LIFE IS REAL [RT]

VII

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chapter seven

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Lillian was becoming more in the habit of waking up in Roger's bed. 

His comforting embrace during the night never went unnoticed by her, his bare chest always resting snug against her back, arm swung over her thin waist as his heavy breathing is what commonly put her to sleep on the nights in which she would overthink.

Almost every night, that was.

It was a comforting gesture.

Yet, the elephant in the room hadn't been addressed. The normality of the situation was beyond expectations. What the pair were doing as every day came to a close was something you'd expect from a couple.

They weren't a couple. They were just best friends, whom, over the past two months, had really gotten to know each other; but avoided the known fact that they were falling more in love with each other as each unbearable night pressed together went by.

Not only that, but many other things had happened since the whole unexpected meeting of the two which happened to be just over two months ago.

Lillian had basically moved in, per his request.

"You should stay here more often, Lil," Roger had stated as she was packing the last of her bags to take to work one Sunday before going home afterward.

"Why's that?" She asked as she turned around, blonde hair landing on her shoulders with a bounce as she faced him.

"Just to... you know, look out for you?" He practically asked with a lopsided grin on his face as he scratched the back of his neck.

"Rog, that's awfully kind of you, but I've gone almost twelve years by myself, I'm sure I'll be-"

"That gives you every other reason to say here with me. More often. You haven't had company for more than a long time, so why not have me as your company more often than not?"

"Because you know I'll get sick of you," She had stated, matter-of-a-factly as she giggled as his once lop-sided grin fell into a tight line of his thin lips. "I'm joking, dingbat. If you want me too, I will. I'll make the effort to stay here more often."

Roger's smile had turned ever the wide, white teeth shining as bright as the Sunday's sunshine outside, him stepping forward and kissing her forehead as he took her frail hand in his. "Well, now that's sorted - we both have to get to work and you'll be late. Let's go."

And that's how the habit began. And Lillian - somehow - didn't even mind it one bit.

So, when she woke up on a Saturday morning but only found the warmth from where her body was laying, and not from Roger's embrace - she was a little disappointed.

Sitting up, she ruffled her hair as she looked out the window, finding that the sun was up and ready to go for the day, a breeze taking over the trees as they swayed, almost as if it was the midday to afternoon southerly sweeping in.