Amelia

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

Time seemed to slip away when I was with Fin.

No matter how much time we spent together, no matter what we were doing, time seemed irrelevant in those moments. I'd always felt so rushed in life; first to find a suitable partner, then finish school, then get married, work, have kids, blah blah blah. I was constantly moving, jumping from one life "goal" to the next. With Fin, it was different. Everything was still, calm, easy. There was no rush to get to wherever we were going; we were simply content to spend the time getting there together.

"I really need to get my own stuff." Well, that's what I tried to say. What it really sounded like was more "I wheely need oo het ma ow suff." That's what I got for talking with a toothbrush in my mouth.

Fin barked out a laugh as he dried his face and hands with a towel from the rack. "What was that?"

I spit out the foam in my mouth and tried again. "I really need to get my own stuff. Like, my own shampoo and conditioner and soap and things. I can't keep using yours forever."

"Why not?" Fin wrapped his arms around my waist from behind and nuzzled his nose into my freshly-washed hair. "I like it when you use my stuff. You smell like me. You smell like a man. Your man. And everyone will know."

I rolled my eyes at his possessiveness. "Down, Alpha male."

Fin chuckled and reached out a hand to ruffle my hair. He was quick enough -and smart enough- to dash out immediately after to avoid my smacking hands.

I grumbled as I tried to fix the now tangled mess.

"Why do you not come by the shop at lunch? I will be on break and I can take you to the store for your things." Fin was going back to work today. It had been a little over a week since I'd been discharged from the hospital and moved in with Fin, but I was feeling much better. Fin had refused to leave my side most of the time, worried for my health. Morgin had also come around a lot this past week, getting to know me better and keeping me company when Fin had had to go to work to get an order shipped on time. I truly hadn't been alone for one minute since I'd come here, but now that would change. Fin couldn't abandon work forever and Morgin had been called away on grandmother duties. Apparently, Fin's brother Gunner was having marital problems and wanted the kids to stay at her house while he and his wife sorted things out.

It wasn't that I was scared to be alone -I knew there was no chance of Alexander finding me here. He didn't even know where Fin lived. But there was something about being alone and sitting idly by waiting for Fin to come home that stirred unease in me. I had always been constantly moving, and while I enjoyed the peace and quiet with Fin, I wasn't sure how I'd fare when I was alone with the silence.

"Sounds good. I'll meet you at noon, then." I smiled at Fin, hoping none of my unease was displayed on my face. His eyes narrowed a bit, but I prompted him to keep getting dressed or he'd be late for work. It seemed to nudge him back into gear.

When Fin left – after thousands of kisses and promises to call him should I feel even a little dizzy – I stared at the empty, silent apartment. I had never seen it so vacant and...desolate. When Fin was home, he lit up the apartment with his smile and laughter. Without him, the place seemed cold and unfamiliar. Looking at the bare walls and empty selves – save for our books and movies – I knew what was missing.

Elated, now that I had a purpose, I set off to the bedroom to drag out the suitcase from the closet. At the bottom of the bag had been the set of drawing pencils from Fin as well as the book. Mrs. C. had packed them first, it seemed, as if she knew exactly what I would need. Muffling a small squeal of joy, I plopped down on the couch, turned the TV on for some background noise, and got to work.