I take the pillow and throw it on the floor. Then I grab the blanket and lay down on the floor. If there’s any chance of me falling asleep I have a greater one here than on that soft bed.
“You’ll really stay on the line?” My voice sounds small.
She gasps and feigns defensively, “Are you doubting me? Why, what would ever lead you to that conclusion?”
I laugh. The sound coming straight from my chest and I feel lighter because of it. “Goodnight, Grace.”
“Goodnight, Oak. I’ll be here until you fall asleep.”
Two hours and twenty-seven minutes. It took me two hours and twenty-seven minutes to fall asleep. And she stayed on the line. Just like she said.
The nightmares didn’t return and I slept better than I would have ever imagined all because she was with me the entire time.
Waking up later in the morning I find a text message from her.
Grace
U fell asleep. Do u know u snore?
There is no fucking way.
Bullshit
There bubbles come up on my phone indicating that she’s toying a message back.
So loud too. Had to turn my volume down.
I don’t fucking snore.
Yes u do n it’s cute
.
Oh fuck no. Nothing about me can be described as fucking cute.
I don’t snore n it’s not cute.
Ok not cute. It’s adorable
Grace, stop lying.
She doesn’t reply right away. In fact she doesn’t reply the entire time that it takes me to get ready and make myself breakfast. I feel my phone burning in my pocket waiting for a response.
Grace I don’t snore
Another five minutes pass with no reply.
Grace
I feel my phone vibrate and I pick it up eagerly.
*laughing emoji* ok u got me. I lied. U don’t snore.
My lips tip up in a smile.
n I’m not adorable or cute
big guys like u can’t be adorable or cute?
