A/N So you may (or may not have) noticed the rating change. But you'll see why as you read I guess (and in future chapters). Sorry if the editing is shabby on this one I had a long day at uni then work before posting this... Way past my bedtime. (Not a very good excuse I know, sorry).
Feel free to criticise and/or give me some pointers (Like... Refrain from posting a chapter at such ungodly hours), or suggestions (Like... Go to bed).
...I need sleep.
Thanks for reading :)
The first night was nothing compared to the next 2 weeks. I was plagued by unending coughing bouts, shivers and a solid fever along with the dizziness and headaches that I had experienced the first night. Dad had taken me to the doctor the day after I fell ill.
I had variety of checks done and asked a number of questions by the doctor who concluded that I had pneumonia. He noted that symptoms of which aren't usually seen for a few days sometimes up to a week or more. I had thought back to the first night when I was woken by the frozen breeze.
Naomi visited every day, making a tea in the kitchen and bringing it up for me. She would sit beside me, keeping me company for hours as we talked about things we liked, friends back in Bristol, family, our dreams, hopes, wishes, embarrassing stories, funny stories.
By the end of the first week we knew enough about each other to have grown up together. By the end of the second week I was feeling much better, which was good because we were running out of topics and stories.
"Thanks" I croaked, sitting up as we fell into a comfortable silence.
Naomi looked at me, smiling warmly.
"For what?"
I paused, blushing slightly.
"For taking care of me the past couple of weeks" I mumbled the response, looking down to my fidgeting hands. There was a brief silence.
"I do you know..." Naomi's voice wavered and she looked out the glass balcony doors, watching the ocean.
I hesitated, unsure what she meant.
"Care about you..." She finished, her face still turned to the ocean.
My face flushed and my heartbeat tore at my chest. Naomi continued to look away, her chest rising and falling gently between nervous breaths.
"...Thank you" I broke the silence, unable to look up from my now clammy hands.
Naomi laughed in embarrassment.
"For what?" She replied once more.
"No one's ever told me that... Or shown me they care like you have". My voice was quiet.
I looked up to Naomi, still facing away. Her features a masterpiece as the evening sun shone over them.
"I should probably head home, it's getting dark" She stood up quickly.
"Stay?"
I surprised myself with the sudden request. She looked to me, shaking her head gently.
"I need to make dinner for mum".
My head swam with mixed emotions as I watched her retreating figure.
"I'll see you tomorrow" she continued, as she reached for the handle.
"I..." My mouth opened and closed a few times as my lips tried and failed to produce words.
My subconscious shouted at me make her stay, but my thoughts were too muddled to listen. She closed the door quietly behind her. I stayed seated on my bed, mentally kicking myself for acting like an idiot.
I listened as she said a goodbye to my dad who was relaxing in the lounge room. He walked her to the front door, closing it behind her and after several seconds made his way up the stairs, stopping at my door.
"Em?" He asked, tapping lightly.
I didn't respond, my thoughts were still a mess.
"Emily?" He repeated, turning the handle slowly and poking a head into my room.
Upon seeing me awake he walked in.
"How're you feeling?" he questioned as he sat down on the foot of my bed, patting my covered feet.
"Much better..." I replied staring vacantly forward.
He paused, confused by my blank response.
"I made dinner, are you hungry? I'll bring some up"
I shook my head slowly, my eyes fixed on the door where Naomi had exited moments ago.
"Ok, well, if you get hungry I'll leave some aside for you"
I nodded, still staring blankly forward.
He left the room, looking back to me as he closed the door, smiling warmly. His steps echoing down the hallway as he descended once more.
"...Like you" I whispered, finishing the sentence I had left hanging as Naomi had made her way out.
I shook my head at the words that emerged so suddenly. What? Naomi's a girl...I'm... Can't like her...I'm not... Gay. The word repeated itself in my head as my thoughts stumbled over each other. I shook my head once more, trying to convince myself as I had done before, that I was just attracted to her appearance. Effy, Katie and I would always talk about celebrity girl crushes. We would spend hours naming three women celebrities we would snog, marry or avoid.
No... Her voice, her laugh, her kindness, her personality. I was lying to myself. This was more than any celebrity crush.
I think I'd known for a while, deep down that I didn't really like guys. I wasn't really interested in boys, never felt the same attraction Katie did to any boy growing up. I mean, I appreciated a fit physique on a guy...But that was about it. I just, never felt a desire to be with one.
