CHAPTER 5: DATES
Since that day when Anna kissed Adam, he’s been pondering the idea of whether or not to take her on a date. He has no experience with dating or relationships, and so the idea of being alone with her left him with a million questions swirling around in his head. What if she doesn’t feel the same way? Should I even be doing this, asking her out? I don’t know what I’m doing…. Just as Adam was about to open the door to his house, Steve showed up in view and he opened it before Adam could. “What’s up, man? Are you alright?”“I’m fine. Just have a lot on my mind.”
“Well, is there anything I can do to help?”
“I’m not sure.” The two guys sat down on the couch and didn’t speak for a moment. Adam then parted his lips to ask a question, but was interrupted by Chase who plopped right in between him and Steve on the couch. “So, what’s new with everyone? I’m bored.”
“Good to see you too, Chase.” Adam retorted. “Why are you here though? I thought you had to go to your night class.”
“Oh, well, I dropped out.” Adam didn’t seem all that surprised in hearing Chase say this, but Steve did raise an eyebrow in concern. “Why would you drop out of community college after only being there for three weeks? I think that’s a new record between you and Adam combined.” Steve laughed at his own witty comment, but Adam wasn’t amused. He thumped Steve in the head, which led to him tackling Adam to the ground. Even though both guys are around the same height and weight (give or take a few pounds), Adam doesn’t have much upper body strength. Steve pinned Adam in less than five minutes, keeping one of his legs suspended in mid air when Chase pulled the two of them apart. “Guys, now isn’t a good time to goof off. I’m seriously starting to think that something is wrong with me.” Adam gets back to his feet with Chase’s help and says, “There’s nothing wrong with you, man. I’ve known you since elementary school. You’re smart like me. Remember how both of us were enrolled into that dual student program with the scholarship opportunity?”
“Well yeah, but I never actually went through with it. You also made that same decision if I remember correctly.” Steve stared at his two friends in sudden confusion, wondering why both of them turned down such a great opportunity. The less I say, the better, he thought to himself. “I’m going to get something to drink. Do either of you want something?”
“Not right now, but thanks.” Chase stood up from the couch, and Adam followed Steve into the kitchen. The kitchen area in this house is not as big as what he saw in Anna’s house, but it’s a comfortable size. The living room takes up the most space, which makes a great feature for hosting parties. The 'common space', as Chase calls it, is adjacent to the living room from the right which holds all of their gaming equipment. Beyond the kitchen is their back courtyard, the front door of that room being placed on the right wall. What really sold the three guys into buying this house was that the entire kitchen space had high glass windows, giving them the perfect view of the courtyard and pool, which can be seen from any angle.
No plans had officially been made for this date that Adam had in mind, but he knew that this is something he wanted to do, or was he rushing things a bit? Laying down in bed with all the lights off, he realized that he just couldn’t sleep. Too many thoughts and questions continued to plague his mind. Why did Anna kiss me? Girls are a mystery to me… I’ve never been on a date in my entire life. Adam sat up in bed to shake his head, his curls bouncing around his head in small, circular motions. He got back under the covers, hoping to fall asleep, but he just couldn’t. In a fuss with himself, he decided to get up and slowly walk over to Steve’s bedroom, making sure to not make any sound. He shut the bedroom door behind him as he walked in to find Steve laying on his side. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, and his short blond hair looked like little tufts on the back side of his neck. Adam crept closer and gently tapped his shoulder, but Steve didn’t move a muscle. He tapped his shoulder again then heard a moan, and so this encouraged him to nudge his shoulder a bit harder. Steve rolled over, but his eyes were still closed. Damn, he's a really hard sleeper, Adam thought to himself. Just as he thought about giving up for the night, Steve rolled over again and stuck his leg out from under the sheets. This position didn’t work in his favor as he kicked his leg against the bedpost and fell to the floor. “Steve!” Adam yelled out in a whisper. “Huh? What happened to me?” Adam looked at Steve with an amused half-smile and responded, “you fell. Next time, keep your leg under the covers.”
“Why are you in my room? It’s 2:30 in the morning.”
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“So?”
“So… Can we talk?”
“I guess. What do you want to talk about?”
