ER [wlw]

Chapter 23

The first thing I notice when I wake up is the warmth. The soft, steady rhythm of Ramona's breathing beside me, her arm draped loosely over my waist. A lazy smile tugs at my lips before I even open my eyes. I don't move right away. I don't want to. This is perfect. Too perfect to disturb.

Slowly, I open my eyes, and the sight of her takes my breath away. Her face is so peaceful, relaxed in a way I don't think I've ever seen before. The sunlight is streaming through the window, casting a soft glow over her features, and I can't help but take in every detail—her dark lashes, the way her hair is a little messy from sleep. She's beautiful. Completely and utterly beautiful.

I shift a little, careful not to wake her, but I can't stop myself from gently brushing a few strands of hair from her face. My fingers graze her skin, and she stirs slightly, her grip tightening around my waist for a moment before she settles again. I smile to myself, feeling that warmth spread through me.

Being here with her, waking up beside her, it feels like the beginning of something good.

I close my eyes again, resting my head on her shoulder, letting myself melt into her embrace. I never imagined I'd be here, lying next to her, feeling this...safe. I don't want this moment to end but my phone vibrates on the nightstand, pulling me out of the haze.

I stretch over to grab it, blinking away the last bit of sleep, and see Bellamy's name flashing on the screen.

A smile pulls at my lips as I answer. "Goodmorning baby."

"H-hey, y-you didn't answer l-last night when I-I c-called. You a-always answer." Her voice comes through, not very happy.

Guilt tugs at my chest. I must've missed her call in the middle of... everything. I glance at Rani, who's still peacefully asleep, and wince.

"I'm sorry love. I must've fallen asleep. Tell what you did yesterday, I'd love to hear." I say, trying not to be loud with Ramona sleeping beside me.

"There was M-Mickey and-and all th-the princesses? I-I met all of them!" She shares happily.

I smile. "That's cool."

"Next time y-you need t-to be here and-and Rani t-too."

I smile at the mention of Ramona and glance at her. "Yeah, we need to do that." I've never been personally.

"Oh and there was th-this ride th-that had dinosaurs, I-it was pretty c-cool." Her excited voice comes through.

With the mention of dinosaurs I'm reminded that I need to call my dad and tell him I'm getting Will Saturday. I plan to take him to a dinosaur museum, I remember him saying he likes them when we had dinner. If he's already went but if he doesn't want to go I'll figure something else out.

"I'm glad you're having fun baby." I play with Ramona's hair, twirling a piece around my finger.

"Y-Yeah, we're g-going to eat b-breakfast now b-but I-I'll call you and I'll get M-Mamá to send you t-the pictures we have. I-I love you and m-make sure y-you answer."

Again that guilt seeps in, I've never not answered her call. "I will, I love you too."

As I set the phone on my night stand Ramona stirs and when I look back at her. Those brown eyes are revealed slightly.

"Good morning." She smiles, speaking sleepily.

"Good morning." I smile back, running a hand through her hair. "You sleep pretty."

She snorts and sits up, making me laugh myself. "Thanks, do you have any plans for today?"

I shrug. "Besides going to the gym, no."