PSPA

16

"There's a part of you that is a part of me." - Ernia.

BENEDETTA'S POV:

I step out of the bathroom wearing Bilel's bathrobe that reaches down to my feet and rummaging through my backpack, I pull out my pajamas. I don't have another change, besides what I'll wear to school tomorrow.

I put on the light blue shorts and a gray T-shirt with little stars and a bit of a neckline; I admit I should have put more effort into choosing my pajamas. I run a hand through my blow-dried hair and barefoot, I go to look for Bilel.

I start to head down to the kitchen, but I hear his voice a little further away. He's in the last room of the hallway, I think.

I reach the room and peek in to see Bilel speaking in a strange language on the phone, he seems upset.

He hangs up angrily and, throwing himself onto the reclining armchair, he runs a hand over his forehead.

I decide to come out of my hiding place and, knocking softly, I attract his attention.

"Can I come in?" I ask hesitantly at the threshold.

He nods and I run to join him behind the desk. "Everything... okay?"

Unexpectedly, he grabs my wrist, pulling me to sit on him, and holding me tight, he murmurs, "Now it is."

I smile and, brushing a curl from his forehead, I ask, "Did you check the pizzas?"

"No, let's go later. What about you? Did you have a nice bath?" he asks, stroking my curly hair, a bit puffy from the hairdryer.

"Yes, I didn't want to come out anymore. I relaxed a lot."

"Mmm... next time I could join you," he suggests, smelling my hair; I used his shampoo.

I blush and he bursts out laughing, saying, "I'm kidding, for now..."

I chuckle and change the subject, asking, "Did you shower too? Your hair is damp."

Bilel nods and murmurs, letting me caress his hair, "I took a quick shower in the guest bathroom."

"I'm sorry. You could have told me, I would have gone there, leaving you the bathroom," I say.

"It's not a problem, don't worry. I like sharing with you."

"Thanks, I appreciate it," I say and give him a kiss.

Bilel moans, and as I get closer to him, he gives me more soft kisses. He's so sweet and gentle with me.

I give him another kiss and get up from him, saying, "Come on, let's go, I want to see our creations.

Bilel grumbles, but he takes my hand and surprises me by lifting me onto his shoulders.

I let out a surprised squeal and accuse him of being as rough as a bear, he laughs and imitates me. What a fool.

"This house is so quiet... aren't you afraid at night?" I ask on his back as Bilel descends the stairs in dead silence.

"Of what?"

"I don't know... usually in these big houses there are legends about ghosts."

"I don't believe in ghosts," he says, tightening my thighs around his hips.

"But someone could rob you and kill you; you're all alone in this house."

"I'm not afraid to die; heaven will be waiting for me."

"Yes, but... you wouldn't have moments like this anymore, we probably wouldn't meet again, we'd lose all this," I hold him tight.

He pauses to think and asks me seriously, "If you had to choose between going to heaven and staying in hell with me, what would you choose?"