After it All

Charlie

BANG! CRACH! "Shit!"

I am not a good cook. I pretend I can, but nope. I like to try though.

Today I tried to surprise Teddy with French Toast, but I burned everything, knocked over the carton of eggs, and spilled milk on the counter. Why they trust me to work on children I will never know.

"Charlie what are you doing?" Teddy asked coming out of our room

"Not trying to surprise you with breakfast." I said rushing around trying to open windows and turn off smoke detectors. I cleaned up the spilled eggs and milk while Teddy made coffee. When I was done, he handed me a steaming mug and started making pancakes.

"But I wanted to make breakfast." I whined

"And I would like for you to not burn the apartment building down."

"Your lack of faith in me is sad."

"Whatever. We're going over to Angela and Jackson's for dinner."

I stood awkwardly next to me looking at the ground. It's funny, he was the awkward mess in college, and I was all cool, now I'm as awkward as a middle school boy.

"I'm really sorry about yesterday." I said

"You don't have to apologize. You were worried about your girl."

"But you should come first. Especially now." I spun the ring around his finger. He put down my spatula and took his hands.

"No. This," he motioned to our rings, "Means we will support each other no matter what. It means we will always be there when the other needs it. It means we promise each other to listen to the other, to be the one to pick them up when need be. It does not mean you have to give up anything."

He kissed my forehead because I still refused to look up at him.

"I just- "

"Charlie."

I sighed and wrapped my arms around his waist, pulling him close. I didn't have to tell him. I could just forget what Dillon said and move on. But it was eating away at me.

"Someone said something at work and it just got to me, and now I feel bad when I have to leave you for work."

"Who said what?"

"It's not important."

He gave me a look that said, 'You will tell me, or I will force it out of you.'

"Dillon said I should just go back to my boyfriend because that's all I'm good for and if I put as much effort into our relationship as I do into my work then I might have a future with you."

He didn't say anything. He tilted my chin up and captured my lips in his. It was slow, lazy, and sweet. The kind that makes you never want oxygen ever again in your life. I could have stayed there forever soaking up the moment. As soon as he pulled away my lips missed the warmth. He rested his forehead on mine, our noses touching, and our breathing mingled. It took me minute to be able to open my eyes.

"I love you." He whispered against my lips. I could have melted.