Cold Water

THIRTY THREE

                ♡BRANDON♡

   I woke up with a grin plastered across my face, the memory of last night playing on a loop in my mind.

  Athalia and I were officially together.

  It felt surreal–like, a dream I never wanted to wake up from.

  The sun was shining through my window, and for once, I actually felt energized.

  I hopped out of bed and decided to make breakfast, something I hadn't done in a while. Pancakes, eggs, and bacon–it felt like a day for celebration.

  As I was flipping the pancakes, I heard Aunt Dina shuffle into the kitchen, clearly surprised.

  "Brandon?" She raised an eyebrow, half-awake but definitely suspicious. "What on earth has gotten into you? You're up early and... making breakfast? Am I dreaming?"

  I couldn't help but laugh. "No, you're not dreaming."

  Aunt Dina poured herself some coffee, still eyeing me like she couldn't quite figure out what was going on. "Alright, spill. What's up?"

  I turned to face her, leaning against the counter with a stupid grin I couldn't hide if I tried. "Athalia and I... we're officially together now."

  Aunt Dina nearly choked on her coffee. "Wait, what? Together, as in, like, dating?"

  I nodded, my grin widening.

  She set her mug down and gave me the most exaggerated, happy gasp. "Brandon. That's amazing! Oh my goodness, you're beaming! Look at you! I haven't seen you like this in... well, forever."

  I shrugged, trying to play it cool but failing miserably. "Yeah, it's... it feels really good. She makes me happy, Aunt Dina. Like, genuinely happy."

  Aunt Dina's face softened, and she walked over to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I'm so proud of you, Brandon. You've come a long way, and seeing you smile like this -" she paused, shaking her head. "It's everything. Athalia seems like a really special girl."

  "She is," I agreed, flipping the last pancake. "She's more than special. I don't know how to explain it, but she makes everything feel... lighter."

  Aunt Dina smiled warmly. "Well, I'm glad. And just so you know, you deserve this, Brandon. You deserve all the happiness."

  I nodded, feeling a rush of warmth at her words. As I plated the breakfast and sat down with Aunt Dina, I couldn't help but think that things were finally starting to look up.

  Athalia was a big part of that. And I couldn't wait to see her again.

~~~~~~

  After breakfast, I cleaned up the kitchen, still humming to myself, feeling lighter than I had in years.

  Every thought circled back to Athalia-her smile, the way we kissed at her door, how she made everything feel right.

I decided to text her, unable to wait until later.

Me: Good morning, beautiful.

Beautiful? Is that cheesy? Cringe?

I barely had time to sit down before my phone buzzed.

  Athalia: Morning :) How's your morning going?

  I smiled at the screen, the warmth in my chest spreading.

Me: Very good. I woke up with a big smile because of you.

Athalia: Me too! I can't wait to see you again.