I stared blankly at my hands as I thought. There was this one girl in Roundview who I used to stare at often. Though apart from admiring the older girl's appearance it was nothing like what I felt now. I'd been forcing myself into believing it was just an appreciation of girls looks or some kind of jealousy of other girls while growing up. Even now when I had first met Naomi.
I sighed, lying back down. The more I accepted it wasn't just a small crush, the lighter my chest felt but the more muddled my thoughts became.
"I'm..." I whispered, the word sticking in my mouth. "Gay." I finished.
A whole new energy ran through my body as the words left my lips a second time, less hesitantly. I stared at the ceiling, repeating them once more.
I'd had friends who were gay, seen reality TV shows. No one really describes accepting or realising it the same way as anyone else. One thing they all had in common was describing how much relief they felt going through life accepting who they were. A relief I felt growing inside me at this moment.
"I like... you ..." I whispered, picturing Naomi as I fell into a dreamless sleep.
The next day Naomi didn't come at the usual time. Or an hour after. Or even two hours after. At 10 past 2, my phone vibrated, a message from Naomi. I nervously unlocked my phone to the message.
Hey Em,
I'm really sorry for not being able to come over today and even more sorry for not letting you know sooner. Mum actually took me to get my license fixed this morning and we're at the car dealership now. I think she's finally going to get a car. Fingers crossed, I don't want to jinx it!
I hope you're feeling ok, you seem to have improved a lot, if you're feeling up for it we can watch that movie tomorrow? x
Though yesterday's abrupt exit left me worrying things would be awkward, her texts were as cheerful as always. I sighed, disappointed I wouldn't get to see her today.
No no, don't be sorry. Don't let me get in the way of anything you need to do! I'm feeling much better, just a little cough and a mild headache left, nothing like it was anyway. Movie tomorrow sounds great. :)
I sent the text, excited at the prospect of seeing her tomorrow.
Her reply was unusually slow. I waited impatiently, listening as my dad answered his phone downstairs. Only snippets audible as the TV drowned out the conversation. A moment later my phone vibrated once more.
Awesome! I'll be by around 6pm?
I checked the time she had wrote once more, confused. It was much later than the usual times she had dropped by. I shrugged, tapping the screen as I replied.
Can't wait. :)
That was the end of our conversation for day. I told myself she was busy and kept myself occupied with cleaning the house. Dad noticed my sudden energy.
"You're feeling better then?" he asked as he continued to skewer a selection of vegetables and chicken.
"Much" I breathed as I broomed the tiles.
"Well don't overwork yourself, we don't want you getting worse again".
I smiled, nodding my head as I continued my task. By dinner time the house was spotless, the living room pristine. I joined dad for dinner.
"Good to see you're feeling better" he commented as he slid a piece of chicken from the kebab with his teeth.
I smiled, my mind lost in the thoughts of tomorrow. The rest of the night was uneventful. Another dreamless sleep followed by a morning that seemed to drag on forever. By 4 pm I was showered and dressed. By 5pm I was checking the time almost every minute as I tried to preoccupy my thoughts with browsing the web. The time snailed by too slowly. The sound of a car pulling into our driveway made me look back to the time.
6pm
I walked over to the balcony doors, peering down. A Metallic red Mazda stood idling next to our Ford, provisional plates displayed on the bonnet. The engine cut and Naomi stepped out. I watched, unnoticed as her slender figure made its way to the front door.
The doorbell rang and I raced down the stairs, pausing a second as I took a deep breath. Naomi smiled warmly as I opened the door. I stood in awe at the beauty standing before me. I'd never seen Naomi wearing makeup.
"You look good" she commented, looking me over.
I blushed, I hadn't bothered to apply any makeup myself.
"Y-You too" I stammered still marvelling at her perfection.
There was a brief silence.
"I got a car..." She broke the silence, shrugging to the vehicle.
I looked over her shoulder at the vehicle once more.
"Your mums?" I questioned.
"She got herself a car too. I don't see why I really need a car if I'm to get home schooled again but why argue when offered a new vehicle right?" She shrugged, laughing.
I smiled shyly, still thinking of how plain I looked in comparison to her.
"You ready?" She asked, nodding her head once with the question.
I looked to her, confused.
"Ready?" I frowned as I tried to understand what she meant.
