Moment of Reflection

Chapter 21

I woke up in the same bed that I've used since March, the guest bed. 

Thankfully I didn't have to worry about being home early since I didn't have work. Though my morning wood was still prominent against my boxer briefs.

My first instinct was to go into the bathroom and beat it off in the shower, but then I mentally smacked myself.

You disgusting pig. Thinking about her that way.

Rethinking my actions, I just waited for it to go away, like usual.

When I had went soft again, I got up out of bed and went to the dresser and closet, pulling out clothes for the day.

I wanted to look nice, but casual. Last night before I left I asked Daisy to a date today.

When we were on the couch last night, I was so happy, yet I felt so bad. Even though she didn't tell me anything that happened to her, I had my inklings.

I wanted her to feel safe, happy, complete. I wanted everything for her. But the teacher side of me knows I can't... or shouldn't.

But I knew that there could be serious consequences.

Taking my clothes into the bathroom, I shut the door and turned the shower on, allowing the water to heat up.

While I waited, I pulled off my briefs and looked at myself in the mirror. My face looked groggy and distressed. I had a nice layer of stubble across my face which only added to the effect.

You look like some guy who gets up every morning at 5:30 and commutes for an hour and a half to some bullshit job where his jag-off boss expects him to kiss his balls all day just so he can afford to keep his ungrateful, screaming kids decked out in Dora the explorer shit and his wife up to her fat ass in self-help videos until the day he get up the courage to put a shotgun in his mouth.

I laughed at my own tired thoughts, stepping into the shower, pulling the curtain shut.

I leaned against the cold shower wall, allowing the steaming water to hit my side, flowing over the lower half of my back.

I began showering, still thinking about last night.

I really wished I woke up with her in my arms. But I didn't want to invite myself into her bed, let alone feeling rude for inviting myself over to her house. If she wanted me over I would hope she'd say something.

I washed myself, trying to buy time away from Ashley.

But my shower had to come to an end at some point.

Stepping out, I dried off and wrapped the towel around my waist, picking up my shaving soap and brush.

I applied the rustic barbershop lather to my face and neck, rinsing the brush and setting it aside with the soap.

Picking up my safety razor, I began to shave, making sure to do a good job.

***

Looking and feeling my smooth face, I began to get dressed.

I decided I would wear a pair of dark wash jeans, a light orange button up and my brown Polo Ralph Lauren quarter-zip sweater.

After I finished getting ready, I left the bathroom so I could get my socks and shoes on.

"What are you doing that you have to be dressed up for?" Ashley asked, seemingly surprised yet she had her attitude in full swing.

"I have a date today." I said simply, tying the laces of my brown boots.