Split Pieces

Chapter 1: Good Morning

I gradually opened my eyes to the warm room surrounding me. The air was breathing a cool breath upon my face. Initially I was confused as to where I was but I quickly recalled sneaking into her room. The window was still open; melatonin pulsing through my system the night before had left me thoughtless on closing it. "This happens too often you know" I heard coming over my right shoulder blade. From the snarky tone, I was oh so surprised when I peeked to find Maggie leaning onto the spotless off-white doorway. Her messy hair was golden caramel in the gleam of the dawning sunrise.

"My dads not going to be too happy if he catches you in my bed uninvited" she said to me with a cheeky smirk. "And won't he just have to get over it?" I remarked as equally sarcastic. I tossed over, surprised to discover how bitter the floor laid. "He will never know" I emphasized goofily. Maggie shook her head in false earnest, followed by a finger that motioned me over to her. I straightened my legs to move forward; feeling the sleep in my joints. A few steps in her direction and I had my arms wrapped around Maggie's hips carefully. Going for a peck proved unsuccessful when she stopped my lips handedly; making me very aware of my rancid morning breath. The playful roll of my eyes caught hers causing us to exchange innocent laughter. The opposite hand granted me a cup of coffee. Brilliant aroma filled the air. She turned away and spoke "Put a shirt on idiot, my dad will be home soon." A final chuckle echoed through the halls as one clever girl made her way downstairs with that signature almost limp-like walk, I had grown to love.

I finally met her at the table now fully dressed in clothes that I had left over another night. "I can't help that your bed is so much more comfortable than mine, short stuff" I projected as she skillfully flipped her pancake. A blush faced giggle slipped between her delicate lips. Maggie will deny it but I knew she loved when I snuck in. All of a sudden the door slammed open and Rocky; Maggie's silver-haired father stepped inside carrying groceries in hand. "Oh, good morning to ya Nate; you're here bright and early" he spoke hardily to me. His arms struggled from the weight of the many bags he was lifting. "The early bird catches the worm I guess" I said with a sneaky wink in Maggie's direction. "Help an old man out and grab some bags why don't ya" he said to me while allowing his to thud atop the counter. "Will do, sir" I had spoke and immediately chugged what little remained of my coffee. Stepping out of the door I remember feeling satisfaction in not being caught by Rocky. Life can be good to us sometimes.