Exhale

Chapter 15: Banana Chips

                                                               Just gonna leave this here.

                                                                                  

April 8th, 2:15pm

Marley

I can't believe they're finally gonna do the thing.

Roman is getting bolder. I noticed his thing for Z weeks ago.

He tries to hide it, but when he looks at her, it's something indescribable.

I stalk him behind the counter as he cleans up around the house. Personally, I think he has undiagnosed OCD. He's such a sweetheart, though, always looking after us.

Looking tired, he slumps down on the couch, closing his eyes for just a second. I take the opportunity to sneak into the living room, crawling on my hands and knees.

I make it behind the couch.

Slowly following the curve of the section. I peek out right behind Ro and get into position.

I ease my mouth close to his head, taking my right arm to dangle my bait.

I shake the bag, and he jumps, smacking my hand.

I burst out laughing, and he whips his head around.

"Banana Chips." I offer with a smile.

His head falls back, and the room is filled with laughter.

"Mars! I thought you weren't joining us."

"I do have plans. I just made dinner."

"What? I don't smell anything." He moves around sniffing the air.

"Harsh."

He furrows his brow. "Kidding."

"I wanted to apologize over dinner, if that's okay?"

He reaches for my hand, helping me over the couch, and wraps me in the biggest hug he's ever given me.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

Honestly, I didn't know how to answer, so I squeezed him as tight as ever, letting out a small sob.

"Now I am."

Roman didn't say anything. He just rocked me back and forth. Letting me cry.

A minute or so later.

Roman

I haven't been this excited in a while. The gang's back together. Well, Z is still getting ready. But Marley wanted my help with garlic bread.

She was right about making dinner.

The whole table was filled with food: asparagus, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, and dinner rolls.

"Why do we need garlic bread if we have bread rolls?" I ask.

"Because Z likes both. Now come on, she is almost done showering, and I want to be ready in time to say, SURPRISE!! I'm a really shitty friend. I'm sorry, I love you. Please don't hate me forever."

"You're going to be fine as long as you mean it and she doesn't hate you. Neither do I. Now let's finish cooking. It's hot in here." I lightly nudged her along.

She laughs with a shy smile. I know everything will be alright. Zuri and I have been waiting for this moment.

Everything is going to be alright, just fine.

.

.

It seems everything is fine. For now.

Any Thoughts?

Hi. Allia here, I know you have questions, and I'm here to answer all of them.  So ask away.