Cheradine - Whole Lotta History

Chapter 10

Cheryl stirs as the soft morning light begins to seep into the room. She blinks awake, her senses slowly returning to the present. She's cocooned in a tangle of soft sheets, and the warmth beside her tells her that Nadine is still there. Cheryl stirs, trying not to disturb the peaceful silence between them.

Nadine's face is nestled close to Cheryl's, her breathing steady and gentle. The slight rise and fall of her chest is calming, and Cheryl can't help but smile at the sight. They've spent so many years apart, their friendship strained and distant. Yet here they are, together again in this tender, delicate moment.

Cheryl takes a deep breath, inhaling the faint scent of Nadine's shampoo, mingled with the crisp, cool air of the December morning. She's acutely aware of the intimate nature of their current situation, the vulnerability of waking up beside someone she once called a friend and now... something more. It's a strange blend of comfort and excitement.

She carefully shifts her position, trying to free her arm from where it had been draped over Nadine's waist. Nadine stirs slightly but doesn't wake. Cheryl smiles at the sight of her lover's tousled hair and peaceful expression. The memory of their conversation from the night before—their mutual decision to keep their new relationship private—lingers in her mind. It feels both thrilling and a little daunting, but for now, it's just the two of them, wrapped in the quiet intimacy of this morning.

Cheryl decides to get up and make some coffee, hoping the gentle act of preparing breakfast will ease her mind and start the day on a pleasant note. She slips out of bed, moving as quietly as possible, and pulls on one of Nadine's oversized jumpers she'd found draped over a chair. The fabric is warm and comforting, and she smiles softly as she heads towards the kitchen.

The house is still, save for the soft hum of the fridge. Cheryl pads across the floor, trying to keep her movements light. She starts fills the kettle with water, its gentle boiling a soothing backdrop to her thoughts. She wonders what the day will bring, what it means to step into this new chapter of her life with Nadine. It's both exhilarating and terrifying.

As she waits for the coffee to brew, she glances back towards the stairs. She hopes Nadine will like the surprise. There's something undeniably sweet about starting the day with a simple gesture of care. The idea of making this morning special, of creating a small but meaningful routine between them, feels right.

The kettle finishes boiling with a soft beep, and Cheryl pours two mugs, adding a touch of milk to each. She rummages around Nadine's cupboards, finding something sweet for the morning, she adds two small plates to place croissants on. She hopes that these little treats will help ease any lingering awkwardness or uncertainty.

With the coffee and croissants balanced carefully on a tray, Cheryl makes her way back to the bedroom. She opens the door gently, careful not to make too much noise. Nadine is still asleep, her face relaxed and serene. Cheryl sets the tray down on the bedside table and sits back down on the edge of the bed, taking a moment to simply watch her.

The sight of Nadine asleep, looking so peaceful and unguarded, fills Cheryl with a deep sense of affection. She reaches out, lightly brushing a strand of hair from Nadine's face. Nadine stirs, her eyes fluttering open.

Nadine's eyes flutter open, meeting Cheryl's gaze with a slow, sleepy smile. The room is bathed in the gentle, muted light of the December morning, and the chill of December seems distant, insulated by the warmth of the bed and their shared closeness.

Cheryl watches as Nadine stretches, her movements languid and unhurried. There's something so endearing about this quiet morning ritual, a simple yet intimate moment that feels like a small, precious secret. Nadine's gaze drifts towards the tray on the bedside table, her eyes lighting up when she sees the coffee and croissants.