I couldn't believe it when I found myself agreeing to marry my best friend that night.
**a ForthBeam short story**
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I felt incredibly refreshed when I woke up the following morning, more rejuvenated than I had been in nearly a fortnight. The previous night's slumber seemed to have slipped from my memory, and I couldn't recollect the moments when I had woken up intermittently to ensure there was enough room between Beam and me on the bed. As a result, Beam was entwined around me, with one leg draped over mine and his cheek resting gently against my shoulder.
I stole a quick glance at the clock and realized there were just a few minutes left before his alarm was supposed to go off. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, feeling a tingling sensation on my skin wherever it touched his. I knew I should probably move, but a part of me relished the feeling of having him asleep on me. In the darkness of my pre-dawn bedroom, I allowed myself to indulge in the fantasy, even if just for a moment.
I pictured how things would be different if we were truly married, not just caught up in a silly bet born out of boredom and too many drinks. I considered the idea of being able to reach out and feel his touch, relishing the idea of him being beside me in bed. These thoughts felt strange, yet strangely pleasant. As I dwelled on it further, it started to feel like the most natural thing in the world, almost convincing myself that being intertwined with Beam was my rightful place.
The melodic beats and pulsating bassline of Kylie Minogue's "Magic" filled the room, breaking the quietness of my bedroom and surprising Beam from his slumber. He reacted to the sound by flinching and adjusting his position, moving away from me as he turned to his side and buried his face in the pillow.
"It's too early to be awake," He let out a groan, complaining about being awake so early, even though he was the one who had set the alarm. It was an hour earlier than his usual wake-up time for work, but he had been adamant about the importance of arriving at the office early.
"Why don't you just go back to sleep? Let's skip work together this morning. We can grab breakfast and then I'll accompany you to your unveiling."
I blurted out the words without thinking, and as soon as they were out, I knew I really hoped Beam would agree.
"You buying?"
"Sure," I said.
"Sure. Is that French cafe by the river open for breakfast? I've heard they serve a luxurious lobster dish or something." Beam tried to imitate what sounded like an aristocratic voice - a strange mix of a British accent and a high-pitched tone. "It's supposed to be absolutely amazing. I only eat a la crème de la crème breakfast options on special occasions like today."
"That's why you had those chocolate-coated Twinkies you said before?"
"Like I said. La crème de la crème. In that case, crème-filled."
I chuckled. "What do you say we head over to Nana's? I bet they can whip up something crème-filled just for you."
"I doubt they'll have what I'm really craving." Beam raised his eyebrows suggestively, sending a wave of warmth through me. The air was thick with insinuation, especially since we were so close and wrapped up in my sheets. It was hard not to picture exactly what Beam had in store.
