Cough Syrup

Fishes in The Sea

Elena sat on her couch, casually working on a crossword puzzle while a documentary about the 90s played quietly in the background.

She cherished the little time she had to herself. Between work, trying to get to the gym, and, most important of all, being a single mom to an incredible little boy, she was swamped. She generally had an hour to herself right before bed time when she would watch a bit of TV, read a book not related to work, or do a crossword puzzle. Part of her felt a bit old and detached, but she also knew everyone needed a little recovery time. This was hers.

Jonas rarely complained about his 8:00 pm bedtime, and he almost always fell asleep fairly quickly after a bedtime story. Usually, this brief bit of free time was a guarantee. Tonight, it wasn't Jonas who interrupted her, but rather a text message.

She glanced at her phone, taken aback by the sender.

Hey, Elena. I know I haven't texted for a couple of days. I had a rough series in New York, and I didn't want to take my mood out on you. I just got home, and I was wondering if maybe you wanted to hang out for a bit? I know it's a work night, so I understand if you can't.

Elena chewed her lip nervously. She hated that he was apologizing for not texting. She knew he was busy, and he didn't need to make her a priority. They were friends, sort of, and she realized they both had major responsibilities to handle. Plus, she had only met him two weeks ago, and he had been gone for one of those weeks.

She knew she had to work in the morning, and, to make matters worse, it was a Monday. But, she rationalized, she didn't have to be at the office until 9:00 am.

She wanted to see him. She liked him. They had only hung out once in person, but everything seemed to click. She felt better around him. She wanted him in her life in some capacity, even as just a friend. She could do friendship with Christian Yelich. That was a possibility, and that was the only expectation she would set.

Hey, Christian. Please don't apologize. I know we're both busy. If a friend is what you need, please stop over. 3027 South California Street.

She didn't really know what Christian expected from her, but it was late, and she didn't want to send the wrong message. Maybe she was being ridiculous – he probably didn't see her as anything more than a friend either. And he seemed like a nice man, a man who wouldn't think he was owed anything when hanging out with a woman after sunset.

His response was almost instant.

I'll be there in 15.

She did a quick glance around her home to ensure nothing was out of place. Jonas's bedroom was upstairs, so their conversation wouldn't stir him. He was a sound sleeper.

She paused at some photos of her family – photos that included her and Henry kissing at their wedding, on vacation, holding Jonas the day he was born . . .

She didn't even consider hiding them. She smiled at the memories and continued to spot check.

Christian knocked on her door gently at 9:00 pm – exactly 12 minutes after he sent his last message. She was surprised she didn't get the traditional "I'm here" text, but she was also glad he felt comfortable enough with her just to knock.

"Hey!" she greeted a bit nervously, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear and inviting him in.

"Hey," he replied with a laugh, his face brightening at the sight of her. It had been a long two days, but, for whatever reason, he was ready to put them behind him as soon as he saw her. "I brought this for you and Jonas," he said uncertainly, handing her a signature tackle box of candy from Dylan's Candy Bar. "I'm not sure if he's allowed to eat candy, but, if he is . . ."