𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙴𝙽𝙳 || Original Story

forty-one | morning

It was bright the next morning. Beams of light filtered through the curtains, casting odd, bright shapes upon all the bits of furniture. I could hear the birds twittering and singing outside and I knew that today would be a good day.

I yawned and turned over to face Edgar, who was sleeping soundly. He let out a quiet snore before shuffling his legs as if to be dreaming. His hair had fallen over his face, but it didn't seem to bother him and he did look rather cute. I'd never seen him look so at peace; it made me content.

The memories of last night came flooding back. I could still feel the ghost of Edgar's hands around my waist and his lips on my neck. In all honesty, it was magical and I think I was falling in love that bit more by the minute.

I then looked at the clock on the bedside table. It read 7:10. I sighed, too sleepy to get up at such an early time, so I turned over and closed my eyes.

Though it wasn't long before I heard Edgar shift about again. I thought he was going to get up, but I felt his arms wrap around me as he snuggled into me, his face buried into the side of my neck. Smiling, I grasped his hands in order to pull him closer to me.

He sighed softly. "Good m-morning."

"It's too early," I grumbled jokingly.

Edgar chuckled. "Oh, well, b-bad morning."

"Hey, I never said it wasn't a good morning. In fact, it's a fantastic morning because I'm lying here with you."

He groaned sleepily and contently as I laced my fingers with his before bringing his hand to my mouth to place a kiss on the back of it.

Edgar's breath was warm and steady on my skin, sending shivers along my neck and down my spine. But it was comforting. It meant he was there right next to me and that this was not a dream.

This was real.

It wasn't long before we both fell asleep again and by the time I'd woken up, Edgar had disappeared from my side, leaving me tangled alone in the sheets. I couldn't help but smile, not quite believing that what went on last night actually happened. It's something that part of me- deep down- wanted to happen for a while and it was like all my birthdays and Christmases came at once.

When I reluctantly pulled away the duvet, I was greeted by an unpleasant chill, so I rolled down the sleeves of the shirt I was wearing and toyed with the idea of grabbing Edgar's dressing gown from the back of the door. Eventually I grabbed it off the hook, slipped it on, and headed downstairs.

The tiled floor of the kitchen was cold on my feet, but I didn't mind that much, not when I was hungry.

Edgar was stood beside the kettle, stirring milk into a mug of tea and was already dressed in a thick cream-coloured jumper and jeans. Felix was in his basket, licking his paw, but briefly looked up when he saw me.

"Good morning again," I greeted as I entered the kitchen.

"Good morning," Edgar smiled. "D-Did you sleep well?"

"I did, thank you. And I hope you don't mind that I borrowed your dressing gown. I was cold and I thought it would be silly to put my jacket on."

"Of c-course I don't m-mind. I wouldn't want you to b-be cold. Besides, I think it s-suits you."

"Just like your blue shirt," I said, laughing as I outstretched my arms and twirled around before making my way over to Edgar and wrapping one arm around his waist.

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, saying, "I've just b-boiled the kettle. Would you l-like tea or c-coffee?"

"I'd love some tea," I answered as I looked up at him with a smile. "Thank you."

We both had strawberry jam on toast for breakfast and another cup of tea afterwards, whilst making conversation about all sorts of things including books. We always seemed to end up there!

So as I sat on the bottom step of the stairs to lace up my boots when it was time for me to leave, Edgar suddenly startled.

"Wait there a s-second," he said as I got to my feet before turning and heading towards the library and quickly returning with a book in hand.

"Th-This is for you," he uttered as he handed it to me.

I smiled when I saw it was his copy of Jekyll and Hyde in all of its battered glory.

"I s-swear you can still make out th-the text," he then added to which I laughed.

"Thanks, Ed. I look forward to reading it-" I then stood on my tiptoes in order to give him a hug, "-And thanks for letting me stay. It's been really nice."

"It's b-been lovely. B-But you're welcome anytime."

I held him for a little longer, enjoying the tranquility of the morning and the warmth of Edgar's embrace.

"Can I give you a kiss?" I then asked nervously.

He nodded so I pressed my lips to his and when I pulled away, he smiled softly, saying, "You d-don't have to ask."

I was about to chuckle in response, but was stopped when Edgar leaned over and returned the kiss. I couldn't help but grin, feeling giddy and elated. Today was definitely a good day.

"S-See you later," he then said, taking my jacket off the coat stand before handing it to me.

As I put it on and fastened up the buttons, I smiled and felt a reluctance to my need to leave. I'd have found any old excuse to stay a little longer, but I'm sure Edgar had things to do like I did.

I was glad that it wasn't as wet as it was yesterday and that the air was fresh, and as I walked down Main Street with a skip in my step, I spotted Douglas heading towards me. He had his waterproof coat and boots on and when he saw me he waved.

"Hey, Kate!" He grinned as he approached.

"Oh, hello, Douglas," I smiled in return. "Everything alright?"

"Yeah. I just went to see if you were in, but obviously there was no answer, so I was going to try the shop."

"Ah, sorry. Edgar let me stay at Old Farm last night because he didn't want me walking home in the rain."

"That's very kind of him," Douglas remarked. "Wasn't it cold in that old house?"

"Nope. It's not like it used to be. Edgar's done a great job decorating that place. Anyway. what was it you wanted me for?"

"Oh, nothing in particular. I just wanted to catch up. There's a funny story about Jade that I wanted to tell you, too."

"I'd love to hear it. I'm just on my way home now, if you liked to stay for a bit? I need to get changed out of yesterday's clothes."

"Sure, I'd love to."

"And do you fancy staying for lunch later? There's some left over leek and potato stew."

Douglas grinned. "Sounds delicious. I feel spoilt."

"Good. You deserve to be."