“The new girl.” The minute Steve heard those three words, he seemed to perk up a little, got up from the floor and went back into bed. “Here, come sit.” He patted the empty spot next to him and Adam got into bed beside him. “So what’s the problem?”
“Anna kissed me.”
“Oh… where did she kiss you?”
“On the cheek. I’ve been up for most of the night, trying to figure out why she did that and wondering if I should ask her out. Or is that too bold of a move? I’m not good at this.”
“Slow down. Just because she kissed you doesn’t mean you have to immediately pursue a relationship with her. You said she kissed you on the cheek?”
“Yeah. I’ve never dated anyone in my life, Steve. What does that kind of kiss mean?”
“She was probably just trying to be nice. Maybe she’s playing coy as well. Girls like to be cute sometimes, so try to not think so much of it- especially since it was just on the cheek.”
“Are you sure?” Adam asks. Steve raises his arms above his head to stretch out his muscles, which are fairly prominent. In the dim moonlight, his chest looks average; not too built, but not too flat either. Steve is the kind of guy who enjoys working out fairly regularly, and so both his chest and arms have developed some definition and tone over time. “I’m positive. It’s like I told you before, try not to overthink it. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be friends with Anna, but don’t get too ahead of yourself.”
“Thanks.” Adam starts to yawn. “I think I’m ready to go to sleep now.”
“Anytime, man. Good night.” Steve places a hand on Adam’s shoulder and they share a moment, smiling at each other. Before he exits the bedroom, Adam faces Steve one last time and says “good night.”
CHAPTER 6: BOSS
Beck has gone back to Connecticut after staying a couple extra days with Anna, and so those daunting feelings of loneliness were starting to slowly creep back into Anna’s mind. On the day of Beck’s departure, she said “remember, I’m only a phone call away. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever want to talk.” The thought was still strong in her mind, and as soon as her hand came in contact with her cell phone, the doorbell sounded. Anna rolled her eyes and walked on over to answer the door. “Who is it?” She checked the peephole before unlocking the door and saw that her ex-husband, of all people, was standing on her front porch.
“Thanks.” Adam starts to yawn. “I think I’m ready to go to sleep now.”
“Anytime, man. Good night.” Steve places a hand on Adam’s shoulder and they share a moment, smiling at each other. Before he exits the bedroom, Adam faces Steve one last time and says “good night.”
CHAPTER 6: BOSS
Beck has gone back to Connecticut after staying a couple extra days with Anna, and so those daunting feelings of loneliness were starting to slowly creep back into Anna’s mind. On the day of Beck’s departure, she said “remember, I’m only a phone call away. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever want to talk.” The thought was still strong in her mind, and as soon as her hand came in contact with her cell phone, the doorbell sounded. Anna rolled her eyes and walked on over to answer the door. “Who is it?” She checked the peephole before unlocking the door and saw that her ex-husband, of all people, was standing on her front porch.
ADAM
It’s been less than twenty-four hours and Adam still felt like a half-dead zombie on the inside. He struggled to get through the day at work, his eyes coming in and out of sleep as he looked at the computer screen on his desk. I should have just called out sick, he said to himself. I can’t go through any more of these files. After a few more clicks of the mouse, his head fell flatly onto his keyboard, and the screen started to fill up with a bunch of random O’s and D’s. He started to snore, which caught the attention of a co-worker from the next desk over. “Adam?” The young man lightly shook his shoulder, which made Adam jolt up in sudden awareness. “Huh? What happened?”
“You fell asleep. Be grateful the boss didn’t see you nodding off.”
“Oh. Thanks.” Adam adjusted his seat and tried to sit up. Just as he got comfortable, Mr. Hatfield stormed through the front entrance, clearly not seeming to be in a good mood. Everybody in the office space avoided eye contact, keeping their heads low and backs hunched over their computers. Adam seemed to not take notice of Mr. Hatfield’s existence, and so he scratched his nose and tilted his head back and forth before returning his focus to the computer screen. Great, now I have to use the bathroom. Adam got up from his seat and headed towards the front door, but before he could leave, he saw Mr. Hatfield standing right in front of him. “Um, weren’t you just over there?” Adam asked, motioning over to where his office is on the far left. “Where do you think you're going, young man?”
“To the restroom, sir.”
