Dabbling in Danger

Abide

"How are you feeling?" I ask, my voice still gruff from sleep not even twenty minutes ago.

"Not so hot," Tiana groggily mumbles.

She shifts under the covers and burrows her head under the pillows. We haven't spoken since I snapped at her last night. I gave some thought to apologizing, until I realized that I'm not completely to blame.

Sitting on the bed, feet going from the carpet to inside my shoes, I look toward the bedroom door.

"Well make sure to drink your tea while I'm at the store."

She moans in response, I stand up preparing to leave the room.

"Can you ask Malina to come here on your way out?" She asks.

At the door I reply, "she's going to ride with me."

This makes Tiana break free from her cave of blankets and pillows to look at me.

"Why's she going with you?"

Tiana, she looks sick to her stomach but can still manage to have a grimace on her face.

I shrug, "I asked if she wanted to come along she she said yes."

That's not exactly true, I haven't told Malina that she's coming with me yet.

Tiana doesn't have much of an objection, but her bothered expression never falters.

"We won't be long alright?"

Hand on the doorknob I swing it open.

"I- I" she stammers appearing helpless. "I love you," she says hesitantly.

Without looking back, "you too," I mutter and shut the door behind me, closing myself off from her.

I find Malina sitting outside watching the ocean smooth out then fold in on itself.

She smiles up at me when I approach.

"Hey beautiful," I say cupping her face in my hand.

"Hi."

"Ride with me to the store?"

It doesn't take much convincing, she nods and stands up. I rest a hand on the small of her back, leading her around the house to the car.

When we get to the CVS, Malina unbuckles her seatbelt, I gently take her hand and she looks at me.

"I'll just run in real quick, need anything?" I ask.

Puzzled, I can see she's about to speak but relaxes into her seat instead shaking her head no.

Good girl.

"I'll be quick."

I get out and flash her a smile on my way inside the chilly building.

There's no one around when I enter, good, the less people the better. I go directly to the medical aisles, locate the naseua section and grab a pack of dremamine, ten count. My plan was to only get one package, but three is better. If by chance the cashier cares enough and gives me a weird eye, I grab a heating pad and alkaseltzer, maybe she'll assume sickness.

Once checked out and in the car, I throw the bag in the back seat then turn to Malina.

Something in the way she rests her eyes on me starts a fire up inside. She raises an eyebrow and a flirty smile forms on her lips. Immediately I lean in to kiss her.

Tasting her tongue over mine sends a chill running up my spine.

"Wait up for me tonight," I say.

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