Jade woke up from a restless dream. That dream again. Their secret. Their almost.
Feeling eyes on her, she looked to her side and was surprised to see Althea sitting on the edge of her bed, watching her worriedly.
She's back from her business trip. Though Jade was happy, it still surprised her that Althea was here in her apartment, in her room.
"Thea, you're back," her voice sounded a little hoarse from the sleep and the fever.
The other woman didn't respond as she gently laid a hand on her forehead and on her neck, trying to feel her temperature. Relief briefly crossed her face before turning serious again.
"What time is it?"
"Just a little after four in the afternoon."
"What are you doing here, Thei?" She never told her she was sick.
Althea's brows furrowed. She looked at her like she just asked the strangest question in the world. There was something else in her eyes too. She looked disappointed.
"Stay here," she ordered and walked out of the bedroom.
She closed her eyes and rubbed her palms on her face.
What did you think she was doing? Eating popcorn while watching you sleep? She's here to take care of you, and most likely scold you while doing so because you didn't take care of yourself.
Sweet. Althea was always the sweet one.
She gathered her strength to get out of bed and follow her. She was hard-headed like that.
"Whoa..." She held on to the bedpost. She felt as if the room was spinning. She slowly made her way out, holding her hand against the wall for support as she did.
She was silently cursing the flat tires, her sweaty clothes, and the sudden afternoon rain when the scent of something delicious made its way to her nostrils. There was movement in the kitchen. She stopped by the threshold to admire the figure who had her back on her and was completely owning her tiny cooking space. The apron Althea wore made a striking contrast and domesticated her muscle tee, ripped jeans, and cherry red DM boots ensemble. Her hastily tied hair showed off her nape tattoo and her beautifully sculpted jawline.
They say puberty hits you with a surprise. It sure did for the woman in front of her. Her Althea grew up just fine. More than fine, in fact.
She was probably smiling like a fool when Althea turned to her. Her brows immediately formed a fine line when she saw Jade.
"You never listen, do you?" she said in a dangerously low voice as she slowly walked towards her.
Jade gulped. As much as she'd like to run back to her room, she barely even had the strength to stand up without having to hold on to something for support.
"Althea, I---" a shriek came out of her, stopping her words when Althea scooped her in her arms and carried her like a bride.
"Althea, what are you doing?"
"Practicing," she said as she carried Jade with ease.
"What?"
Althea's lips briefly formed a smile before turning serious again. She gently put Jade down to sit on the chair. She then put a hand on the back of it and the other on the table, effectively caging her. Those dark eyes hinted something playful and dangerous.
"Stay here, and this time, do as I say or I'll kiss you," she warned.
Jade wasn't quite sure if it was a warning or an invitation. One thing was for sure though. She was tempted to disobey.