“No, you’re not. No one’s allowed to take bathroom breaks! Am I clear on that?” The man bent over, leaning in until his eyes were locked in with Adam’s. “But, but, I can’t hold it.”
“Then use a cup or bowl from the break room in the back corner! You’re not allowed to leave this space.” Adam sighed and went back to his desk, knowing it would be useless to argue with his boss. Once he sat back down at his desk, he leaned over to say something to his co-worker. Mr. Hatfield then bellowed in a voice that startled everybody. “Mr. Burke, could you meet me in my office please?” Adam let out a sigh and slowly made his way towards his office. Once he sat down in one of the leather chairs facing his desk, the tall man followed and took a seat in his chair. The two of them sat in uncomfortable silence, and Adam had his eyes looking in every other direction except for his boss’ face. “Adam Burke… Do you want to know why I called you into my office?”
“No, not really.” Mr. Hatfield let out a sigh of frustration. “Fine, I’ll tell you then. I’m a man of high importance. This company is something I built and grew with no one else to help me but myself. This office is just one of many buildings I own, and so that means I own you as well.”
“What’s your point, sir?”
“Don’t talk back to me!” Nathaniel Hatfield’s left eye started to twitch upon hearing Adam’s remark. “You WILL respect me. Am I making myself clear?” Adam let out a slight groan and said “yes”. Sometimes, Adam started to think to himself, I can’t help but wonder why I took up this position, working for a man who cares about no one but himself. “As I was saying,” Mr. Hatfield started to say. Adam started to tune out his lecturing, knowing that the man could talk about himself for hours before getting to his point. After his boss was done talking, Adam realized that the man was waiting for him to respond. “Uh huh, I understand,” he said without any care behind his words. “Good.” Mr. Hatfield opened up the front door of his office and motioned for Adam to leave. “You can go now. I expect you to behave and not get on my nerves again.”
It’s been less than twenty-four hours and Adam still felt like a half-dead zombie on the inside. He struggled to get through the day at work, his eyes coming in and out of sleep as he looked at the computer screen on his desk. I should have just called out sick, he said to himself. I can’t go through any more of these files. After a few more clicks of the mouse, his head fell flatly onto his keyboard, and the screen started to fill up with a bunch of random O’s and D’s. He started to snore, which caught the attention of a co-worker from the next desk over. “Adam?” The young man lightly shook his shoulder, which made Adam jolt up in sudden awareness. “Huh? What happened?”
“You fell asleep. Be grateful the boss didn’t see you nodding off.”
“Oh. Thanks.” Adam adjusted his seat and tried to sit up. Just as he got comfortable, Mr. Hatfield stormed through the front entrance, clearly not seeming to be in a good mood. Everybody in the office space avoided eye contact, keeping their heads low and backs hunched over their computers. Adam seemed to not take notice of Mr. Hatfield’s existence, and so he scratched his nose and tilted his head back and forth before returning his focus to the computer screen. Great, now I have to use the bathroom. Adam got up from his seat and headed towards the front door, but before he could leave, he saw Mr. Hatfield standing right in front of him. “Um, weren’t you just over there?” Adam asked, motioning over to where his office is on the far left. “Where do you think you're going, young man?”
“To the restroom, sir.”
“No, you’re not. No one’s allowed to take bathroom breaks! Am I clear on that?” The man bent over, leaning in until his eyes were locked in with Adam’s. “But, but, I can’t hold it.”
“Then use a cup or bowl from the break room in the back corner! You’re not allowed to leave this space.” Adam sighed and went back to his desk, knowing it would be useless to argue with his boss. Once he sat back down at his desk, he leaned over to say something to his co-worker. Mr. Hatfield then bellowed in a voice that startled everybody. “Mr. Burke, could you meet me in my office please?” Adam let out a sigh and slowly made his way towards his office. Once he sat down in one of the leather chairs facing his desk, the tall man followed and took a seat in his chair. The two of them sat in uncomfortable silence, and Adam had his eyes looking in every other direction except for his boss’ face. “Adam Burke… Do you want to know why I called you into my office?”
“No, not really.” Mr. Hatfield let out a sigh of frustration. “Fine, I’ll tell you then. I’m a man of high importance. This company is something I built and grew with no one else to help me but myself. This office is just one of many buildings I own, and so that means I own you as well.”
