Lips of an angel

Nine

Making it through last night in one piece was nothing short of a miracle. Despite the numerous death scares, Nicole and I left that club exactly the same way we entered it, together.

I passed out on the way home in the cab so there has been no time to allow my brain to wonder down Lola Lane. And if I took that a step further I am really not sure that I want to be left alone with my thoughts. But apparently Murphy’s Law is all for screwing with me these days.

As luck would have it for the first time in the history of our relationship Nicole is leaving me to sleep in on a Sunday morning. Any other Sunday I would be beyond grateful, but today. Today it feels like a bad idea.

An ominous feeling looms in our bedroom as I watch her bathe in ignorant bliss as she continues to tell me about the scavenger hunt she and Mia are going on in search of some or other rare find in all the local craft markets and thrift stores on the south side.

I am partly grateful that she isn’t making me go as well but also smart enough to realise that Lola would know that I am left unattended today. Reaching for my phone I decide to ask for help

I need you. - Liv

In the history of our relationship I have only ever uttered these words once. Butterflies swarm around in my stomach as I realise that there is very good chance I wont get a response to my message until it is way to late.

“Did you hear a word I just said?” Nicole asks as she stands at the foot end of the bed towel drying her hair.

Looking like a deer caught in headlights I simply stare at Nicole not able to even pretend that I have any idea as to what she just said. With a giggle she drops the towel and makes her way over to me. Planting a soft kiss on my forehead she coos something at me and then turns away, not before noticing my phone.

“Who are you texting?” She asks without the paranoid concern she should possess.

“Jo.” I reply, but my voice is groggy and still laced with stale alcohol. I should still be sleeping, but if I am afraid of my conscious thoughts, the idea of spending time with my subconscious is petrifying.

Applying her makeup she responds with another laugh. I can't help but focus on how easy and light her laughter is. Nicole’s mood has always been infectious. Mere proximity to it has lightened mine.

“You realise that its nine am on a Sunday, there is no way Jo is alive at this hour.” Her words cause my shoulders to slouch even as I lay in bed. I am still afraid to move my head from the pillow. Fear that the true consequences of my drinking will be felt with even the slightest movement. I know that I have a snow cones chance in hell of having Jo reply to my message this morning.

“Okay, I am leaving now. I should be back around lunch time. Do you think you will be up and about by then? Perhaps we can do lunch on the couch? My feet will probably be killing me by then so I am thinking feet up on the couch?” Nicole says as she comes over and plays with my fingers as she talks.

“Yeah sounds good. I will order in.” I say as I watch her open the door. Just as she is about to leave my phone pings and breathe a huge sigh of relief as I see Jo’s name displayed on my phone.

“Jo?” Nicole asks with sheer disbelief. This time I am the one giggling.

“I know, right” I say as I am the one who giggles this time. Giving me a quick wink and telling me to enjoy she leaves the apartment.

By the time Nicole walks out I can already hear the ringing tone as I wait for Jo to answer.

“Yes?” Is all she says as I know she is waiting for further instructions.

“The park?” I simply ask already hoping out of bed and heading to the shower. There is no way I can walk around with the stale stench of beer and cigarettes in my hair all day.

“Thirty minutes. I will bring coffee.” As Jo hangs up I look into the mirror before stepping into the shower. The person staring back at me is someone I had hoped I would never have to see again. Yet I am face to face with her again.

Olly.

Dear Olly,

I turned sixteen yesterday. My mom and dad arranged this party inviting all the neighborhood kids. The entire things was completely over the top and nothing I wanted. But oh well, that's no different than anything else that has happened since we moved. My brother enjoyed it. I think that's mostly because he doesn't know any better. He doesn't know what real birthday parties are like.

Do you remember your seventh birthday party? We had the picnic by the lake. We spent the entire day blowing bubbles and chasing butterflies. That was the best day of my life.

I miss you Olly.

When do you think we can see each other again?

Your Lola