Dabbling in Danger

Lovely Reminder

"You okay honey?"

I only nod, not looking at him just keeping my eyes on the movie that's projected on the wall.

Adeen scoots closer and rests his chin on my shoulder.

"Are you sure?"

I nod again, "mhm."

I'm not okay, but I'm not bad either. Just trying to be neutral, keep the negative thoughts at bay.

He sighs, "I feel like you aren't being truthful, but I won't pressure you."

I just nod again, slightly shrug and continue watching the movie.

"Well, I wanted to ask you about how you wanted to celebrate after graduation."

I shrug, "I thought the ceremony was the celebration."

"No silly," his lips press against my ear.

His lips tickle, I bite my lip to hide my creeping smile.

"Want to go for dinner afterwards?" He asks.

I shake my head, "no it'll be crowded no matter where we go I'm sure."

He sighs, starts playing in my hair.

"Well think of something you'd enjoy doing and we'll make it happen."

I take a long blink and glance down at my lap. The diamonds on my gifted bracelet shimmer in the soft light.

"Okay baby?" He asks, tone concerned.

I nod again and look at him, "okay."

●●●

Adeen

I watch as the bits of brown beef slide down the front bumper of the Jeep. I pull at the hose, unwinding more of it and spray water over the soapy windshield.

Shit, my car looks like a fucking wreck. I can't believe I did this. I need to take this into a shop for repairs, no point in waiting around.

*bzz bzz*

Startled, I jolt and feel my back pocket to see my phone's ringing.

I answer the call and am greeted with an excitable voice.

"Hey baby!"

I breathe in, redirecting my audible sigh.

"Hey Tiana," I reply.

Even just hearing her voice over the phone stresses me out.

"How are you?" She asks.

She sounds hyped up, her voice is all giddy like. I haven't heard her sound like this since we first started dating.

"I'm alright, how are you?"

"I'm good, guess what?!"

I can hear the smile in her voice, my heart starts to thud loudly.

I put a hand on the wet car door and lean.

"What's up?"

"I come home next week!" She squeals.

My eyebrows risen, I take the phone away from my ear and let myself recompose after cursing up a storm. I knew this day was approaching, I knew it was approaching fast, but I still dread the thought of her being back here.

"I know, I know," I feign excitement. "I bet you're ready to bust out of there."

She laughs, "oh you know it. I'm so ready to be home, shitting and showering in our own bathroom and sleeping in our bed, keeping warm cuddled up to you."

I laugh once at the shitting comment.

"But it was all worth it if it means I can be better for you."

I realize I'm biting my tongue rather hard and release.

"I'm glad you stuck it out, but I hope you're mainly getting better for yourself. You come first at this point, do it because you want it."

"I am... I am," she takes a breath.

"You know," her voice drops lower. "All I can think about is the other day. I still can't believe we did that."

I shake my head internalizing a groan.

"You're telling me," I mutter.

She goes into a giggle fit.

"I can't wait to be under you again," she whispers.

She keeps up the laughter then gasps and says, "oh, my time's up, I've got to get off the phone. But be here Friday at ten, let Malina know I'll be home for her graduation! I love you, bye bye."

Thankfully she hangs up in a hurry before I try to respond. I throw the phone down on the driver's seat of my car, slam the door shut and blast the hose at full power into the bashed in part.

Things are about to go down shit creek, very quickly.