“What’s your point, sir?”
“Don’t talk back to me!” Nathaniel Hatfield’s left eye started to twitch upon hearing Adam’s remark. “You WILL respect me. Am I making myself clear?” Adam let out a slight groan and said “yes”. Sometimes, Adam started to think to himself, I can’t help but wonder why I took up this position, working for a man who cares about no one but himself. “As I was saying,” Mr. Hatfield started to say. Adam started to tune out his lecturing, knowing that the man could talk about himself for hours before getting to his point. After his boss was done talking, Adam realized that the man was waiting for him to respond. “Uh huh, I understand,” he said without any care behind his words. “Good.” Mr. Hatfield opened up the front door of his office and motioned for Adam to leave. “You can go now. I expect you to behave and not get on my nerves again.”
CHAPTER 7: SURPRISES
Anna’s shock left her paralyzed yet again as both she and her ex-husband were standing on the front porch in uncomfortable silence. If it were any other day when she was still in a traumatized state, her reaction probably would have been anything but pleasant. Her emotions right now however seemed to only lead to numbness and confusion. She didn’t understand why he was here. The silence was broken when Seth stepped into the room once Anna opened the door. “I like how spacious this place is. Has it always been like this?” Anna walked up from behind and motioned for him to take a seat on the nearby chair. “No, I called in some renovators so that they can take out a wall or two.”
“I see.”
Anna’s shock left her paralyzed yet again as both she and her ex-husband were standing on the front porch in uncomfortable silence. If it were any other day when she was still in a traumatized state, her reaction probably would have been anything but pleasant. Her emotions right now however seemed to only lead to numbness and confusion. She didn’t understand why he was here. The silence was broken when Seth stepped into the room once Anna opened the door. “I like how spacious this place is. Has it always been like this?” Anna walked up from behind and motioned for him to take a seat on the nearby chair. “No, I called in some renovators so that they can take out a wall or two.”
“I see.”
“Do you want something to drink?”
“Sure. Water is fine.” Anna came back into view from the kitchen with a glass of ice water and laid it on the side table. She then sat down on the couch, just a couple inches away from Seth. The two of them felt uneasy in each other’s presence since they knew they had once been married, but the baggage that came with it is what made this visit feel even more awkward, especially in Anna’s case. She was surprised that nothing yet has triggered her on the inside of her mind, and she felt as if she should be treating him like a guest instead of like a friend. Seth took out his phone to quickly check his messages, though he knew the real reason for checking it so that he could escape the awkward silence that continued to float in the air. He wasn’t sure why he decided to show up on Anna’s doorstep other than for this nagging thought that lingered in his mind every night since what happened back then. He thought for sure that she would reject any reasoning for letting him into her house. Just as he was about to get up and show himself out, he saw Anna curled up on the other side of the couch, not saying a word and rocking back and forth slightly. “I’m sorry for showing up so suddenly. I feel like I should leave, but I guess I just wanted to see you again. I wanted to make sure you felt safe.” She didn’t respond, but she looked like she was about to pass out. Her skin became pale upon hearing the word “safe” and she buried her face from view. I shouldn’t have come here, Seth thought to himself. What person decides to see an ex-lover after treating them so horribly? She doesn’t deserve this. She doesn’t deserve me. Seth stepped out onto the porch and shut the door behind him, knowing that the person he thought he loved will forever feel alone in his presence.
CHAPTER 8: MISERY
“Sure. Water is fine.” Anna came back into view from the kitchen with a glass of ice water and laid it on the side table. She then sat down on the couch, just a couple inches away from Seth. The two of them felt uneasy in each other’s presence since they knew they had once been married, but the baggage that came with it is what made this visit feel even more awkward, especially in Anna’s case. She was surprised that nothing yet has triggered her on the inside of her mind, and she felt as if she should be treating him like a guest instead of like a friend. Seth took out his phone to quickly check his messages, though he knew the real reason for checking it so that he could escape the awkward silence that continued to float in the air. He wasn’t sure why he decided to show up on Anna’s doorstep other than for this nagging thought that lingered in his mind every night since what happened back then. He thought for sure that she would reject any reasoning for letting him into her house. Just as he was about to get up and show himself out, he saw Anna curled up on the other side of the couch, not saying a word and rocking back and forth slightly. “I’m sorry for showing up so suddenly. I feel like I should leave, but I guess I just wanted to see you again. I wanted to make sure you felt safe.” She didn’t respond, but she looked like she was about to pass out. Her skin became pale upon hearing the word “safe” and she buried her face from view. I shouldn’t have come here, Seth thought to himself. What person decides to see an ex-lover after treating them so horribly? She doesn’t deserve this. She doesn’t deserve me. Seth stepped out onto the porch and shut the door behind him, knowing that the person he thought he loved will forever feel alone in his presence.
