SAD BEAUTIFUL TRAGIC

"I always had this idea that you should never give up a happy middle in the hopes of a happy ending, because there is no such thing as a happy ending. Do you know what I mean? There is so much to lose."
― John Green

The morning sun filtered in through the white curtains and played against the red wall. Hanna rubbed her eyes open and rolled over laying her arm across his chest. She loved waking up next to him. It felt so right. He murmured in his sleep and stirred a bit before sliding an arm around her waist. She felt delicate and small in his arms. In minutes she was fast asleep once again. And the morning continued as such.

One would wake up, remember the other was there and then they would routinely fall asleep again until they had wasted the morning away. Finally, she had enough and her stomach grumbled making a deafening noise. She slipped out from his warm embrace throwing aside the covers and tiptoeing into the kitchen wearing just a white t-shirt she had swiped from his closet.

She opened the refrigerator and pulled out a carton of eggs. She placed a saucepan on the stove and added some oil. Once the oil bubbled and blistered she added a handful of chopped vegetables and meat. When they were browned, she poured a wash of scrambled eggs on top.

"Smells good," Caleb stepped into the kitchen.

Hanna didn't need to look up. His hand rested on her waist in a matter of seconds and his face rested in the crook of her neck. He smelled sweet and musky, like vanilla. She could inhale his scent all day. It was intoxicating.

"Hungry?" she asked, flipping the eggs over in the pan.

"Starving," he replied.

"Grab me some plates?" she pointed to the cabinet.

Dutifully he pulled out two red plates. Hanna placed an omelette on each one and then turned off the stove. She grabbed two glasses from the cupboard dug through the fridge for a bottle of orange juice and cheap champagne.

"Are we celebrating?" he asked sitting on a stool.

"Every day is a celebration when we're together," she replied.

"I'll toast to that," he took a sip.

Hanna hopped up onto the kitchen counter. Her legs dangled over the edge and brushed Caleb's arm as he ate. He loved the mornings he spent with her when he didn't need to go into work. When Hanna was done, she placed her plate back down and slid it away. Caleb winked at her and placed his own plate on top of hers.

He took her leg in his hand and kissed it. She blushed. He lifted her leg and then slid it over his head so she was straddling him. She bit her lip knowing exactly what would come next. Caleb kissed her inner thigh. He slid her t-shirt up just a bit to gain access. He took his time letting her build up anticipation. He left a trail of supple kisses along her other thigh, knowing the exact placement that would send chills through her entire body.

"Don't tease me," she told him.

That was his cue. He spread her legs apart and slid his hands under her top. She felt a strong grasp on either side of her waist and inhaled deeply as his stubble grazed her inner thigh. His tongue is met with a wet embrace and he smiles against her skin. He gets off on it. As his lips move, his hands begin to wander until he's firmly grasped her breasts. She curses at him and whimpers letting Caleb know he was right on target. Her toes curl as every muscle in her body tenses. He's done it. Hanna's head falls back in defeat and Caleb stands up. Leaning over her, he plants his lips on hers.

Her legs wrap around his waist and he lifts her up into his arms without breaking their kiss. She hops off the counter and guides him into the bathroom. A chill shoots through them as their feet move from the hardwood to the cold tile. Hanna slides her shirt off and turns on the faucet in the shower before stepping inside. Caleb doesn't hesitate to rip off his boxers and follows closely behind. He presses her against the wall so the stream of water washes against his back. He kisses her from head to toe.

"I'm cold," the words pour out of Hanna's mouth like syrup.

"I'll keep you warm," he smirked.

"I have a better idea," she retorted pushing him against the wall.

She reaches down and secures a tight grip on him. She smiles when she sees the color drain from his face. It's her turn now. She slides down so she's kneeling on the tile floor. He hands are buried deep in her hair and she knocks her head back and forth until he is almost there. Then she stops. Hanna stands up and rests her hand on his shoulder. She hikes her leg around his waist and they slide together like two pieces of a puzzle.

"Fuck, Hanna!" he groans sliding against her wet skin.

"Don't stop!" she whispers feeling him slow down.

Caleb grabs her waist and pins her against the other wall. His hands clench her ass and he drives into her repeatedly. He's almost there and she knows it. She exhales knowing she's accomplished her goal and lets Caleb collapse in a heap, catching him in her arms. He wraps his arms around her waist and kisses her forehead. He holds her tight and she rests her head on his shoulder letting the water drip from her soaking wet hair.

Her left hand caresses his cheek. The platinum ring is no longer there. It doesn't snag in his hair or brush his chin. He is no longer blinded by the sparkling diamond when it catches the light in the bedroom. He can't even remember the last time he saw her wear it. The tan line on her fourth finger is faded now and hardly noticeable. In a few days, it will be completely indiscernible, like it never existed at all. They'll never talk about it. Her other life. It's just them now. Hanna and Caleb.