Deer in the Headlights

Part 25 - Ratatouille

[Brielle's POV]

“I can’t believe it’s come round so quickly.” I mumble as I stare dejectedly into the steaming mug of hot chocolate in front of me. From the corner of my eye I see Adam shuffle slightly in the stool beside me, I couldn’t tell whether he was nervous or feeling awkward; he had hardly spoken since I’d gotten in, a fact that probably shouldn’t have worried me that much. But right now his departure was pressing heavily on my mind.

“I know what you mean.” He says softly. I smile faintly and look up at him, my eyes taking in his sharp features and kind hazel eyes, that I realised with sadness, I wouldn’t be seeing for a few months. Throwing me a reassuring smile Adam continues. “It’ll be alright Bri.” My bottom lip trembles ever so slightly as I look into his eyes, I knew he was trying to make me feel better, the way he gazed at me; dark eyes searching mine with loving intent, throwing me glimmers of hope in my sadness.

I hadn’t expected to be this upset about Adam’s departure for his tour, but as the date had gotten closer I couldn’t help a sinking feeling that was creeping into my every day. My time with him felt like it was fast slipping away and all I could do was watch it go; he would be leaving early tomorrow morning and would be gone for almost three months while he toured across the country with the new album.

Adam shuffles uncomfortably at the silence, his bright eyes distracting me from my thoughts as they continue to look at me with a caring gaze.

Come on Brielle. This is your last night with him, stop moping around and lighten up, he’s your best friend let’s start acting like he is.

“Sorry Adam, I don’t mean to be casting your departure on a downer. I-I’m just gonna miss you.” Adam’s gaze softens with sympathy; in his eyes I could almost see a look of guilt. Taking a sip of the hot chocolate I gulp down a warm mouthful and smile as it runs down my throat and warms my insides in a delightful manner.

“It’s okay. I’ll miss you too.” Adam replies after a moment. He seemed to be lost in another world, a peaceful but distant look on his face. As I smile he seems to snap out of the reverie, his cheeks flushing a soft shade of red.

“Why don’t we watch a movie? It can just be like old times then.” He asks with sweet politeness. I grin happily and nod my head.

Taking our mugs of hot chocolate we walk into the cosy confines of the living room and I sit down on the plush sofa while Adam stoops down under the TV set and searches through sets of DVD’s. For a moment a hazy silence falls over us, only punctuated by the occasional sound of Adam’s clothes rustling softly as he rummaged around. Leaning back on his heels Adam turns to face me, the sleek case of a DVD in one hand while in his other he still clutched the mug of chocolate. I couldn’t help but notice a charming expression on his face.

“Ratatouille my dear?” Adam asks in a slightly deeper voice. His eyebrows lowered giving his warm smile a mysterious edge. I giggle and nod my head, already beginning to feel much better. Turning back around Adam quickly loads in the disc and navigates through the menus until the movie begins to play. Standing up tall he gave the TV a moment to make sure it was playing properly. His head tilted slightly to the left, an adorable puzzled look on his face.

As the familiar credits of Disney begin to roll he stops looking at the screen and walks past me to flick off the main light in the room. Darkness envelopes the room in an instant almost moving the room into pitch blackness were it not for the light of the TV and the faint glow that came through from the kitchen. Coming back Adam sits beside me on the sofa, leaning forward he puts his now empty mug on the floor before settling back beside me, his arms resting on the back of the sofa in a spread eagled way as he made himself comfortable. I couldn’t help noting how his left arm was almost around my shoulders, just mere inches above, I knew if I leant my head back I could probably touch it.