Don't Explain

fifteen.

A few days passed without much communication from Prince. It wasn't unusual for us to go a little while without talking, but after everything lately, the silence felt different—like there was something unspoken hanging between us.

Then, one afternoon, as I was lounging on the couch with Snowball curled up beside me, my phone buzzed. I glanced down at the screen and saw his name flash across the display. My heart did that familiar little flip, and with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, I answered.

"Hey," I said, keeping my tone casual, though a part of me had been waiting for this call.

"Hey yourself," Prince replied, his voice smooth and relaxed. "Been thinking about you."

I smiled despite myself, leaning back against the cushions. "Oh yeah? What about?"

"Well," he began, his tone shifting into that familiar teasing lilt, "I was thinking we should spend the weekend together. Just you and me. I could use a break from everything, and I figured you might too."

I paused, glancing down at Snowball, who was napping peacefully. The idea of spending an entire weekend with Prince, just the two of us, sounded perfect. But there was one little problem.

"About that..." I started, biting my lip. "I'm on my period."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I wondered how he'd react. But then, in true Prince fashion, he brushed it off with his usual confidence.

"I don't care," he said simply, his tone firm and matter-of-fact. "It doesn't change anything for me."

I blinked, surprised by how casual he was about it. "You sure?"

"Positive," he replied, a touch of amusement in his voice. "It's not a big deal. We'll still have a good time. Besides," he added, his voice dropping to that low, suggestive tone that always sent a shiver down my spine, "I'm not just with you for one thing, you know."

I couldn't help but smile at that, feeling a sense of relief and a little thrill at how easily he dismissed the concern. "Alright," I said, my voice softening. "Then I guess it's a date."

"Good," Prince said, sounding pleased. "I'll pick you up Friday."

***

As the weekend trip with Prince approached, I started to think about Snowball. I didn't want to leave him in a kennel, and bringing him along didn't feel like the right option either. I needed someone I trusted to take care of him while I was gone, and Vanessa was the first person who came to mind.

That afternoon, I shot her a quick text: "Hey, can you puppysit for me this weekend? I'm going out of town with Prince and don't want to kennel Snowball."

Vanessa responded almost instantly: "Of course! How could I say no to that little fluffball?" There was a playful emoji attached, and I knew she'd take great care of him.

The next day, I packed Snowball's favorite toys, his food, and even a few of his adorable little outfits into a small bag. I brought him over to Vanessa's place, where she greeted us at the door with a grin.

"Are you sure you can handle him?" I teased, handing her the bag.

"Oh, please," Vanessa replied with a laugh, bending down to scoop Snowball into her arms. "He's going to be spoiled rotten with me."

I smiled, relieved to know that he'd be in good hands for the weekend. "Thanks again. I'll make it up to you when I get back."

Vanessa waved me off. "Don't even worry about it. Have fun with Prince. I've got this covered."