Growing Pains

Chapter 29

I had thought that things might be different between us, now that everything was out in the open but our friendship is deeper than that, and we rely on each other for more than just romance. Our relationship goes far deeper than any superficial attraction.

I wake up earlier than I have to, but with a big smile on my face. I dress in jeans and Sam's favourite shirt of mine, grabbing my wallet and my keys and quietly leave the flat. I walk to Starbucks, my feet following the well travelled path without any conscious thought.

It's practically deserted at this time of the morning, the initial rush of working folk over and I happily meander over to the food selection, choosing Sam's all-time favourite sandwich. I hand it to the barista and order Sam's coffee as well as an unhealthy chocolatey looking treat. It's in the shape of a heart and therefore, I can't help myself.

My name is called and I have a little moment of genius.

"Could I borrow your marker really quickly? I'd like to write a message." I ask, indicating to the cup and the girl nods hastily.

I carry you with me in every word, every thought, every heartbeat.

"Who's the lucky lady?" The barista asks cheekily, peering over my shoulder and I frown at the invasion of privacy.

"Lucky guy." I correct, smiling as her face drops in surprise.

"Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean..."

"I have a special lad to get back to, sorry." I interrupt, saving her from her blubbering apology. I smile reassuringly as I grab my things and leave, thankful to have escaped that awkward escapade. I walk home quickly, juggling my things and letting myself in as I make my way up to Sam's room. I knock tentatively but Sam's voice follows almost immediately.

"Come in!" He calls, sounding tired but surprised.

I push the door open and smile at his haphazard position on his bed. His hair is wildly curling, falling into his eyes which are only half open at the moment anyway. I move over to his bed, sitting beside him as he scoots over to make room. I rest the coffee on his side table and brush his curls away with my good hand as his eyes flutter shut again.

I scoop up his hand, kissing it softly which has his eyes shooting open again. I smile against the back of his hand, watching his reaction as his eyes bug out of his head. I keep a hold of his hand, holding up the Starbucks bag up with the other.

He flops his head back against the pillows, a lazy smile crawling across his lips.

"What did I do to deserve you?" He mumbles, taking the bag from me but putting it down next to him instead of diving in.

"How did you sleep?" I ask.

"I slept well, although I wacked myself in the head with my cast this morning." He moans, rubbing the side of his head. I laugh at his expression.

"Good, do you have lectures today?" I ask, unsure as to whether his classes have been cancelled too. A lot of lecturers are on strike this week and the majority of my lectures have been postponed until next week.

"Yeah, this morning but my afternoon one's cancelled." He mumbles, peering inside the bag and grinning.

"Great." I say, plans already formulating in my mind.

"Eat and shower, you only have forty minutes." I remind him, squeezing his hand before leaving his room.

"Thanks, 'Lias!" He calls.

"Anything for you, my darling." I tease, walking downstairs to prepare breakfast for myself. Sam joins me a while later, his hair wet and half of his sandwich demolished. I look up from my book, watching as he decides that the chair opposite is much too far away and instead falls into my lap, sitting there contently as he finishes his breakfast.