The Ice Cream Man

Afterthoughts

Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening!  I bring gifts. Just so we are all on the same page--this chapter takes place after Chip leaves Theo but before the Blue Planet coffee shop scene in Temper and the Rope.  Since it's Creed and Bobby in this chapter the timelines diverge just a bit. Read on lovelies! And as always let me know what you think! HUGS AND KISSES!!!!!

-Rayne

Bobby

It's during my nightly shower routine when I realize I can't stop thinking about Creed's hands. He was framing pictures the other day while I was playing video games and I couldn't help but notice how hard his hands looked. His hands are the type that appear rough, with veins like vines and a tenderness that seems so out of place, especially for a man who is capable of abducting someone.

Shaking my head I reach up to pinch my cheeks and rub water from my eyes as a familiar rush of shame bubbles through my body. Stop romanticizing Creeds hands Bobby Lee. Even with my own scolding I can't help the way that my mind wanders to the day we sat on the bed and he told me his story. I told him that I forgave him, and I do, but now I'm not sure if I can forgive myself for doing that.

As I shift in the shower a rush of dizziness floods through my head and I grab onto the tile wall to steady myself. My body has felt frail these past weeks. I thought I was sick but now I'm not so sure. I'm constantly sleepy and pretty much always alone because Creed has been working longer shifts. Something about multiple people quitting at the same time? So I sleep for a good twelve hours, play video games and then sleep some more. When Creed comes home my mood perks up a bit, but lately he's been keeping his distance.

I turn off the spray of water and listen to the sudden sound of Creed jingling his keys as he opens the front door and closes it behind him.

Ashamed with myself but also eager to be with the older man, I jump out of the shower and reach for my clothes only to find that they aren't there. I groan and squeeze my eyes shut cursing my forgetful self. What is it with me lately and this lack of concentration? I can't remember anything. I can't stay focused. I'm a useless piece of crap.

Idiot

Annoyed, I glance at Creed's bathrobe which is hanging on the door. To wear. Or not to wear?

What's worse? Going outside with the robe on? Or going outside naked?

Going outside naked.

Nodding as if my decision is sound I reach up and tug the dark blue robe from the hook that holds it slipping my arms inside and tying it around my waist. The material is soft and the sleeves of the robe extend past my hands. I flush with how comforted I feel inside of the large piece of cloth.

I leave the bathroom turning off the light behind me and padding down the hallway that is filled to the brim with pictures of me. I glance at a couple with bizarre interest as I walk. There's one photo in particular that never fails to catch my eye. It's of me in my bedroom standing in front of my mirror in just my boxer-briefs, studying myself. In the mirror if you look closely enough you can see the reflection of Creed in the tree outside, taking the picture in the window. It leaves me in awe every time I see it that I never noticed the man behind me.

Sighing, I straighten my robe and continue down the hallway. When I walk into the main room I notice Creed at the stove already preparing food even though he just got home. Creed glances up as I enter his expression a mixture of boredom and exhaustion before it goes blank and his eyes study my figure a dark glint hidden in the depths of those ambers. I scoot past him and reach into the fridge to get a bottle of water.