I nod, almost blissfully numb to the poison that always seeps into my blood after a disagreement with my parents. “It’s alright. They’ll call me next week and pretend this conversation never happened.” They’ve never actually followed through on cutting me off. That wouldnotvibe with my mom’s image. It’s an empty threat they dish out whenever I do something they don’t agree with. “A few years back, when I got my nose ring, they told me the same thing. Then last year again when I got a second lobe piercing.”
“Some people will never understand it,” Fritz breathes out. “That’s something you’ll have to make peace with, the relationships and friendships you might lose out on because of our unconventional story.”
I purse my lips. “I’m not asking anyone to understand. I don’t understand rocket science but that doesn’t mean I get to pretend it’s something wrong or unholy just to stay on my moral high horse.”
With a chuckle, Fritz nods. “I am sorry your parents are this way. You don’t deserve that treatment.”
“They are who they are,” I tell him, almost word for word, what I’ve said to Isla countless times.
Caspian kisses the top of my head, “And even if they’re terrible, they created you, so I will be eternally grateful to them for it.” Then he departs, off to clean up dinner.
Still in Fritz’s calming embrace, I sigh.
“You did very well talking to them,” he tells me.
“Only because you kept me calm.”
“Ibarelyhelped. You are a force of nature all on your own; I’m just here to show you that you can be.” He lifts my face to meet his gaze, “Now let’s go watch that silly little romance show you love so much.”
“You were the one who wanted to watch it,” I accuse.
He feigns guilt before responding, “Yes, but only because they’re almost as horny and needy as you are, Sweets.”
As he drags me toward the couch, Caspian two steps behind us, I let the insecurities fade away, at least for the moment, enjoying the time I have here with them, even if it’s not forever.
Ring, Ring
Bel
The next morning, I roll out of bed, making my way towards the bathroom with a towel and change of clothes. Caspian stays in bed, watching my every step, but Fritz is right on my heels, doe-eyed and practically begging to shower together.
I laugh, pushing his face away from where it’s buried into my neck, “No, Fritz. I need to do it alone this time.” I haven’t had a shower to myself in days due to them constantly feeling like they need to be there to help me. “I’ve figured out a system for washing my hair and everything with only one fully functional hand. I’m good. Go entertain Cas for a bit.”
At my raised brows, he chuckles lowly, “You want me to play with your boyfriend while you shower? How very devious of you, my Songbird, but who will take care ofyourneeds?”
“I will,” I tease, “Just thinking of the two of you together will get me halfway there.”
The growl coming from the bed takes me by surprise, “Bel, unless you’d like that to turn into a shower for three, I suggest you desist the teasing.”
No.While I can’t tell them why I need the time alone, I can’t have them following me in there. “Alright, alright. Seriously though, I just need a few moments to myself.”
“If you remember,” Fritz murmurs, quickly locking his lips to mine, “I did warn you that you wouldn’t have any more of those once we got our hands on you. But IsupposeI can let you have this. For a price.
“And what price is that?” I bite my lip to hold back a grin.
“Just a kiss.”
“You just got a kiss,” I remind him.
“And now I’d like another.”
I hook my hands around his neck, holding him in place before placing a barely there peck against his slightly parted lips. Then I twirl out of his hold and dart into the bathroom, laughing at his protesting whine.
After I turn the shower on to hopefully drown out the noise, I dial the number I’ve been dreading since I spoke with Isla last night.
“Yeah,”What a weird way to answer the phone.
“Uhh hi Eamon, it’s Belissenda. We met briefly-” I begin.
