Entwined

Chapter 14: Winds

The ride home was silent, and surprisingly, Dom's silent too. I whispered to Nazz to check on Dom and I found out she fell asleep, like a peaceful tired kitten, quite unlike her. This also surprised Nazz. We arrived shortly after and I exited his car, I thanked him for taking us today and asked him to make sure Dom gets home safely, he waved me goodbye from his window and drove off into the road and out of sight.

I dug my pockets for my keys and stick them into the doorknob. Finally arriving home, my tired consciousness beelined to the couch's direction purely out of muscle memory, and it's tempting allure made me slump on it like a tired cat. Letting myself melt into its form and I fell into a comfortable but accidental nap.

"Easton?" a muffled voice called out, and I felt a hand shaking my shoulder, "Wake up, Easton. Dinner's ready."

"Dinner?" I said while rubbing my eyes, and I turned to see who was shaking me. "Oh, Mel. Sorry, I fell asleep on the couch."

"Ah, that's fine. Come join me," she said softly and she went to the dinner table. "I cooked quite a lot today; we'll also bring some of these tomorrow on the camping trip."

A tasty aroma got me off the couch. My curiosity peaks with each step I take towards the kitchen, savoring the pleasant smell in the air. The array of dishes lined the table, mostly meat dishes and a few vegetables. My appetite grew as I sat down, and I immediately dug through the first meat dish I can reach, and just like every meal Mel had prepared before, I ate like a hungry kid—but way more hungry.

While eating, I thought about the camping trip. I was initially excited about the idea, but after I got the news about Abygail, I sort of changed my mind. I wanted to stay by Abygail's side throughout the weekend, in case she wakes up, but I can't cancel this trip. She already prepared everything, even supplies and probably renting a car, seeing as we need one to get there, especially with the things we plan on bringing.

Why does she do all these? Just, why?

"Easton? Are you okay?" she asked, she must've noticed me deep in thought.

I nodded and happily ate her cooking, hoping it would distract her. She smiled a few moments later, erasing the earlier doubts she had. I heartfully ate until I couldn't, I feel like I'm going to gain a lot of weight if she continues to cook these tastefully-rich dishes, but the good thing is, I can burn a few calories with this trip.

I finished up eating and cleaned up after myself. I also decided to wash the dishes, not letting her exert more energy, since she's prepared a lot for tomorrow's trip. She insisted on doing it, but I stubbornly stood my ground and eventually she gives me a smile and heads upstairs. The cold water drenched my hands as I washed the dishes, a sort of cold therapy for my thoughts, making it easier to think.

My mind wanders, it does that a lot lately. Switching from different things but always circling back to Abygail. I've been thinking about her a lot that my mind makes vivid illusions of her from time to time. I just miss her, the way she smiles... and her voice. I shouldn't have agreed to this trip, I'd rather be with Abygail tomorrow but also, I can't just leave Melody behind, my thoughts are conflicting. I can feel my forehead curl into frustration. While deep in thought, a plate slipped out of my grip. I tried to catch the plate but my poor reflexes betrayed me and the plate clatters into pieces. I tried to pick the pieces up but it ended up pricking the tip of my index finger.

"Easton? Are you okay?" Melody shouted. She must've heard the plate hitting the sink. I could hear her footsteps as she left her room, she saw me holding my hand and noticed a blot of blood forming on my fingers. "Are you hurt? Hold on, don't touch anything." She proceeds to scour the medicine cabinet and found some cotton and band aid. "Stay still."