touch

“Then I guess I’ll see you inside.”


He nodded with a small smile, and I let myself in. I wondered if my mom knew he hung around after I fell asleep.

Hanging up my things, I saw her curled on the couch. Aunt Danielle opened her eyes from her chair and winked at me before closing them again. I had the feeling that, if mom hadn’t caught him, she didn’t know. Aunt Danielle seemed to be on Morik’s side.

I leaned over mom and gently shook her arm. “I’m home,” I whispered.

She opened her eyes and nodded tiredly before getting up and going to her own room. Relieved that we didn’t need to fight again, I called good night to Aunt Danielle before moving to my own room.

Grabbing my things, I quickly changed in the bathroom before tiptoeing back to my room. Morik stood by the bed the covers already pulled back.

When he saw me, he started chanting. I stopped in front of him and put my hand over his mouth. As soon as the words stopped, the building lethargy faded.

Removing my hand, I flicked the hat off his head with a grin. He watched me, curious. I plucked the glasses away from his face and set them on the desk. He arched a brow at me as I crawled under the covers and then patted the top of the blankets.

“Try and get some sleep,” I whispered. If he stayed in the house the whole night anyway, there was no reason he couldn’t catch a little sleep. It just seemed unnatural that he wouldn’t need a little after going so long without.

He moved to the door. I thought he might leave and felt disappointment. Instead, he turned off the light.

In the dark, I listened to him remove his shoes and jacket before lying next to me. After spending so much time together, it felt comforting. I rolled on my side toward him and lay my head on his shoulder not asking permission or worrying if he’d mind. His warmth lulled me to sleep as fast as his chant would have.



Relaxed and warm, I didn’t want to wake up when the sun hit my eyes. My head still lay on Morik, only it’d migrated to his chest. His steady heartbeat drummed under my ear. I’d tossed one arm over his waist while the other remained pinned by my side. His arm wrapped around me and I could feel his fingers lightly running through the ends of my hair.

Something gave away that I was awake because he said good morning.

“I don’t want to get up yet,” I grumped, too comfortable to move.

His laughter rumbled in my ear. “You’ll be late again.”

We’d left his motorcycle behind, which meant I’d be walking. I sighed and lifted my head to look at the clock. My internal clock must still be set to seven. I’d have to hurry. I looked at Morik and lost my train of thought. Black flooded his eyes again expanding beyond the irises, having completely consumed the ochre.

“It’s kind of scary when they do that,” I commented moving to free my pinned arm so I could prop myself up.

“Sorry,” he rumbled closing his eyes.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind.” I reached out with my free hand and brushed his cheek. His eyes opened unchanged. “It catches me by surprise. I haven’t figured out what causes it.”

He quietly watched me for a moment. “You do.”

I didn’t say anything. We were getting into that confusing territory again. Was he attracted to me? Did he want more than a friend? Starting the day very similar to the day before, I chickened out and crawled over him grabbing what I needed to get ready.

When I tossed my pajamas back into my bedroom, my bed was made, and he was missing. I found him sitting at the kitchen table waiting for me. Gran sat next to him sipping a cup of coffee.

“Sorry I didn’t say where I was going yesterday,” I apologized to her.

“Don’t worry about it. Danielle told me you were with Morik.” She smiled at Morik. Apparently, mom was the only one with a chip regarding him. I wasn’t sure about Aunt Grace’s opinion since I didn’t see her enough to know. “Where is everyone?”

“Left early for work.” Gran picked up her coffee and moved to the living room to turn on their morning talk show. “Better get going or you’ll be late.”

Tomorrow, the first day of winter break, I promised myself I’d sleep in. Staying up later than I was used to was taking its toll.

When I put on my jacket, I was surprised to feel gloves in the pockets since I’d left them at his house. Morik opened the door, and I spotted the motorcycle parked out front.

“How did that get here?”

“I got it while you were changing,” he explained holding the door for me.

It must be nice to pop in and out of places at will.

When I got to school, Beatriz waited for us. “Are you ready for tomorrow night?” she asked with a grin.

I looked toward Morik not sure if he’d decided yet if he’d go.

He nodded his head. “What time do you want us there?”

“Does noon work for you guys?”