Melanie

I arrive home, parking my car outside. The night air is crisp as I walk toward the front door, a mix of anticipation and contentment swirling within me. Entering the house, I find my parents in the living room. Dad is engrossed in the TV, and Mom has snuggled up next to him, already asleep. Dad glances my way, offering a warm smile. I whisper, "Goodnight, Dad."

He reciprocates with a soft, "Good night, sweetheart."

As I climb the stairs, I steal a glance back at them. My father's gaze is now fixated on my mother with such adoration; it warms my heart. I hope one day I'll find someone who looks at me the way he looks at her. Maybe Marcus could be that for me.

In my room, I hang my jacket in the closet and change into comfortable pajamas. I start my nightly routine, removing my makeup and applying skincare products. Walking to my window nook, I sit down and look around, taking in the familiar view of my childhood bedroom.

A sigh escapes me as I realize I'll miss this room, but the excitement of living on my own overrides any sentimentality. I will be able to do whatever I want. For example, I could invite Marcus over right now. The thought brings a smile to my face. I would love to see him and spend more time together.

I decide to text him, grabbing my phone and typing a message.

"Hey, Marcus. Are you up?"

His response is swift, "Hey! Yeah, I'm up. How was your day?"

A smile plays on my lips as I type, "It was great. I ordered everything for the apartment, and they'll be delivered tomorrow."

"That's exciting! Need any help setting them up?" Marcus responds.

I consider the suggestion, knowing he'll be at work during the delivery. "Probably, but they're delivering in the morning. You'll be at work, won't you?"

My phone vibrates with Marcus's response, and my heart skips a beat. "I can take the day off for you," he says.

A warm sensation spreads through me, and I can't help but smile. "Really?" I type back, my fingers dancing across the screen.

"That's the least I would do for you," he replies.

I find myself staring at my phone, caught in a moment of genuine happiness. Marcus's willingness to adjust his schedule for me is both surprising and heartwarming. Unable to contain my joy, I smile at my phone like a complete idiot, unsure of how to respond.

"What time are they delivering tomorrow?" Marcus's message interrupts my reverie.

"Around noon."

"How about I meet you at your apartment at 11 a.m.?" he suggests.

"Okay, that sounds good. Thanks again," I type back, genuinely grateful for his willingness to help.

"No problem, beautiful," Marcus responds, and a rush of warmth fills me. "Can't wait to see you."

I'm left grappling with my own emotions. I want to reciprocate the excitement, to convey how much I'm looking forward to seeing him too. But a nagging doubt holds me back. Is it too forward? Does it contradict my request for more time? I sigh, looking outside for a moment, gathering my thoughts. It's how I genuinely feel, and maybe expressing it is the right thing to do.

Finally, I type, "I can't wait to see you too." The message is sent, and I stand up and walk to my bed. Placing my phone on the nightstand, I lie under the covers. The soft glow from the streetlight seeps through the curtains, casting a gentle ambiance in my room. Despite the excitement bubbling within me for tomorrow, the comfort of my bed quickly lulls me into a peaceful slumber.

Marcus

The glow of my phone screen paints my room with a soft illumination as I read Melanie's message again. "I can't wait to see you too," it says. A warmth spreads through my chest, and a smile refuses to leave my face.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts as the door to my room creaks open. I turn around to find Natalie standing there with Sophia right behind her. The scowl comes naturally to my face as Natalie, ever the nosy one, asks, "What's got you smiling like an idiot at your phone?"

I groan internally, not in the mood for their interrogation. "None of your business," I reply curtly.

Natalie raises an eyebrow, and Sophia chimes in, "Is it about Melanie?"

Rolling my eyes, I respond, "Yeah, it's about Melanie. What's it to you?"

Sophia grins, "When are you going to introduce us to her?"

I chuckle, teasingly responding, "I'll try my best to avoid that."

Sophia sticks her tongue out at me playfully, and I can't help but chuckle. Natalie, unphazed, walks into my room, Sophia following right behind her. They settle on my bed, seemingly determined to extract information from me.

Natalie cuts to the chase. "Talk, Marcus. What's going on with Melanie?"

I keep it vague, not willing to share too much. "Everything's going well," I say, flashing them a satisfied grin.

Natalie scrunches her nose in dissatisfaction. "That's it? That's all you're going to tell us?"

I nod. "Yep."

Natalie rolls her eyes dramatically. "You're impossible."

Sophia joins in, adding her plea. "Come on, Marcus, we want details."

I walk toward them, taking their hands and gently tugging them toward the door. "Now, ladies, if you don't mind, I'd like to go to sleep." I guide Natalie and Sophia out of my bedroom, their persistent whining falling on deaf ears.

"You have to tell me, I helped you with Melanie!" she insists, her tone a mix of irritation and curiosity.

I chuckle at her attempt and acknowledge, "And I am forever grateful, Nat, but no."

Sophia chimes in, "Come on, Marcus, don't be a spoilsport. We won't tell anyone."

I shake my head, maintaining my resolve. "No can do. Goodnight, ladies."

I close my bedroom door, muffling their disappointed complaints. Natalie's voice seeps through the door, calling me a prick, and I can't help but chuckle. My sisters might be nosy, but they mean well.

With my room now quiet, I decide to shift my focus to more practical matters. I grab my laptop from my desk, settle onto my bed, and open it. Composing an email to my manager, I request the next day off. However, a moment of hesitation lingers as I think about Melanie mentioning the furniture delivery on Friday. Perhaps taking the day after tomorrow off as well would be a good idea.

Once alone, I grab my laptop and settle on my bed. As I begin typing an email to my manager, requesting the day off tomorrow, I pause. Melanie mentioned that her furniture would be delivered on Friday, so maybe I should take the day after tomorrow off as well to help her set everything up.

I delete the initial email and retype my request, this time asking for the next two days off. I read it once again, and I press send. A sense of anticipation courses through me as I contemplate the time I'll get to spend with Melanie, helping her turn her new apartment into a home.

Setting my laptop aside, I slide under the covers, hoping to get a good night's sleep. Excitement buzzes in my veins, making it difficult to calm my racing thoughts. I toss and turn, frustration building with each passing moment. Tomorrow is a big day, and I need to be well-rested.

I grab my phone, checking the time—damn it. it's been an hour, and I am still wide awake. This won't do. I need to sleep. Closing my eyes, I focus on my breathing, attempting to relax my restless mind. Melanie's face fills my thoughts—the curve of her lips, the depth of her eyes, every little detail that makes her uniquely her.

The calming effect of thinking about Melanie works wonders, and slowly, I find myself drifting into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning, I wake up with a surge of excitement as consciousness slowly takes hold. Today is the day I get to see Melanie. Sitting up, I stretch, feeling invigorated by the anticipation of the day ahead. I decide to start my morning with a refreshing shower.

Entering the bathroom, I turn on the water, letting it cascade over me, washing away any lingering remnants of sleep. The warmth soothes my muscles, and the gentle patter of water against the tiles becomes a calming melody. Stepping out of the shower, I grab a towel and dry off. Heading back to my room, I pull on my go-to comfort wear: a pair of comfortable sweats and a hoodie.

Checking the time, I see it's 10 am—only one hour left until I see her.