Timidly

16 | for right now

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I FORCE MY eyes open, batting my lashes as the morning sun streams in. The room I've woken up in is not mine; nor the one Manny and I have been staying in at Gladwell Inn. It's Costello's.

A bare-backed boy sleeps softly next to me, the covers lifting every time his body shifts. I smile to myself, knowing that I made my last night in London memorable. Flashbacks of the night before appear in my mind, and I blush deeply. The images of my legs wrapped around his waist, the trail of kisses I had left trailing down his neck pop into my head. I look down at my naked self, wrapping a sheet around my body as I pull myself out of bed and look around. Costello's bedroom is very basic; no posters or fancy artwork arranged on the walls. There is a shelf, jam-packed with novels collecting dust, and a trash can beside a school desk and chair, filled to the brim with crumpled refill and pencil shavings. Light shines in through a single window, creating a glow of warmth as I tiptoe out of the bedroom, into a hallway.

I stay as quiet as possible, praying that Nina is still sleeping over at Karen's. She cannot see me right now. Not right before I'm due to get on a plane. My handbag lies untouched on a couch cushion, the brown snakeskin cold. I sit myself down, tugging up the sheet higher as I reach for my phone, unlocking it to reveal several messages and calls. All from Manny. I begin to panic, and recap the last conversation I had with my best friend, him instructing me to be back at the hotel by 8:00 am. My lock screen reads 9:17 am.

"Manny! I'm so sorry, I didn't remember to put on an alarm and-"

"It's alright, Don" He says, his voice crackling. "The flight isn't until 2 pm. No need to worry. Your things are all in suitcases, all you need to do is be here by at least 10:00 am, is that okay?"

I nod, though Manny cannot witness the tilt of my head over the line.

"Yes, that's fine. I'm just..."

"Mentally preparing yourself?-" Manny chips in. "-In a way, I am too. You aren't the only one whose created some unforgettable friendships on this trip"

"Are you referring to Sebastian or?" I ask, my eyes twinkling. For some unknown reason, there's a part of me that believes Manny really is developing feelings for the billionaire boy. But I guess that relationship won't be further explored, like the one I share with Costello.

"Ha, real funny. But you know what I mean. London has been kind to us"

"It has. So, I'll see you soon?" I ask, hearing light footsteps coming from the bedroom.

"Very soon. Bye Don"

The line cuts off as Costello enters the lounge, his boxers hanging low. He musters a cute smile while pulling a comb through his bed hair, in hopes of making it look more presentable.

"Morning" says Costello groggily, leaning over and placing a kiss on my cheek.

"Hey, sleep well?" I shuffle over, making space for the sleepy boy standing over me.

"Well, I didn't exactly sleep" Costello traces his fingers over my sheet, his touch felt even through the crisp fabric.

Colour rises to my cheeks. "I guess last night was quite eventful, huh?"