Spices (FIRST DRAFT) ~ An Alejandro and Alfred Story

𝓔𝓵𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷

It was awkward using the same bed. Despite it fitting both of us perfectly, we pressed against the edges as much as possible. There still wasn't anything established between us, and again, I just showed up the previous night, and now we're sleeping together.

I had trouble falling asleep that night. You'd think getting all those emotions off my chest would make me more relaxed and less stressed about simply living, but that didn't happen.

Staring at the clock on Alejandro's bedside table and the numbers switching, burning into my mind didn't help either. The time went from one o'clock to two, and to three. My head was stuffed and throbbing, and I felt hot.

Eventually, tossing and turning became tiring, and I dozed off.

Three hours later, I awoke, craving for sleep to take me back into its embrace. I soon gave in and started falling in and out of sleep, hugging the big pillow next to me tighter.

It was oddly warm, and... shifting? I felt something on my waist slide around and shot my eyes open. At the same time, Alejandro blinks awake as well.

There's a moment where none of us moved, still half asleep and processing our surroundings. Then we break into panic, untangling from each other's arms and retreating to our original position on opposite sides.

I could feel my face burning up and sweat forming. I also noticed that when I swallowed, there was a subtle itching.

The sound of Selena screaming caused me to jump and sit up. Worry consumes me as I look over at Alejandro, who's concealing a smile behind his hand. He doesn't seem concerned at all.

The bedroom door flies open as Selena runs in, the happiest grin plastered on her face. At the sight of me, she stops in her tracks and fidgets with her nightgown. "What are you doing here, Alfred?" she asks, curious.

"Remember the big storm yesterday, Selena?" Alejandro also sits up. "Al came over and needed a place to stay until it passed. He might stay a little longer before the water drains."

"How long does it take to drain?" I turn my head toward him but stare at the bed sheets.

He shakes his head. "Completely? Give or take a week. Should be alright to get home in a few days, though."

Selena runs around the side of the bed and climbs in, planting herself between the two of us. We remained like that for a few minutes. Selena would talk and talk. She asked me questions, told me what she's been learning with Alejandro, games she wanted to play with me, and even started singing a song while picking at feathers sticking out of the pillow.

"These boots are made for walking..." she mumbled, focusing on pulling out a small stubborn feather. "And... that's just what they'll do," she continued. She paused to examine the white feather and stick it in Alejandro's hair. "One of these days, these boots are gonna walk all over you!"

I laid my head back down on my pillow and watched Selena mind her own business, repeating the same chorus over and over. I've never been around kids and felt indifferent toward them, but Selena had a special place in my heart. I loved her tight curls that always had a mind of their own and her chubby cheeks that caused her eyes to almost close when she smiled. Her cute laughs were so addicting, and I caught myself smiling like an idiot as she handed me a light brown feather.

Alejandro hadn't taken his eyes off me. When I finally notice and look at him, there's softness in his eyes and a relaxed, natural smile across his face. Neither of us breaks eye contact.

Until Selena jumps up. "Papa, can you make crepes?" She exclaims, eager for any sign of approval.

Alejandro runs his fingers through her wild hair. "Sure, mija, but it might take some time. Better get up now."