CHAPTER 8: MISERY
As things at work became more cold and unbearable, Adam’s mood continued to fluctuate between tired, irritated and hopeless. He knew that he should just leave. He shouldn’t let his own fears or doubts plague him, and yet for some reason, he feels like he has no other choice. His parents have never given him a hard time about his decisions in life. Sure, Steve can be a bit insensitive at times, but they’ve known each other for a long time and he knows that they’d always be there for each other. Adam’s thoughts about his life only added to his misery, and so instead of going to his usual hangout, he decided to go somewhere else. He didn’t feel like drinking tonight; it would only worsen his headache. Out of impulse, he started up his car and decided to let the wheel dictate where he should go. Take me anywhere but here, he said to himself. His eyesight was in a blur, and yet, he managed to not take any damage to his car or hurt anyone else in his path. Once he recognized the street that led into his neighborhood, he parked his car in what he thought was his house. He walked up to the front porch and took his keys out, and once he heard the door open, some awareness came back to him as well as some confusion. “Adam? Is that you?” He didn’t say anything, but once he could make out the couch, he walked towards it and then fell face first onto it. He couldn’t bear to say anything, but he let out a slight groan. A figure came up closer to him and nudged his shoulder, making sure he was still conscious. “Adam? It’s me, Anna. Why are you in my house?”
Once he had rolled over to where he was facing the ceiling, Anna made direct contact with him and stared into his eyes. She took off his glasses, but he didn’t seem to notice or care that much. It wasn’t until she slapped him in the face that he became more aware of where he was. He groaned out of pain this time and said “I’m sorry, Anna. I didn’t mean to barge into your house like this.”
“Why exactly are you here?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t expect my key to fit into your keyhole. I guess whoever issues these things didn’t do a good job at differentiating my house from yours?” Anna made a face and stayed in place, standing just inches away from where he was sitting. She was more confused than scared knowing she had been around Adam before, but still, part of her felt vulnerable. She hadn’t fully recovered from her panic attack from when Seth stopped by earlier in the day.
The clock on the wall above the hallway entrance read 7:45, and both Adam and Anna sat in comfortable silence, which made Anna feel more at ease than she did a couple hours ago when Adam first showed up. She didn’t want to ask him any personal questions as she could tell he wasn’t in the best of places, but she did offer to get dinner for him. Once she placed an order and both of them had eaten, she decided to turn on the TV, but she couldn’t find anything good to watch. A slow moment passed and Adam inched closer to Anna out of nervousness, which made her feel awkward. Her shoulders tensed up until she saw the look in his eyes. He didn’t have to say anything to let her know that he just wanted some comfort after a long day, so she relaxed her shoulders and let him sit close to her. The silence between them continued to feel comfortable, and neither one of them felt the need to break it. However, once the clock started to inch towards 11:30 at night, Adam started to feel uncomfortable. He’s never stayed in a girl’s house for this long, and the more time he spent with Anna, the more he wanted to just be around her. Her presence had this calming effect on him, and due to his lack of dating experience, he couldn’t tell if this was a good sign or not. All he knows is that he really likes her. The two of them smiled at each other from their faraway positions, and in that instant when they met each other glances, Adam got up from the couch and walked towards where Anna was standing in the kitchen. “Hey, do you mind if I just stay here for the night? It would feel wrong to just leave after allowing me to have dinner with you.” Anna paused for a minute before speaking, then said, “Sure. However, I do not want to be in the same room with you. I’m a light sleeper.”
