Melanie

I wake up to the soft glow of morning sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a warm golden hue over my new bedroom. It takes a moment for me to fully register where I am. The room is unfamiliar yet comforting, and as reality sets in, a surge of contentment washes over me. It's the best sleep I've had in weeks, cocooned in the embrace of my own space.

With a languid stretch, I reach my arms above my head, feeling the satisfying pull in my muscles. Slowly, I sit up, letting the soft sheets cascade down my body. I take a moment to look around the room, absorbing the details—the muted colors of the walls, the carefully chosen furniture, and the sunlight dancing on the floor. Everything is exactly as I envisioned it.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I pad over to the window and draw back the curtains. The view outside is a promise of a new beginning, a fresh start. I smile to myself, reveling in the accomplishment of creating a haven that is entirely my own. I made it. I fucking made it. Finally.

Grabbing my robe from a hook on the door, I slip into it, relishing the comforting embrace of the fabric. I make my way to the bed and smooth out the sheets, a simple act that brings a deep sense of satisfaction.

With a content sigh, I leave the bedroom, my bare feet sinking into the plush carpet of the hallway. In the kitchen, I decide on pancakes for breakfast. The sizzle of batter hitting the hot griddle becomes a comforting melody, filling the air with a delicious scent.

Should I text Marcus? The idea lingers in my mind. I would really like to see him again, but maybe later. Definitely later. I want to take things slow, savor every moment without rushing into something I might regret. Last night, he didn't stay over, and a small pang of disappointment tugs at me. But it's okay. It's too soon to ask that of him, and besides, Evie and I had an amazing girls' night in.

We had an amazing time after she checked out the apartment downstairs. I'm thrilled that she liked it and has decided to move in. I didn't think it would be possible for Evie to live in the same building as me. It feels like the universe is aligning in my favor.

Yet, a flicker of worry dances at the edges of my joy. How long will this streak of good fortune last? Shaking my head, I push the anxious thoughts away. Today is about celebrating my newfound independence and freedom, not about dwelling on uncertainties.

The pancakes are ready, golden and inviting, stacked high on a plate. I pour myself a cup of coffee, savoring the rich aroma as I take a seat on the kitchen island. The silence of the morning is broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the clock, creating a tranquil backdrop to my private breakfast ritual.

After finishing my breakfast, I gather the plates and the pan, placing them in the dishwasher with a satisfied clatter. The routine of cleaning up feels strangely comforting, a simple task that marks the beginning of a new day in my own space. As I wipe down the counters, I can't help but marvel at the domesticity of it all.

Walking into the living room, I settle onto the plush cushions of my couch. I'm not sure what to do next. Should I turn on the TV? Dive into a good book? The temptation to invite Marcus over tugs at me, but I resist. Self-control, Melanie. Take it slow.

Opting for some TV time, I pick up the remote and switch it on. Scrolling through channels, I find myself unable to settle on anything captivating. Frustration creeps in, and with a sigh, I power off the TV. Standing up, I decide to be productive and head to the bedroom.

I begin unboxing my things, carefully organizing them within the drawers of my nightstand, my vanity, and my dresser. The process is therapeutic, a deliberate act of creating order in a world that has often felt chaotic. I fold clothes with care, arrange trinkets with precision, and find homes for the items that hold sentimental value.

As the last item finds its place in the bedroom, I transition to the bathroom and then to the living room, I carefully place each item, giving thought to where it belongs in this newfound space. Once the last item finds its designated spot, I fold the emptied boxes with precision. With a purposeful stride, I discard them into the garbage disposal, relishing the satisfying thud as they hit the bottom.

Back in the quiet solitude of my apartment, I glance at the clock, its hands pointing to 11 AM. Marcus's name pops into my mind again, a persistent thought that refuses to be ignored. Frustration bubbles within me, and I let out a sigh. Why deny myself the company of someone who brings joy into my life? I'm a grown-up; I can do what I want. No need for unnecessary self-torture.

Sinking onto the plush cushions of my couch, I retrieve my phone from the side table. Fingers tapping against the screen, I compose a message—a simple "Good morning, how did you sleep?" The message is sent, and I wait with bated breath for his response.

As I wait for Marcus's response, minutes stretch into an eternity, and my anticipation turns into mild impatience. Ten minutes pass, and still, there's no message from him. Maybe he's still asleep, I tell myself, attempting to rationalize the silence from my phone. Sighing in resignation, I toss my phone onto the couch. It's time to focus on the day ahead.

Deciding to get dressed, I rise from the couch and start making my way to the bedroom. However, I halt midway, a sudden urge prompting me to retrieve my phone from where it lies on the cushions. Snatching it up, I carry it with me to the bedroom.

In my room, I undress and make my way into the bathroom, the cool tiles greeting the soles of my feet. The sound of running water fills the space as I step into the shower. The warmth envelops me, a gentle embrace that washes away the lingering tension.

After the shower, I return to my bedroom, the phone now resting on the bedside table. I glance at it, hopeful, yet another ten minutes have passed, and Marcus still hasn't replied. With a resigned exhale, I decide not to dwell on it.

Dressing for the day, I opt for comfort, choosing a set of cozy loungewear that exudes a relaxed vibe. The ensemble consists of a loose-fitting, pastel-colored hoodie paired with matching joggers. I get dressed and I return to the living room, my phone in hand, still frustratingly silent.

Ugh, this is was than before.

As I sink into the cushions of my couch, a subtle vibration ripples through my hands, and my heart leaps with hope. Unlocking my phone, I find a message from Marcus that sends a rush of excitement through me.

"Good morning, beautiful. I'm sorry that it took me so long to answer. I slept well even though I missed you."

A smile blooms across my face, and an involuntary giggle escapes my lips. The text, sweet and endearing, has me feeling like a giddy teenager. I quickly type back, "It's okay :) What are your plans for today?" His response is swift, and I can't help but grin wider as I read, "Seeing you." Marcus has a way with words that never fails to make me swoon.

With playful enthusiasm, I reply, "Then why aren't you here yet?" His response arrives almost instantly, assuring me, "Be there in 5." My anticipation builds, and I can't contain my excitement as I type, "Can't wait."

Throwing my phone onto the couch, I stretch my arms over my head, reveling in the warmth that spreads through me. A wide smile graces my face as I eagerly await Marcus's arrival.

Before the five minutes can even pass, the familiar chime of the doorbell echoes through my apartment. A surge of excitement propels me off the couch, and I rush to the door. As I swing it open, there stands Marcus, his presence filling the doorway. Our eyes lock, and for a suspended moment that feels like an eternity, we are both frozen in the intensity of the gaze.

Then, without uttering a word, Marcus closes the distance between us. His arms envelop me in a tight embrace, one arm securely around my waist, the other cradling my head against his solid chest. A rush of warmth courses through me as I reciprocate, wrapping my arms around him. Marcus kisses the top of my head, and as I close my eyes, a sense of serenity washes over me.

"I missed you, baby," Marcus murmurs, his voice a soothing melody in my ear.

I open my eyes, gazing up athim with a soft smile. "I missed you too."