched at the contact, immediately gaining Juliana's attention. Those beautiful brown eyes pinned Valentina as Juliana's hand continued upwards, her fingertips gliding over Valentina's collarbone before slipping behind her neck and pulling her into a steamy kiss.

It didn't take long until pieces of clothing were being pulled off, finding a new home on the floor. It was only the second time they'd made love, but everything had progressed naturally. Heated kisses turned to wandering hands, which led to clothing being removed. They were both nervous. A few clumsy touches had led to giggles, but the more they explored each other, the more confident they became.

As a budding journalist Valentina would be expected to write about her experiences, describing in detail how she felt in different situations, but when it came to Juliana, and how she made her feel, there were no words.

Valentina had never felt like this before, she'd never experienced this all-consuming need that she felt for Juliana. Wanting to be with her, holding her, kissing her. She hoped it would never fade because she wanted Juliana in her life for a very long time.

Experiencing moments like this, sharing a bed, making breakfast, lounging at home in front of the TV, these were the moments Valentina didn't know she was missing. But she knew she wanted this. With Juliana. Every single day.

Eva's suggestion of moving in together had now seeded itself in Valentina's mind. Were they ready for that kind of commitment? Or was it too much, too soon? Valentina had never lived away from home but she felt it was the right time to look for her own apartment. She couldn't impose on Lupe and Juliana for much longer.

Valentina's gaze returned to the television, watching as a team of decorators moved into the property, painting, and wallpapering, before laying new wooden and tiled floors. She could already tell that the result would be stunning.

When her father decided to remodel their home a few years ago, Valentina had enjoyed the process. With some guidance from their interior designer, Valentina had gone shopping for her own furniture, choosing her own colour scheme and adding the final touches to her bedroom. She often daydreamed about moving out or buying her own apartment. Imagining the kind of home, she would live in, wondering if she would decorate it herself. But that had always seemed like a fantasy. Yes, it would probably happen eventually, but she never felt grown up enough to take that step by herself.