“I-I guess I just fell asleep by accident after your Mama T left.” I lie while rubbing my eyes.

“Well it’s time to get up or I’m going to be late for school.”

I swing my feet onto the floor and slowly stand. “Go get the rest of your things. I won’t be long.”

My body balances and I begin to stretch my arms wide. I slowly walk up the stairs, down the hall and reach my bedroom door. I slowly and quietly open it and step in.

I notice Tina still sleeping.

I stand there with my back against the door and look over at her. It’s been so long since I saw her fast asleep. Her beauty still crawls over my skin. I used to love watching her sleep next to me whenever I would awake before her. I could spend hours glancing over her beautiful body and the little sounds she used to make while she slept so peacefully.

I reach for my closet doors and pull out my outfit for the day. I try not to make too much noise afraid of waking her while I scramble to get ready. I open the bathroom door after just stepping into my attire and applying my cosmetics when my eyes catch a glimpse of Tina pulling her shirt over her chest.

My heart skips and my blood pressure rises. I quickly glance away and whisper my apologies.

Silence once again is felt between us.

“Can you stay here until I come back?” I beg of her.

“Yeah, sure.”

Tina
I sit here at the edge of her bed. I ponder in my head the feeling of being in her presence last night with only a door between us after all these years without her. All I could smell when I wrapped myself under the sheets was her. She had a scent like no other. It made memories come to life when I rested my head on her pillow. It felt relaxing and the comfort of her safety just outside the door. I always felt protected when I was with her. She always made me feel that way. It’s just her stature, it’s her ability to just allow me to let down my guard and feel invulnerable. I take a good look around her room; everything in perfect placing, from her lotions to her jewelry. I would always joke with her and tell her she has massive obsessive compulsive disorder.