Normal People - Strange Encounters Book Two

Chapter 28

As Spencer drove home early Wednesday evening, windows rolled down and humming along to a Modest Mouse song he'd recently shown Amelia, his mind started wondering. A month ago he hadn't even known where Amelia was. Three months ago he was on the verge of a mental breakdown after he'd come to terms with her disappearance. Five months ago and he thought they'd been in the clear. 

And now here he was, on a normal Wednesday, driving home from his office excited about having a normal dinner with his girlfriend. It's crazy how quickly things can change. 

As he parked his car he sang the song he'd been listening to under his breath, fiddling with his keys as he descended the stairs to the apartment. Unlocking the door, he threw his leather bag on the ground before pausing. He sensed movement and glanced up, seeing Amelia dancing around the kitchen. He didn't hear any music, before he realized she had her headphones in her ears. He silently shut the door, and moved toward the bookshelf so he could watch her for a few moments without being seen. He relished any moment she seemed carefree, and was glad she was starting to express them more often. 

She must have just showered, because her curls hang down her back still damp, the smell of her conditioner wafting toward Spencer; one of his favorite smells. She wore one of his long sleeve thermals, a white one that he knew he wasn't going to be getting back anytime soon, a pair of flannel pajama shorts peeking out from under the hem. On her feet were a pair of mismatched socks, something she'd picked up from Spencer that made him smile even more. He squinted to make them out; one was green and covered in leaves, and the other was one of his he thought, plain old black and grey argyle. He laughed audibly at the way she swung her hips and held a spatula up like a microphone, glad she couldn't hear him. He leaned his shoulder on the wall, listening to her sing. 

I like shiny things, but I'd marry you with paper rings
Uh huh, that's right
Darling, you're the one I want,
and I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this
Uh huh, that's right
Darling, you're the one I want

As he heard to her sing the chorus a second time, and listened to the words, the faintest thought flitted across his mind so quickly that-

"Spencer Walter Reid!" His eyes refocused, snapping to Amelia's face. "How long have you been standing there, you creep!" She laughed, throwing her headphones on the counter and rushing into his arms. He laughed, nuzzling his face into the top of her head.

"Long enough to enjoy the concert, Lee. Mm, missed you."

"Silly, you were only gone for an afternoon. We are gonna have to go back to normal in a couple weeks, y'know. Next week is our last week before you return to the office." She pouted up at him.

"Hey now, at least I'm not going back into the field yet. I'll be home every night, baby" he pecked her on the lips before starting towards his room, tugging at his tie. "Did you make dinner?"

"You bet I did."

"We could've just ordered t-"

"Spence, we cannot order takeout more than, like, three times a week before I feel lazy. Besides, I really don't mind cooking. I hope you like curry lentil soup! It's one of my favorite winter foods, and since it snowed this afternoon I felt like making it."

"Sounds amazing." She turned to watch him walk out of the bedroom. She'd missed seeing him in his suits and sweater vests, but would never get sick of seeing him in his favorite grey sweats.

"When's that interview again?" Spencer asked her as he grabbed stuff to set the table. He heard her let out a sigh.

"Friday afternoon." He walked over and leaned on the counter next to her, grabbing her hand and tugging her towards him.