“That’s fine with me. Your couch is really comfortable anyways.” She smiled and left the room to grab a couple spare blankets. Once she came back into view, Adam had already taken his shirt off and she couldn’t help but giggle under her breath. Adam was quick to pick up on that giggle, even if she thought he didn’t hear. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing.” Anna tried to hide her slight smirk and thought to herself, if Beck was here, she’d probably give him a hard time for being scrawny. His arms in comparison looked slightly built, and she noticed that even his back contained more bone than muscle. She wondered if he once tried to work out but gave up after a couple tries. Wouldn’t surprise me if that’s the case. After placing the blankets down on the couch, she found herself walking towards Adam out of curiosity, but what was driving it exactly? With him standing there with his shirt off, he didn’t move or flinch as she inched closer to him as he was lost in his own world for a moment. His awareness came back into focus however once she touched his shoulder, and he started to feel nervous and shy.
CHAPTER 9: FIRST TIME
Neither Anna or Adam expected to be in this situation where they were laying in bed, no clothes on and just feeling each other’s bodies, but in that moment, they realized that they just feel really comfortable around each other. Anna sat up in bed, staring first at his curly hair, and then directing her gaze into his eyes and trying to study his expressions. She couldn’t figure out if he wanted this solely from the beginning, or if he’s just as shy and timid as she’s feeling right now. Anna knew that the last time she gave part of herself away like this, it wasn’t a choice she had of her own, and so in knowing the choice she made tonight, she kept pondering what this would mean to her and if this is what it’s supposed to feel like. There was no pressure and she took her time, going at her own pace of what felt comfortable for both her and Adam, and he was very respectful of her wishes without even knowing about her history. Just as Adam was about to speak, Anna interjected, “Can I share something personal with you?”
“Sure. What’s up?”
“When I first moved here, I had no friends. You’ve been very nice and friendly to me as a neighbor and I’m very appreciative of that. I used to be married, and my ex-husband actually showed up earlier in the month. There’s a lot you don’t know about me, but for some reason, being around you has this calming effect on me, like none of that matters except for what’s going on right now. I guess this is all to say that in this moment right now, how I feel is something that I haven’t felt in a long time. Thank you for being someone who has a different and more positive effect on me.” She smiled timidly, and Adam stared at her, looking confused at first, but then letting out a sigh and small smile. It’s true that he doesn’t know a lot about Anna, so by sharing these experiences in a vague manner, this gave him the chance to really connect with her for the first time. “I feel like I should be thanking you, Anna, but I don’t know what for. I don’t have a lot of experience when it comes to this. I’ve been single for as long as I can remember; I never really dated anybody in school. I have to admit that sitting this close to you in a shared space makes me feel a little nervous, but somehow, you have a way of making me feel more at ease, like I can just relax and be myself. I really appreciate you being open and honest with me.” The two of them shared a genuine smile towards each other, and then before Adam could think, he leaned in close to kiss Anna. The first one was like a small peck, and Anna could feel a sense of yearning in the way he kissed her, so in return, she kissed him back with a little more passion behind it. Adam didn’t react immediately, but once he did, the two of them kept their lips pressed together, each kiss becoming more passionate than the next one as if they finally understood each other, wanting to savor this moment forever.
Once he had rolled over to where he was facing the ceiling, Anna made direct contact with him and stared into his eyes. She took off his glasses, but he didn’t seem to notice or care that much. It wasn’t until she slapped him in the face that he became more aware of where he was. He groaned out of pain this time and said “I’m sorry, Anna. I didn’t mean to barge into your house like this.”
“Why exactly are you here?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t expect my key to fit into your keyhole. I guess whoever issues these things didn’t do a good job at differentiating my house from yours?” Anna made a face and stayed in place, standing just inches away from where he was sitting. She was more confused than scared knowing she had been around Adam before, but still, part of her felt vulnerable. She hadn’t fully recovered from her panic attack from when Seth stopped by earlier in the day.
