Risa Pov:
The familiar weight of my keys in my hand, the click of the lock as I entered my condo, it all felt different now Five months since Leni had moved in, and our lives had become woven with shared meals, quiet evenings, and stolen kisses. It felt like a marriage, a comfortable, almost effortless rhythm. But there was a hollowness, a nagging sense of incompleteness that lingered beneath the surface.
I walked into the kitchen, the scent of strawberries and whipped cream filling the air. Leni was there, her back to me, her hair a cascade of auburn against the white countertop. She was lost in the moment, a playful smile on her lips as she dipped a strawberry into the whipped cream. I watched her for a moment, a familiar ache stirring within me.
"Hon, is that good?" I asked, my voice husky with a playful smirk. I moved closer, my arms wrapping around her waist, my lips finding the delicate skin of her neck. I kissed her, a cascade of light touches, a whisper of longing against her skin.
"Mmm,"she murmured, leaning back into my embrace. "It's delicious."
"have you eaten na Hon," she said, her voice a gentle whisper against the quiet of the room.
"Kanina pa, Hon. Tara na, tulog na tayo," I said, pulling her hand and leading her towards the bedroom.
Hon naman, eh! Mag-shower ka muna bago tayo matulog,"she complained, a playful pout forming on her lips.
I chuckled, "Oo na, oo na. Ang kulit mo talaga." i kissed her forehead, then headed to the bathroom.
The hot water cascading over me was a welcome respite after a long day. I emerged feeling refreshed, but a little guilty for taking so long. I found her already in bed, her back to me, her hair a cascade of dark curls against the white pillow.
"Hon, tulog ka na ba?" I whispered, my hand gently tracing the curve of her shoulder.
She turned, her eyes sleepy and a little mischievous. "Hindi pa, pero antok na ako. Kanina ka pa kasi nag-shoshower your taking to long "
I smiled, a warmth spreading through me. "Sorry, Hon" I just wanted to be clean before I snuggle with you."
She yawned, then snuggled closer, her head resting on my chest. "Okay, okay. Tulog na tayo. I love you."
I kissed her hair, a silent promise whispered against her skin. " I love you too, Hon." And as sleep finally claimed us, I felt a sense of contentment, a quiet peace that settled over me. Despite the lingering sense of incompleteness, in this moment, I felt truly loved, truly at home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Time skip✂️
The morning light filtered through the blinds, painting stripes across Leni's sleeping face. Her hair was a tangled mess, a stark contrast to the perfectly coiffed Alice I used to wake up beside. A wave of nostalgia washed over me, a memory of those mornings when I'd watch her sleep, mesmerized by the way the sunlight danced in her almond-shaped eyes. But then reality hit me like a cold shower: Alice was a ghost of the past, and Leni was the woman beside me now.
I rose from the bed, the familiar ache in my chest a constant reminder of the past. I needed a moment, a space to breathe, so I headed to the bathroom, the sound of running water a soothing balm to my troubled thoughts. After washing up, I went to the kitchen, the aroma of coffee already filling the air, a comforting scent that always made me feel grounded.
As I started preparing breakfast, a familiar warmth enveloped me from behind. I didn't need to turn around to know it was Leni. Her soft touch, her gentle embrace, was a comforting presence in my life. She whispered, "Ris, hon, you're up early."
"I have to go somewhere, Hon," i said the word "Hon" feeling foreign on my tongue.
"Where are you going?" she asked, her brow furrowed.
" Secret," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
"You're not taking me?" she asked, her lower lip jutting out in a pout.
"It's not really important," I said, trying to deflect her questions. "Besides, breakfast is almost ready. Let's have breakfast na hon"
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air as we finished breakfast, the warmth of the meal a stark contrast to the chill that settled in my gut. I needed to get out, to clear my head, so I headed to the bathroom, the sound of the shower a welcome distraction. After taking a bath and getting dressed, I was ready to head to the grocery store.
I searched for my car keys, my usual routine of finding them on the counter disrupted. "Hon have you seen my key's" I asked, a hint of frustration in my voice.
Leni was sprawled on the couch, flipping through a magazine. Is this what you're looking for?" she said, holding up the keys with a mischievous grin.
"You're such a mess," she said, and I shake my head, but a smile tugged at my lips.
I walked over to her, taking the keys from her hand. I sat beside her, pulling her close. Sorry, hon, love you alis na ako ha?"
" Ingat huwag ka mambabae ha"she replied, her voice soft and sweet.
---------------hhmmmm sweet but what about Alice.?