"I'm taking you to the movies, we're celebrating not needing to worry about 'before dark' curfews" she winked at me, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Ah... Uhm... I should check with dad..." I hesitated, turning back to the house.
Naomi grabbed my wrist, pulling me back.
"Already done" She grinned.
Another look of confusion crossed my face.
"I called him up yesterday to ask if it was ok, go get your phone and purse" she ordered.
Though still confused I obliged, returning to my room and collecting my bag. Noticing my reflection as I walked by the mirror, I hastily applied makeup. Satisfied with my appearance I hurried back downstairs to where Naomi was now talking with my father.
"You're making me look like a bad parent" I heard my father say as I approached.
Naomi laughed, shaking her head. Her eyes paused as her gaze fell on me, unflinching as she answered my father.
"You seem to have done a good job so far".
My dad smiled bashfully.
"Ems a good girl" he heard my approach and turned to me, smiling lovingly.
"You take care now" he continued as I walked to the door.
"I always do" I smiled.
I raised my hand in farewell as I entered the passenger's seat of Naomi's new Mazda. Naomi entered the driver's seat a moment later.
"Nice new car smell" I noted, winking as I used the same words she had.
She smirked as she flicked on the headlights and turned the ignition.
"Right?" She replied, mimicking my response.
There was a brief pause as she reversed out of the driveway.
"You did your makeup..." It wasn't a question but a statement.
I fidgeted embarrassed that she'd taken noticed.
"You look good with or without..." She added, pausing.
"You seriously need to teach me how to do makeup so well in such a short time though" She laughed as she looked to me briefly.
Naomi had plugged her phone into the auxiliary and we sat in comfortable silence listening to the playlist as we drove. Upon arriving she broke the silence.
"What kind of movies do you like?" She looked to me as she pulled the handbrake and turned off the ignition.
"I don't mind" I replied shrugging.
"Hmm...Well if you had to choose between say... An action and a romantic comedy, which one would you choose" She rubbed her chin as she thought up two genres.
"It depends... But I don't mind watching whatever you want to" I shrugged once more, a variety of movies from the selected genres coming to mind.
Naomi turned back to me in mock irritation.
"You're so infuriating... Just be like a normal person and be selfish for once" she jested rolling her eyes in character.
I snorted, grinning at the face she pulled.
"Romantic comedy then" I laughed.
We had a dinner before making our way over to the cinemas for the 7 o'clock showing of the chosen movie. Naomi insisted to buy my ticket, saying it was her idea to drag me out. No matter how much I begged and offered she shook her head and ignored my pleads.
"You can invite me next time if you feel that bad about it" she said as she filled a regular popcorn.
"At least let me get the drinks?" I begged.
Naomi thought for a second.
"Don't worry about me".
"Fine...I'll get one and we can share" I shrugged, determined to pay for at least one thing.
Naomi looked to me, an eyebrow raised at my sudden confidence. I turned away, choosing the largest cup. I hesitated as I held the cup under a Cola dispenser, unsure of the soft drink she liked. I turned back to her slowly, she stood watching me with amusement.
"...What drink do you like..." I mumbled avoiding eye contact as I removed the cup.
She snorted at the sudden change in attitude and walked over. Putting down the popcorn on the counter she placed a hand over mine, pushing the cup back under the Cola tap as she pressed the switch.
My pulse quickened at the contact. Her fragrance was sweet, flowery, I breathed in the familiar scent, trying to place it.
"Miss Dior" she interrupted my thoughts, withdrawing the my hand and the cup as the fizzy liquid approached the rim.
I froze, was I really that obvious. Oh god I'm so weird... She probably thought I was weird.
"I recognised it on you the other day because I wear it too, but I wasn't sure".
She placed the cup on the counter, leaving my hand wrapped around the cold drink as she reached over for a lid. I relaxed somewhat, remembering back to the first night I fell ill. She had noticed my perfume. My pulse quickened as I remembered Naomi had undressed me, helping me into my pyjamas. Blushing I looked away as Naomi once more wrapped her hand around mine, fitting the lid over the rim.
She removed her hand and I hurriedly turned away from her, picking up two straws. My eyes passed over her smirking face and I looked down quickly, poking the straws through the lid.
The cinema was mostly empty, it was an early screening of an old movie. Old for the cinemas at least. Naomi had managed to get us seats, two thirds back from the screen. 'The sweet spot' as she called it. Looking around I saw the majority of patrons were couples. I blushed, sitting down beside Naomi and placed the drink in the holder.