The clock on the wall above the hallway entrance read 7:45, and both Adam and Anna sat in comfortable silence, which made Anna feel more at ease than she did a couple hours ago when Adam first showed up. She didn’t want to ask him any personal questions as she could tell he wasn’t in the best of places, but she did offer to get dinner for him. Once she placed an order and both of them had eaten, she decided to turn on the TV, but she couldn’t find anything good to watch. A slow moment passed and Adam inched closer to Anna out of nervousness, which made her feel awkward. Her shoulders tensed up until she saw the look in his eyes. He didn’t have to say anything to let her know that he just wanted some comfort after a long day, so she relaxed her shoulders and let him sit close to her. The silence between them continued to feel comfortable, and neither one of them felt the need to break it. However, once the clock started to inch towards 11:30 at night, Adam started to feel uncomfortable. He’s never stayed in a girl’s house for this long, and the more time he spent with Anna, the more he wanted to just be around her. Her presence had this calming effect on him, and due to his lack of dating experience, he couldn’t tell if this was a good sign or not. All he knows is that he really likes her. The two of them smiled at each other from their faraway positions, and in that instant when they met each other glances, Adam got up from the couch and walked towards where Anna was standing in the kitchen. “Hey, do you mind if I just stay here for the night? It would feel wrong to just leave after allowing me to have dinner with you.” Anna paused for a minute before speaking, then said, “Sure. However, I do not want to be in the same room with you. I’m a light sleeper.”
“That’s fine with me. Your couch is really comfortable anyways.” She smiled and left the room to grab a couple spare blankets. Once she came back into view, Adam had already taken his shirt off and she couldn’t help but giggle under her breath. Adam was quick to pick up on that giggle, even if she thought he didn’t hear. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing.” Anna tried to hide her slight smirk and thought to herself, if Beck was here, she’d probably give him a hard time for being scrawny. His arms in comparison looked slightly built, and she noticed that even his back contained more bone than muscle. She wondered if he once tried to work out but gave up after a couple tries. Wouldn’t surprise me if that’s the case. After placing the blankets down on the couch, she found herself walking towards Adam out of curiosity, but what was driving it exactly? With him standing there with his shirt off, he didn’t move or flinch as she inched closer to him as he was lost in his own world for a moment. His awareness came back into focus however once she touched his shoulder, and he started to feel nervous and shy.
CHAPTER 9: FIRST TIME
Neither Anna or Adam expected to be in this situation where they were laying in bed, no clothes on and just feeling each other’s bodies, but in that moment, they realized that they just feel really comfortable around each other. Anna sat up in bed, staring first at his curly hair, and then directing her gaze into his eyes and trying to study his expressions. She couldn’t figure out if he wanted this solely from the beginning, or if he’s just as shy and timid as she’s feeling right now. Anna knew that the last time she gave part of herself away like this, it wasn’t a choice she had of her own, and so in knowing the choice she made tonight, she kept pondering what this would mean to her and if this is what it’s supposed to feel like. There was no pressure and she took her time, going at her own pace of what felt comfortable for both her and Adam, and he was very respectful of her wishes without even knowing about her history. Just as Adam was about to speak, Anna interjected, “Can I share something personal with you?”
“Sure. What’s up?”
“When I first moved here, I had no friends. You’ve been very nice and friendly to me as a neighbor and I’m very appreciative of that. I used to be married, and my ex-husband actually showed up earlier in the month. There’s a lot you don’t know about me, but for some reason, being around you has this calming effect on me, like none of that matters except for what’s going on right now. I guess this is all to say that in this moment right now, how I feel is something that I haven’t felt in a long time. Thank you for being someone who has a different and more positive effect on me.” She smiled timidly, and Adam stared at her, looking confused at first, but then letting out a sigh and small smile. It’s true that he doesn’t know a lot about Anna, so by sharing these experiences in a vague manner, this gave him the chance to really connect with her for the first time. “I feel like I should be thanking you, Anna, but I don’t know what for. I don’t have a lot of experience when it comes to this. I’ve been single for as long as I can remember; I never really dated anybody in school. I have to admit that sitting this close to you in a shared space makes me feel a little nervous, but somehow, you have a way of making me feel more at ease, like I can just relax and be myself. I really appreciate you being open and honest with me.” The two of them shared a genuine smile towards each other, and then before Adam could think, he leaned in close to kiss Anna. The first one was like a small peck, and Anna could feel a sense of yearning in the way he kissed her, so in return, she kissed him back with a little more passion behind it. Adam didn’t react immediately, but once he did, the two of them kept their lips pressed together, each kiss becoming more passionate than the next one as if they finally understood each other, wanting to savor this moment forever.
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