Instant Family (SWSH Fanfic)

Coping Mechanisms: Part 1.5

Gloria's eyes struggled open, her pupils rejecting the late afternoon fragments of light that bled in through her curtains.

"Hnnggnnggghh..."

She attempted to bring her hand to her face to wipe the sleep from her eyes but was immediately jolted into consciousness by the searing ache in her arms and shoulders.

FUCK. No way?? I can't be THIS out of shape can I?

She let out a geriatric groan as she fought her way up into a sitting position, the cool metal zipper of Bea's jacket tickling her chest and abdomen. She looked down as she eased into consciousness.

Bea...

Gloria patted around her bed and fished her phone from the sheets as she checked her messages. She gave a little wince when she clicked the phone on, seeing Marnie's face flash across the home screen. She gave another wince when she saw that there were no new notifications. She sunk back into bed, cradling her phone to her chest.

Maybe I got the wrong idea after all... She doesn't see anything serious happening between the tw—

She gasped, her phone vibrating against her chest suddenly. She darted her gaze downward, shifting the phone screen up to her.

Spoke too soon!

Bea🍦: Two things: So sorry for the late reply, I was helping Allie with something. Also, are you doing anything right now? I want to show you how much I appreciated that pic...

So naughty!

Gloria tapped her chin as she thought about how to reply. She had almost finished typing when her phone buzzed again.

Bea🍦: Also third thing, I need to ask you something. Can I take you up on that date?

Gloria smiled, letting out a dreamy sigh as she sent out her simple reply.

Gloria👑: Absolutely. Meet me at the hotel?

Gloria paused, assessing her next move, deciding today was her day to be brave.

Gloria👑: Don't make me miss you for too long❤️❤️

She gave herself a proud smile as she attempted to get out of bed, her muscles rejecting all efforts of movement. She finally stood up, taking a second to look down. She let out a sad sigh.

Great. Now I have to get dressed. I wonder if Bea ever feels this sore...

She shuffled her way to the box of clothes she had sent from Wyndon. She settled on a simple pair of dukes and a t-shirt— not wanting to complicate things with accessories due to the raging pain in her muscles. She paused in front of the mirror, adjusting her bangs and tucking in her shirt. She paused looking at the bed and the chair.

I should really return these...

She picked up Bea's bomber, zipping it up and carefully folding it. She walked to the chair where her jersey and the spare clothes she received laid. As she was neatly stacking the clothes, one on top of the other, her thoughts drifted to Bea's home. She inspected her folds more carefully.

She really is SO neat... I wonder if she's like that all the time...

She heard the muffled buzz of her phone vibrating against her sheets. Her eyebrow cocking up.

That was quick...

-•-

Bea set the purple pen back into the case, nestling it precisely in its spot on the vibrant color gradient. She gently patted the oversized calendar that sat in her lap, her legs crossed comfortably on her bed. Each day was inscribed with various bullet points, each item in a different color depending on what activity she was doing. It was painfully full.