The ads dragged on and I took a sip from the drink as I watched the images play across the screen. Completely engrossed.
"Which one's yours?" Naomi questioned.
I looked to her, confused as I snapped out of the daze. She gestured to the drink in her hand. I looked at the straws, smiling apologetically after several seconds.
"I'll go get..."
My voice trailed off as Naomi sipped from both straws.
"...Another" I finished as she put the drink back in the holder, a wry smile on her lips as she watched the screen.
I blushed realising the indirect kiss as the lights dimmed and the movie started. Naomi offered me popcorn when she noticed I made no effort to take any. I relaxed as the movie progressed, leaning over to take popcorn from the box that rested beside her leg.
Immersed in the film, I took a sip from the drink, confused as I noticed Naomi observe my action momentarily before turning back to the movie. I froze, cheeks burning as I realised I had just shared an indirect kiss with her. Gripping the cup I turned back to the screen, my blush deepening as the characters shared a long lasting kiss.
I sat awkwardly, unmoving the remainder of the movie.
"Did you enjoy it?" Naomi asked as the lights came back on.
I nodded
"It was a good movie... Thanks." I replied, watching as couples left holding hands.
"You don't have to thank me for everything" she laughed. Smiling as she stood up, slinging her bag strap over her shoulder. I followed suite and we left the way we came in.
It was dark when we emerged from the underground parking. I looked at the dashboard clock. 9:42 pm. Dad would be asleep by the time I got home. He woke up at 5am each morning for the 6am PT session he ran. I spent the drive unspeaking, blushing and fidgeting each time I thought back to the indirect kiss we shared.
We pulled up into my driveway.
"...Thanks" I spoke up after an awkward silence.
"It was my pleasure" Naomi replied, smiling kindly as she waited patiently.
"Oh... sorry..." I smiled, embarrassed as I realised she was waiting for me.
I fumbled with the buckle in my haste. Naomi rested her hand over mine, stopping my fumbling hands. She gently pushed my hand aside and unclasped the buckle easily. Reaching for the door handle I paused as she spoke hesitantly.
"I Really enjoyed tonight..." she looked out the driver's window.
"Me too" I replied, my chest tightening in nervousness.
A brief pause.
"No... What I mean is... I enjoy spending time with you" she continued, sliding a finger across the steering wheel.
"Me too" I repeated, my breathing growing heavy.
"Enjoy spending time with you too... that is..." I clarified, fidgeting.
"I like you" she turned to me as suddenly as she had said it, her eyes darker than usual.
I froze at the words, my heart hammered so hard against my chest I was sure it could be heard in the silence of the vehicle. The look on my face must have been one of pure shock because Naomi grimaced as she spoke up again.
"I'm sorry" her voice wavered as she turned quickly away.
"I'm sorry..." She repeated.
She sniffed once and lifted a sleeved hand to her face.
"I've probably ended our friendship now... But I had to tell you" she continued through withheld sobs.
My feelings and thoughts muddled into one as I tried to form words. It hurt me to see her upset because of me.
"Me too" I repeated quietly.
Were they the only fucking words you knew Emily you dimwit. Naomi turned to me, a look of surprise mixed with confusion.
"Like you..." I clarified once more, looking down in embarrassment as my cheeks flushed a bright crimson.
There was an awkward silence and I looked up to Naomi's dark blue eyes. The gap between us closed slowly. A feeling of deja vu washed over me as I recalled the flight I had shared with her. My heart raced wildly as I was drawn toward her.
Our lips connected, softly at first, growing in intensity as our bodies continued toward each other with unconscious momentum. My lips moved awkwardly, unrehearsed. I let my mind go blank. All I could think about was the feel of her smooth lips against my own as I followed the movements instinctively.
After what seemed like hours, Naomi pulled away slowly. I looked away embarrassed as her eyes explored my own.
"I should go..." I mumbled, turning away as I reached once more for the handle.
Naomi hesitated as if to speak and I paused my action.
"...Now that I don't have an excuse to come over every day... Will you text me?" Naomi asked as I stepped out of the car.
I held back the ecstatic smile I felt forcing its way onto my face.
"Of course, drive safe" I smiled shyly as I closed the door.
Naomi watched me enter the house. My phone vibrated as I entered my room.
Sweet dreams x
I smiled, the tight feeling in my chest growing as I walked over to the window, watching as the taillights made their way down the road.