Only for the Summer

"So, are you going to tell me about earlier?" Char asks as we wrap up our evening routine, the soft flicker of the bathroom light casting playful shadows on the walls. 

Most nights, we've built our little routine, alternating between our beds like it's a game, our laughter echoing as we mess up the sheets in the process. 

I know my parents won't check on us; they're too wrapped up in their world. Still, I can't shake this feeling of needing to be cautious.

"Come here." With a quick tug of her hand, I pull Char into the bathroom, shutting the door with a soft click. I know I'm being a bit paranoid, but I don't want anyone else overhearing this.

"Okay, what did you witness? A murder?" Char chuckles, trying to lighten the tension.

I take a deep breath, my heart racing as I recall the scene. "I saw Patcha having sex with this married guy on my father's desk during the rehearsal dinner."

"Holy shit. Isn't she married?!" Char's eyes widen, and she gasps, her playful tone vanishing.

"Yes! And I'm almost certain they aren't in any kind of open relationship," I reply, urgency creeping into my voice.

Char seems to be stricken by the revelation. "Wow, no wonder you were on edge all night! She kept trying to come over to us, but I thought you were just avoiding her like usual."

"No, it was worse than that," I admit, running a hand through my hair in frustration. "I was worried she would threaten me or something. I think she saw me when I caught them, but it was hard to tell with that position." I shudder involuntarily.

"Babe!" Char scolds, gasping again, half in disbelief, half in shock.

"I'm being serious!" I insist. "Trust me, that was the last thing I wanted to see."

Her gaze softens as she steps closer, wrapping her arms around me, and snuggling her head into my chest like she's found her sanctuary. I can't help but smile, grounding myself in the familiar connection between us. The sweet, floral scent of her shampoo envelops me, familiar and warm—a comfort amidst the chaos swirling in my mind.

"Wow," she says softly. "That's a lot to handle. Are you okay?"

I nod but feel the tension still coiled inside of me, ready to spring free. "I don't know. I just feel... on edge. Like anything could happen now. What if she comes after me? Or worse, what if she goes after you?"

With a gentle tug, Char takes my hand, mischief dancing back into her eyes as she leads me toward my bed. I reach for my pajamas, yearning for some semblance of normalcy. However, before I can even grasp the fabric, she grips my wrists, claiming the moment for herself.

With a sly grin, Char pauses, looking up at me, her radiant smile igniting something within me that flickers like wildfire. In one fluid motion, she lifts my shirt over my head, and my breath catches as she deftly unhooks my bra, her fingers brushing against my skin lightly. She leans in, planting a soft kiss on my lips—tender, grounding, and utterly reassuring. It feels like a promise, one I desperately need at this moment.

This isn't about anything physical; it's her way of showing she's here for me, and that means everything. With a mischievous glimmer in her eye, she slips off her clothes with an effortless grace, like shedding the weight of the world, and leads me to my bed, a sacred space turned secret paradise.

Once there, she taps her chest, the invitation clear in her warm gaze: "Come here, let's just be." I settle against her, and she showers my bare temple with soft, lingering kisses—each one washing away the tension of the day and sending soothing waves of tranquility over me. I can't remember the last time I felt so safe, cocooned in her embrace, the chaos of the evening receding like the tide.

As I nestle against her, I can hear her heartbeat, steady and strong. "You know," Char whispers, her voice low and calming, "no matter what happens with Patcha, we'll face it together. You're not alone in this."

I look into her eyes, with a calm seriousness, and suddenly feel the weight lift if only a little. "You really mean that?"

"Of course I do," she says, brushing a lock of hair from my forehead. "We're a team. Always."

I can feel my eyelids growing heavy, and as she continues to place those sweet, soft kisses along my bare temple, I can almost convince myself that everything outside this moment doesn't exist. I take a deep breath, surrendering to the safe haven she's created around us. With a content sigh, I close my eyes, letting the soothing rhythm of her heartbeat and the warmth of her presence lull me into a peaceful slumber, each kiss lingering in my thoughts like a whispered promise of better days ahead.