Melodies of a stranger

Chapter 28

Maxi threw the last of the spices into the chilli con carne and stirred them in, tasting the sauce.

'Maybe a little more salt.'

Just as she started reaching for the cupboard, two arms came from behind her and wound themselves tightly around her waist, holding her in place. She felt a nose rub the back of her head.

"Hey, my love. How are you feeling now?"

"I'm ok, but I'm still exhausted all the time."

"Are you sure you're not working too hard?"

"I know you do, but I worry about you."

Maxi turned around and wound her arms around him, rubbing their noses together. His face was full of concern for her.

"You always worry about me. I'm ok though, honestly. I feel healthy."

Riftan gave her a reassured smile before he dipped his head and kissed her slowly, relishing the feel of her in his arms.

"Oh, for heaven's sake Calypse! If you let go of her for ten minutes she's not going to float away."

Idcilla came bustling into the kitchen, shaking her head. Maxi immediately snapped her head back at the sound of her housemate's voice. Riftan, however pulled her into a hug and mumbled into her ear

"I'd rather not take the chance..."

Reluctantly, he let go of her and went to help Idcilla carry the rest of the shopping bags into the house. Riftan had been staying with them for just over 7 months while Maxi recovered and even though the duo had never said anything she was beginning to worry they were starting to resent him being there for so long. After helping unpack the shopping and calling Sidina downstairs Maxi started to plate up dinner for all of them. Naturally, she made sure that Riftan got a large portion with extra mince.

They sat in silence and ate, Maxi summoning the courage she needed. Finally, when everyone had finished, Maxi spoke up

"We just wanted to let you guys know something important... Me and Riftan have decided to move in together."

Suddenly Sidina cheered loudly while Idcilla groaned, banging her head on the table.

"FUCK!"

Maxi and Riftan shared a perplexed look at their reaction, while Sidina turned and held her hand out to Idcilla.

"C'mon cough up. That's 20 big ones you owe me."

Idcilla grabbed her purse and shoved a £20 note into her outstretched palm.

"You guys had a bet going on?"

Sidina nodded happily.

"Yep, we knew that something was going on as you two kept sneaking around. I bet money that you were either getting engaged or were moving out."

"Do I want to know what you had money on Idcilla?"

"I could have sworn you were pregnant."

Maxi turned bright red and spluttered.

"Why the hell would you think that?"

"Apart from the fact you two are always at it like rabbits? You were sick recently and I just got a general feeling, plus you're always tired."

"A- how do you know we're always at it like rabbits and B- I told you, the sickness and tiredness are all related to starting back at work. Besides, I had my period two weeks ago so you can get that idea out of your head."