Dea Shattered

⎈Chapter 17: Something More

The move had required no moving trucks and certainly no extra help. I only carried in a few luggage bags and boxes of food. The house had come with some basic furniture, a bed, a couch, an oven, and a fridge. None of it was exquisite, the couch had holes in the sides and faded cushions. Plus the fridge hummed and had a peculiar brown stain inside it.

    "Home sweet home," I murmured setting down the small box I was carrying. I heard the door close behind me as Kodhe came huffing in after me, carrying a large heavy suitcase.

    "Did you happen to pack this one with bricks?" He grunted and with a sigh of relief, he dropped it to the ground, slamming it on the wood.

    "I only had so many boxes, so I had to stuff all my clothes in there! Also, be careful, I don't want to scratch the wood." I scolded and patted the small box I had set down on the countertops in the kitchen.

Kodhe glanced around the small kitchen, the walls painted a dull blue. A single painting hung on the wall, it was the ocean painted in watercolor. I froze at the painting and silently vowed to take it down later, this home was to be a Haven for Sab and I. Not a constant reminder of what waited less than a mile away.

"It's rather empty... but lucky for you, I brought something that I hope will help fill things up." A small shy grin spread across Kodhe's perfect face, he rushed out of the house, the door closing behind him.

I leaned against the countertop watching from the window with amusement, he grabbed some large wrapped box and a few paint buckets. I tilted my head as he rushed back in dropping the presents on the counter clumsily.

I eyed the present, it was wrapped in bright blue wrapping paper with a white bow around it. I reached over and pulled it closer, the excitement getting the better of me. I eyed Kodhe one more time and then started to tear at the wrapping apart, not bothering too much to make it a graceful movement.

Kodhe chuckled as I stared in astonishment at the folded easel that sat in the piles of wrapping paper. It had been folded together carefully, but I recognized it immediately. I brushed my fingertip over the smooth wood and then grabbed the paint cans to investigate the colors. He had bought the basic colors blue, red, white, black, and yellow.

"Y-you bought me an easel," I whispered looking up at Kodhe with amazement. Blush crept across his cheeks, and he nodded his head.

"I totally forgot paintbrushes! Oh well, wanna try finger painting? " He rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks glowing darker.

I gulped silently. "We?" I pulled my gaze away from the easel and to Kodhe. "Do you mean we will be painting together?"

Kodhe smiled and reached forward to hold my hand, "well I hope so. Of course, if it makes you nervous we don't have to, I just hope one day I can see the master paint in action."
    "I haven't painted in years, I don't think I will be much of a master." I forced out a small chuckle, trying to ignore the deep pit that was growing in my stomach.

Kodhe waved his hand in a 'who cares' motion. "You couldn't be any worse than me."

I shrugged and turned back to the easel to hide the undeniable doubt on my face. Kodhe went silent beside me and leaned onto the counter next to me so that we were eye level.

"Do you not like it?" He traced circles on the counter unsurely. "I could always return it and get you something you like, I sort of took a long shot with this present."

"No no, it's great. I just am a bit nervous, I have no clue where to even start with painting." I wasn't exactly a lie if I truly sat in front of this easel with an intention to paint. I knew I would just sit there staring at the swirling colors and blank canvas.

Kodhe opened his mouth, but his phone started to buzz in the other room. He frowned slightly and then gave me an apologetic smile and rushed off to get it. I heard him answer the phone and then continue to talk to whoever was on the other end.

I pushed myself off the counter and started to unpack the little food I had brought. Trying to forget about the easel and paint that still sat on the counter.

I heard Kodhe finish the call before he announced to me that everything was good. He walked back into the kitchen a smile beaming over his face.

"Sorry that was my mom, she was demanding that I facetime her tomorrow." He chuckled and started to help me pack food into the pantry. "Maybe you could meet her, she's always curious about my... friends." He paused before saying friends, and he stilled. I set the cereal box I was holding down and turned to face him, my face matching the curiosity that was on his.

"What exactly are we? I mean we have gone on a few dates, had a few kisses." My cheeks flared pink and so did Kodhe's. "I don't mean to push it, I just am wondering."

"Don't worry I have been thinking about it too... and I actually was planning to bring it up." He brushed back his hair, "Listen, Dea, I really like you... like a lot. I don't want to rush you into anything though, so-" he trailed off fidgeting.

I blinked at him. "I like you too Kodhe. A lot more than I have liked anyone in a long time, and I'm ready whenever you are." I brushed back a strand of my hair and looked up to meet his gaze. His eyes watched me with a nervous but bright glint.

"I've been ready since we kissed at that picnic table, maybe even when you told me you loved chocolate covered popcorn. Because right then and there I knew I found a perfect girl and one with good taste." His cheeky grin spread across his face.

I leaned up and grabbed his face in my hands, and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. His hands were placed on my hips, and the butterflies in my stomach took off.

"Then let's be something," I whispered leaning back to look into his glowing eyes.

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Published: April 30, 2020, 3:00 PM

Words: 1132