She Coyote

*23. Sweethearts

JUDE

I felt my slumber tenderly begin to wilt away. I slowly cracked open my drowsy eyelids, being met with black hair tickling my nose. I pulled back slightly, lifting myself up and propping up my weight on my elbow in steady, groggy movements.

Coyote was curled up next to me, eyes closed, her chest slowly rising and falling with her quiet breaths. She seemed so peaceful and relaxed, it was unusual. I groaned to myself. What did I do?

I sat up, careful to keep my actions careful and small, for the sake of my own body's current state and to not disturb her sleep. Of course the first thing on my mind when I awoke was my thirst for something to pump into my veins, some sort of remedy for this withdrawal. I erased the urges to sneak another ambien pill, and stood up beside the bed.

What day was it? It couldn't be morning already. I must have slept long and hard. I checked the clock on the wall which read 3:15 am. I ran a hand down the length of my face, glancing down at the sleeping girl so close to me.

Victoria was so gentle, so unbelievably peaceful. I remembered back to when she would constantly snap at me or have some smart ass comment in response to every little thing I did. I was reminded of the girl who not only accused her step father of murdering her own mother, but had intentions of getting revenge. I loved her fire, I loved her destructive rage; I just wanted to keep this peace for as long as I could.

I stood up straighter, yawning into my palm. I doubted I could go back to sleep even if I wanted to.

I trudged into the living room, gazing around at the dark apartment. I glanced out the window at the dark city around us, a few buildings lit up. I figured I could take that shower now, since I really did stink. I swiped the cigarette pack off the coffee table and made my way towards the bathroom.

I placed the cig between my lips and ignited the end, turning on the shower water as hot as it would go. I gripped the ends of my t shirt and slid it over my head.

When I reached my hand back under the water to test it's temperature, I was pleasantly surprised to feel its warmth. I started to undo the button on my jeans then lowered the zipper. I fumbled out of my bottoms and boxers and stepped into the tub.

I held my cigarette away from the water, letting the streams run over my face and hair. It felt amazing. I felt relaxed almost instantly, moving my face out from under the aqua to inhale my smoke.

I sighed audibly, shaking my bangs out of my face and slicking them back against the rest of my wet hair. I alternated between dowsing myself underneath the shower head and taking a hit of my cigarette.

I heard the bathroom door creak open slowly and I shot open my eyes. "Jude?" Coyote's groggy voice sounded muffled behind the curtain.