The Black Sparrow

LP: Chapter 13

It was four in the morning, but Lucian was still wide awake. He hated himself for hurting Georgina’s feelings, and this was the first time they weren’t sharing the same bed at home. He chose to sleep on the couch in the living room rather than beside her. He kept telling himself it was for the best, but it felt like he was being slowly killed. He got up and went to find her. He saw her curled up on the couch, and aside from his oversized t-shirt and little boxer shorts, she had nothing else on. She didn’t even bother to put a blanket on, even though she looked cold.

Instead of picking her up, he lay down beside her on the couch and embraced her. She didn’t move. She didn’t even push him away. If anything, she snuggled closer to him to absorb his warmth. He rested her head on his arm and brushed the hair that was spread across her face. He then reached for the blanket and covered them both. Finally, he would be able to sleep.

The sun was already high when they both woke up. Lucian missed work, but he didn’t care. As he drifted off to sleep last night, he thought things through and decided that he would enjoy every second he had left with her. The ending would be the same anyway, so why make both of them miserable until the time came? Lucian almost fell when Georgina woke up. She suddenly sat up, and if he hadn’t grabbed the armrest, he would have surely fallen to the floor.

“Good morning,” he greeted her.

Georgina frowned. “What are you doing here?”

“Let’s go out for breakfast. No cars. We’re walking today.” He caressed her cheeks and smiled at her, but the young woman remained frowning.

When Lucian glanced at the wall clock, it was almost ten in the morning. He would send an email to his boss later, making up an excuse that he was feeling unwell. All he had to say was that he vomited, and he’d be off for a couple of days. He would use that time to spend with Georgina. On second thought, maybe he should resign now so that at least his departure would be smoother. He wasn’t sure yet. He would have to figure it out later.

“Don’t you have work today?” Georgina still hadn’t left the couch, and neither had Lucian. He pulled her down and she fell on top of him. God! He ached for her. “Lucian!” Georgina squealed.

He kissed her on the lips, and for a moment, she was taken aback, but then she was swept away by emotion and love for him. She returned his kisses, and when their lips parted, they locked eyes for a moment.

“I love you,” Lucian whispered. Georgina didn’t respond, but Lucian could see how her eyes softened. “You don’t love me anymore?”

“I will love you forever. I will stand by that until the end.” She rested her cheek against his heart and listened to it. “Forever, Lucian.” Even if we part ways and everything stands in our way.

“Really?” Lucian asked her. Georgina rested her chin on his chest and stared into his eyes. Lucian lightly tapped the tip of her nose, and she gently swatted his hand away. “How about you be my breakfast?”

Georgina laughed and pinched his cheeks. “Later. For now, feed me. I’m starving. I haven’t had a proper meal or sleep. Make it up to me.”

And just like that, they were back to normal. It was like a ceasefire. The worries remained. The fear of what the future might hold for them. The challenges of life that they didn’t know how to face separately. One thing was certain: they loved each other deeply. And it would survive for years to come until they saw each other again.

Lucian picked Georgina up in a bridal style and walked toward the bathroom. They planned to have a quick shower, but it turned into playful teasing and wasting water. They were finally getting dressed when Lucian hugged Georgina from behind and kissed her cheek.

“Oh, here we go again. Feed me breakfast first, and then you can attack me.” Georgina glared at him while Lucian burst into laughter. “What is so funny?”

“Your words. Attack. Feed me. Assault.” She shook her head, laughing, then he threw her over his shoulder, making Georgina squeal. “Let’s feed you so you can expand your naughty vocabulary—Georgina!” Lucian almost tripped. Georgina suddenly pinched his backside and smacked him with her hand.

He set her down, and when their eyes met, Lucian saw love and excitement in her gaze. “I want it hard and rough later.” Lucian’s mouth fell open. “Come on, baby. Feed me.”

Lucian locked the door behind them and started walking. There were a couple of places nearby that served breakfast. It was two or three blocks away from their house. It was a long walk, but the weather was still cool. The wind was chilly, so they made sure to wear gloves and hats. Their winter coats were thick, and their boots were comfortable for walking while providing enough warmth for their feet.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Lucian pulled out a chair for her, and instead of sitting across from him, she sat beside him. The server approached and took their order. She served them coffee, and while waiting for their food, Georgina took Lucian’s hand.

“Thank you for taking me out. I miss eating with you.” Lucian answered with a kiss. He kissed her forehead, and he saw her eyes close.

“Save some room for me, though.”

“Why?” As playful as Georgina was, sometimes she had slow moments, especially when she was hungry.

Lucian whispered to Georgina, “You’re going to eat me later.”

Right. There would be a feast when they got home. Georgina giggled and raised her eyebrows. She missed him terribly. And she knew Lucian felt the same way about her. She had decided to take it one day at a time.