Zugzwang

Chapter 9

            I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing on my vanity. Chris was right beside me in bed and his back was turned towards me. I didn’t want to wake him but I had to answer my phone. I hopped off my bed and tried for my phone without making the wooden floors creek. Walking as slow as I could, I picked up my phone. One missed call. The number was blocked so I couldn’t call back.    

            When I turned around to head back to Chris, he was already awake. His green eyes stared intently into mine. The corners of his mouth curved into a small smile. I set myself back down beside him and his arm quickly wrapped around my back, pulling me closer. I felt soft lips kiss my forehead. He was being so sweet but I knew eventually it would come to an end.

            “You’re beautiful when you snore.” Chris said, with a mockery in his voice.

            “Shut up!” I slapped his shoulder playfully and turned my back away from him.

His arm slid around my waist and he played with the strings on my sweats. “You are beautiful though, when you sleep.” He kissed my neck gently.

I stood up quickly and put my hands behind my back. “Oh, do you think so?” I mocked any posh person with a British accent.

Chris stood up tall with one hand behind his back and cleared his throat. “I do believe you look like quite the alluring empress.” He spoke with a British cadence.

We stared into each other’s eyes for a few moments then let out a loud laughter. His eyes seemed to sparkle in the moon’s light. His smile, well, it was perfect. Hearing his laugh made me laugh even more. My face was starting to hurt from smiling.

A door from outside shut and Chris and I quickly became quite. His face was serious but I was still trying not to giggle. Chris put his hand over my mouth and pulled me close. “Shh.” He whispered.

“Is everything okay, Anna?” Scott knocked on my door.

“He doesn’t know I’m here.” Chris whispered.

“Anna?” Scott knocked again. His hand gripped on the door knob and it started to turn.

“Everything’s fine, Scott! Don’t come in. I’m hardly dressed” I rushed Chris into the closet and shut the door lightly.

“I’m your brother. I don’t care but I won’t come in to save myself from going blind. But it is late and there’s school tomorrow. You should be sleeping.”

“I will, Scott. Goodnight. I love you.” I held my breath.

“Goodnight, Anna.” Scott returned to his room. Once I heard his door shut, I let out a deep sigh.

Chris came out and chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around me. “You sound like you have a hand up your ass.”

I slapped his shoulder and giggled. “School starts in a few hours. You should go home and spend a little time resting.”

“I’ve already rested, baby girl. I want to spend my time awake with you.” He smiled.

I looked at the clock. 4:32AM. “I do have to shower, you know. And you won’t be doing that with me.”

“But I can wait for you.” He winked. “Plus how can I leave without Scott noticing me?”

“How were you planning on leaving for school?” I retorted with a smug grin on my face.

“Well…I…I don’t know.” Chris stuttered. I couldn’t help but laugh at him not actually having some plan for once. But, I thought for a moment on how he can get out. Suddenly, my eyes met with the window. A smiled formed across my face and Chris must’ve been watching because he said, “No. I will not climb out your window. It’s a two story drop and there’s no way for me to get down safely.”