Strange // Ryllon

twelve

When I finally wake up again, the memory of Dallon and I kissing still fresh in my mind, I notice something that makes me feel a little sad.

Dallon isn't here.

I don't exactly know what I was expecting, maybe I'd wake up to him holding me, him half awake as he holds me close against his chest and kisses my cheek and head and then my lips. I would kiss him and he would shower me in kisses, and then I'd laugh and call him a dork.

But right now, there's an absence in the space next to me.

I sit up, yawning and rubbing my eyes. It takes me a bit to actually get out of bed, but eventually I do and make my way down the hall, feeling warm. I hear cooking and plates being placed on the counters and cupboards closing, and when I walk in, I see Dallon placing food onto two plates.

"Hey," I say. He jumps a bit, but turns and smiles a bit.

"Hey. Um, did you sleep alright?"

"Yeah," I say.

"Cool, cool. Um, I made breakfast burritos," he says. I nod, smiling shyly.

"Thanks."

He brings them to the table. It's awkward, the air thick with tension and the silence painful.

I sit down across from him and we begin to eat silently. There's not a single sound being exchanged. Birds chirp outside. I'll take what I can get.

"About last night," I find myself saying before I can stop it. Dallon swallows and looks down.

"Oh, um, yeah, I know... one time thing, didn't mean anything," he says and I can't believe I have to hide my disappointment.

"Yeah," I say. He relaxes a bit and I force myself to not look upset. I didn't want it to be a one time thing, I wanted to happen many more times. If there were a heaven, then I'm pretty sure it'd be the feeling of him holding and kissing me.

Dallon Weekes is a work of art and I'm confused as to why I haven't realized it sooner. He is a kind, beautiful, caring, loving gentleman who makes me feel things I haven't felt in a long time. I told myself I'd never fall in love, but I think he's the only exception.

Neither of us exchange a single word, not even after we finish. He kindly takes the plates and begins to wash them up. He doesn't like me and I shouldn't risk pushing it. After all, he is letting me stay here.

I'm losing it.
  
   
  
  
  
"What's on your bucket list?" Dallon suddenly asks when the episode ends. I look at him and frown in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Bucket list. Everyone has got one. What's on yours?"

"Dumb things I made when I was 17," I tell him, shaking my head and looking down. One of my arms is on the head of the couch, elbow bent so I can rest my face on my hand. My knees are pointing towards him and I still feel very fortunate to be wearing his clothes. I ordered some shirts and jeans online but they won't be here for a little while. I'm not complaining, I feel small and cute in Dallon's clothes, like a girlfriend wearing her boyfriend's oversized t-shirt.

Dallon moves closer to me to grab the remote and press play on the next episode. "Tell me, I'm curious."

"They're embarrassing."

"Please?" He asks with this cute little smile. I sigh and look down. I grab a nearby notebook and a pen and write some of the things down.

He tries to peek over and I pull it up. He smiles a bit and I try not to, but I know he knows I'm trying, and so he keeps moving closer, but it only causes me to feel a bit flustered.

I finish writing and take a deep breath. I hand it to him and pull at the ends of my sweater sleeves, both of us looking down at it.

"You've never taken a shot?" Dallon asks me.

"Is that surprising?"

"I mean, I don't know. I'm not sure if you're the drinker type." I frown a bit and look at him. We're close.

"Are you?"

"I've never gotten drunk," he says while looking at me. My heart skips a beat and I have to force myself to remember what he said.

"We should play a game or something, then. Shot game, I don't know. Do you have any drinks?"

"Nope." He shakes his head. I grab the paper and pen again to scan through the list.

"Okay, we are gonna go out right now and get some drinks and have the time of our lives, okay?" I ask, causing Dallon to laugh. I smile a bit.

This is gonna be fun.