the reader and the writer (On Hold)

14. problem for the future

----- cathy's pov -----

I rolled my eyes as Jane spoke to me.
"Cathy, you need to fix your sleep schedule and coffee intake before it becomes a problem!" I walked over to the kettle, pouring the hot water into my mug.

"My sleep schedule is fine. I only drink 5 cups a day. 2 in the morning, one at lunch and 2 throughout the afternoon and evening." I stated as I finished making my coffee. Jane put her hands on my shoulders and turned me to face her.

"1, your sleep schedule is far from fine. 2, your coffee intake is above average. And you drink more than 5 cups." She took my cup of coffee and took a sip.

"This... Has way too much coffee in it and it's overly sweet. You do not need this much coffee or sugar." She said, moving the cup to the middle counter so I couldn't get it.
"It's also pure coffee. No milk, nothing but water, coffee and sugar. This is extremely unhealthy and will become a problem."

I rolled my eyes again, "that sounds like a problem for future Cathy." I move around her and grab my coffee.

"You absolute idiot." I heard Jane mutter. I walked upstairs to my room and she followed.

----- 3 years later -----

It's currently 4am. I have a cup of coffee Infront of me as well as a uni assignment due in on Tuesday. It's Sunday. The assignment is half finished, but I'm struggling. I can't stay awake and the coffee doesn't do anything anymore. I slam my head down on the desk trying to think of something I can write.

I heard a knock on the door of my room. I open the door to see Jane standing there, wrapped in a blanket.
"Catherine parr. It is 4am. Why the hell aren't you in bed?" She asked, pulling me into a hug.

"I have an assignment for the writing class... I need to finish it." I sigh, looking down at the floor. Jane shakes her head and picks me up. I try to protest but I'm too tired to care anymore. She sits on my bed and continues to hug me.

"Your being arrested for crimes against bed time." She wrapped the blanket around me, making sure I was comfortable.

I shook my head. "Nope. I'm not going to bed." I struggled against her, trying to get up.
She put her hand to her shoulder as though she was talking into a Walkie.
"Come in command, I need back up." She said, acting like a police officer, "I have a criminal here who's," she paused with a smirk on her face,
"Resisting a rest" She started laughing.
I laugh with her and then shake my head.

"Puns at a time like this? You have a criminal on your hands and you make jokes??" She laughed more.
"I have committed crimes against bed time, as you say, and you make jokes?"
I smiled and shook my head.
"Unprofessional."

I let her adjust herself so that We're both laying comfortably. I allowed myself to relax  for the first time in a few long days of work.

"Hey, Jane?"
"Hm?" She responds.
"Remember a few years ago, you said I needed to fix my sleep schedule and my coffee intake?" She nodded in response.
"And I said it was a problem for future Cathy?"
She nodded again.
"Yeah, Cathy, that was a stupid move."

I stared blankly at a wall, "I know that now. I don't think I can fix this now." Jane shook her head.

"Nope, but that's why I'm here." I nod and wrap my arms around her, my head on her shoulder.

"I appreciate that. Hopefully I can fix this. Although, this is how uni students live. Speaking of which, why are you up this late?"

"A loud bang woke me up so I came to check on you." I nod slightly and close my eyes.
"I'm so fucking tired. I barely have time to eat, I can't sleep and I forget to drink anything other than coffee."

She continued to hug me but in more of a protective way, as if something was about to hurt me.
I liked it. It felt safe, like I could finally sleep in peace. Without everything bothering me.

I start to fall asleep, and she pulls my blanket up over both of us. "Sleep well. And remember, I'm right here if you need me." She said, just above a whisper and I smiled, drifting off into sleep.

----- Jane's POV -----

I look down to see Cathy asleep. I gently take her hand and I sit there, looking down at her. She looks so peaceful and in that moment I realise something I had never even thought about.

"Holy shit..." I mumble as I run my free hand through her hair.
"She's the one." I whisper. "I love her. How have I been this blind?"
I see her smile in her sleep, and I copy, smiling back.

"Dammit Cathy. We've got to fix this sleep schedule of yours." I lean back into the pillows, relaxing myself.
I feel myself getting more and more tired and I close my eyes, letting myself finally rest. For once, I realised I was never alone.

I've always had Cathy.
she always had me.