Always, Arlo [Published]

Chapter 18

Confrontation.

"I don't want to let go," He says with warm eyes as he looks at me. Thank goodness I think to myself, I don't want to let go either. He cheerfully keeps my hand in his as I lay my head against my pillow drowsily despite just waking up. I look down on a whim and realize how uncomfortable Arlo must be in my bed, I mean he was quite literally all the way back against the headboard and still his legs where at the edge of the bed. While I was only laying beside his torso and there was still extra leg room for me.

Arlo and I talked about random topics to each other all night, while he rubs my hand with his thumb softly. Any conversation with Arlo flows well and is so interesting no matter the subject. He asked about my hair, interested in the culture of braiding and I told him all about different braids and loc styles. He listened with full interest and even asked a few additional questions that made me know he was really absorbed in the conversation. He even asked about bonnets and their usage and I let him know the benefits in wearing them. He suggested that I get him one to match mine for his curls. My bonnet was purple and black, I got a while ago at a beauty supply store. I took the suggestion into deep consideration.

Not long after the fever returned and my symptoms where once again riling up and becoming uncomfortable to deal with. Arlo brought me some more medication and some snacks I had in the kitchen to eat after the medication takes place so I don't have an empty stomach. He made sure I was one-hundred percent alright before letting me fall asleep again. He decided to move to the living room to sleep on my couch. I told him I would be alright and that he could go home, but he insisted to stay until the morning to make sure my fever went away completely.

Now that i'm in bed alone the other side feels hollow and the emptiness is becoming more alerting. I felt more comfortable and safe falling asleep when Arlo was by my side which was silly to me. I had been sleeping alone for months on end, I hardly slept beside Marlin unless we had intercourse. But we'd lay in our opposite sides, sleeping alone and sleeping beside Marlin was really indifferent. But with Arlo I fell asleep so quick and comfortably just by his touch and his very presence around me. It made me feel a sense of safety that I hadn't felt before and sleeping without my thoughts on full blast for about an hour was a first for me. I'm used to staying awake for about an hour straight just thinking before I could doze off.

Nonetheless I fall asleep eventually, being sick is like having natural melatonin in your body. The drowsiness always seems to be there.

...

In the morning I felt way better, It was already Sunday and I had gotten sick Friday night. I was in the shower refreshing myself, the warm water hitting my body felt soothing and I was in full bliss feeling the sickness beginning to go away. I hoped maybe I'd be healthy enough for tomorrow when the photos come out so I can enjoy the moment without feeling like my bones are rattling from the cold in my own apartment.