Blank Skies

37

Rebecca

Things became clear to me after Andre had his nightmare. He and I haven't been closer since, we both realized that the things we've been through need to be left in the past. I've been picking up extra shifts at the diner to help save some money for the wedding. Andre's work load makes it hard for us to do anything, our two week break he got from work was glorious but it was short.

I clock out, "Alright that's me." I say to Janice who's filling salt shakers, "Okay sweetie." She smiles up at me, "Have a good night." I nod, "I'll try." I laugh untying my apron from around my waist. I hold it in my hand as I grab the handles of my purse. I walk out the door and the midday air is starting to turn warmer. I rummage in my purse for my keys, "Come on." I groan.

"Yes!" I cheer pulling out the keychain. I press the unlock button on the small remote and climb in. The engine ignites and I'm quick to leave the parking lot. Dinner rush is coming in and I'm making sure I'm getting the hell out of here. Though it brings good tips it also brings in the worst of the worst. Someone's going to come in already drunk and ruin the family atmosphere.

I pull out onto the road and move with the other cars. The traffic is pretty mild for it being six at night. I get into the right lane so I can turn into my apartment building. I slow down and turn trying to avoid the curb from hell. It's the worst really, if you hit it just right it'll take off your tire.

I'm speaking from personal experience.

I pull into my normal parking spot and turn off the car. I take my things and lock up the car, "I need a bath." I say rubbing the back of my neck. My feet lazily move up the steps to my door. I turn the key and notice the tv playing, "What?" I look down and see Andre's shoes. I smile and close the door. A noise from the couch makes me look and I see Andre sprawled out.

He has one leg bent up against the back couch cushions with the other hanging off the edge. His face is squished against the small pillow, he has a pillow stuffed in the bend of his arm trapping it to his chest. The other is under the pillow under his head. I smile and lock the door and take off my shoes. I drop my keys in my bag as I walk into the kitchen.

I leave my bag on the counter and pull my shirt over my head. My feet take me to the bathroom and towards the shower. I turn on the water and leave the lever on hot. I pull the latch turning on the shower and crack the shower curtain. I peel of my jeans and my socks throwing them into the dirty clothes hamper. The release of my bra makes me smile as I let it drop to the ground and I take off my underwear.

The hot water leaves goosebumps all over my body. I take my time letting the water wash the soap away. When I finally turn off the water I feel as if a weight is lifted off my shoulder. I open the shower door and grab my towel. I dry off and wrap the towel around my body, "So much better." I say leaving the bathroom and into my room.

I open my drawers pulling out clean clothes, I slide them on and bend over wrapping my hair in the towel. I twist it and lean up sitting the towel on my head. There's a slight movement from the living room and a small groan. I lotion myself up and brush my hair then make my way out of my room.

I run my fingers through my hair and shake it some so it's not all stuck in a blob. "Hey." His voice is deeper than usual, "Hey there sleepy." I walk over to him and he moves so I can lay down with him. His hands pull my body into his, "Sorry I just was getting too tired to drive so I crashed on the couch."

He chuckles resting his hand on my butt, "I didn't even make it to the bed." He says closing his eyes, "That's alright." I say against his chest, "Did you shower?" He peeks out of one eye and I nod, "Your hair is like ice." I lean up and stroke his cheek with my fingers. I kiss his cheek and he smiles, "You hungry?" I ask and he shakes his head, "Nah." His thumb moves against the fabric of my shorts.

"I can make you something." I speak softly, "I'm good right now baby." I lay down and he kisses my forehead. I rest my arms in between our bodies and his hold me.

**

The sound of the tv is quiet as I stare at it. My blanket is loosely wrapping itself around my still body.

"Rebecca say something."

The air is thick and I find it hard to keep breathing. I study her features as she sits next to me, "Why?" I mumble and she tucks a piece of hair behind her ear, "I thought it was time you knew." The dim lamp light makes her face look older, "Your father and I, we love you." I watch as she gets up from the couch.

My world crumbling as she walks away, "We'll be staying here for a few days if you want to talk." Her slim fingers take ahold of the strap of her purse and walks out the front door. The sound of the door closing shut sends a tear rolling down my cheek. I'm caught in complete silence even though the tv is still playing a random episode of a random series.

I hold the blanket closer to my body capturing all the extra warmth I could grab ahold of. How could she possibly think to tell me now? She's had every opportunity to tell me, but she waits until I'm finally happy to tear me down?

The front door squeaks open, "Hey baby, sorry I'm late." Andre says chuckling from behind me, "The team was pranking Tommy and I was pulled into it." I sit there hugging myself with the fuzzy blanket, "You would've loved it Becks, his face was priceless." I hear the thud of his shoes landing on the floor, "Poor Tommy never saw it coming, it was like-" He says jumping over the back of the couch and sits down next to me.

He holds my covered arm, "Becks?" I take a deep breath and he grabs the back of my neck gently, "What's going on?" He asks softly, "My mom was just here." His eyebrow raises softly, "She told me that I'm um," I pause taking a shaky breath, "I'm adopted." Andre sits quietly next to me, "She said my parents have been trying to get ahold of me for years but they wouldn't let me see them."

Andre scoots closer and kisses my temple, "Why didn't they tell me?" I fall into his body and his arms tangle around my body. He sighs holding me close, "I don't know baby." I close my eyes and let the tears flow through my mascara.