Winter [Completed]

TWENTY SEVEN

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December 29th
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"If we were meant to stay in one place, we'd have roots instead of feet."

—unknown

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Imani POV

The sun casts its soft rays on the two of us in bed as it slowly ascends, signaling the start of the day. This, I think, will be the most peaceful part of my morning. The silence and the calm that comes with being the only person awake is therapeutic, comforting. I can't tell for sure how long I've been awake, but if I had to guess a definitive number I'd say about 45 minutes to an hour. I don't know why, but today I just woke up early. Maybe it's the nerves of leaving today or because my mind is so stubborn that even in sleep I cannot rest, but regardless of reason, this has given me a lot of time to think.

I've been thinking a lot about Ethan and I, and although we haven't really had a chance to address the transferring situation, things have been good. Well, if you could call it that. It's just that sometimes when we're together things feel fine, completely normal, and then my mind just goes to these places... I start to think about our relationship and the fact that we can't talk about the important things, and I just get overwhelmed. I know we need to address these things, or it'll be the death of us, but I just can't bring myself to talk about them. I'm weak, and I'm a coward, but is it really that bad? To want to just be normal and happy for once? But what good is normal and happy if it's not genuine?

I'm in a tough spot, because I can't force Ethan to go if he doesn't want to, and even if I told him I was okay with him leaving, he'd never do it. He's too stubborn.

Ethan stirs beside me and I sigh, running my hand lightly through his soft hair.

I can't put this off any longer... We need to talk, and we need to talk sooner rather than later.

Ethans eyelids flutter and a small smile forms on his lips as he wakes. "Mmm," he hums before opening his eyes and glancing at me. "Morning, Mani."

I suppress my frown and glance away from him as I sit up and lean against the headboard. "Good morning."

Ethan mimics my movements and nudges me as a small grin paints his face. "You ready for today?"

One week of just me and Ethan in a house together... What could go wrong? I wrap my arms around myself and glance over at him briefly. "I'm excited, but I'm gonna miss everyone, you know?"

Ethan wraps an arm around me, and I lean into his embrace. "I hear you, but it's going to be nice to have our own space for once." He kisses my cheek then bites his bottom lip as he gazes at me with hooded eyes. "The things I could do to you..." his husky voice trails off as he leans in to kiss me once more.

I meet him halfway and kiss him slowly as my eyes flutter closed. "I like where this is going," I say when I pull away.

"Where do you think we should do it first?" He asks, stealing another kiss. "The kitchen?" The next kiss is slow and sensual as he gently pulls on my bottom lip. "The living room?"

I roll my eyes and laugh, ignoring the heat that grows inside me the longer I'm in his arms. "You're such a guy."

Ethan laughs, playfully pushing me away. "I'm kidding, Mani, geez. I have class."