‘You’re driving me crazier.’
Groaning again, he yanks me closer.‘I’ve decided you’re never leaving.’
‘Good.I don’t want to.’
12
ZAYDEN
I WAKE UP ALONE.
Slowly, I sit up and push myself out of bed.After a quick shower, the smell of something delicious guides me to the kitchen.Nora is dressed in a loose-fitting dress, her hair tied up in a messy bun.Pop music is softly playing from the speakers.
Since all the windows and doors are sealed, the smell of whatever she’s cooking wafts through the house.
‘Good morning,’ I say.
‘Afternoon, actually.’
Glancing at the clock, I see that we’ve just slipped into the afternoon.Dropping into the seat at the kitchen island, I watch her stir something in the slow cooker.
‘I thought you said you don’t cook.’
‘I do cook, I just don’t whip up any MasterChef-level meals like you do.I thought I’d do some meal prepping in case we lose power.’
‘That’s a good idea.What are you cooking?’
‘A chicken and veggie stir fry.You had everything already so I thought we may as well use it.’
Getting to my feet, I move towards her.Resting a hand on her hip, I kiss the top of her head.‘It smells amazing.Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome.’
Opening the side door, I make my way carefully out to the pool.The storm seems to have briefly calmed.Other than a lot of leaves and branches littering the tiles, everything appears in order.Some of the neighbours haven’t been as lucky.I double check everything is secure before heading back inside.
‘Any update on the cyclone?’I ask.
‘It’s meant to be hitting in the early hours of tomorrow morning now.According to the community pages, a bunch of places have already lost power and trees are down everywhere.Hence the cooking,’ she says, gesturing to the slow cooker.
‘Perfect opportunity to get some university work done,’ I say, and then pause.‘They’re words I never thought would come out of my mouth.’
Nora beams.‘Makes my heart happy.’
‘You’re a good influence on me.’
‘Is that so?’she asks, tucking a loose piece of hair behind her ear as she makes me a coffee.
‘And wife material,’ I groan.‘Looking like that and now bringing me a coffee.You’re spoiling me.’
‘You’re sheltering me and keeping me safe throughout all of this.It’s the least I can do.’
Keeping me safe.
Those words do something to me.They make me feel worthwhile.Like I mean something to someone.I know I mean something to my close friends and family, but it’s different coming from Nora.She makes me feel important in a different way.
Since Nora’s meal will be in the slow cooker for a few hours, I throw together some salad wraps for lunch.Well, technically breakfast for me.
After eating, we spend a few hours studying.I haven’t felt this organised and prepared when it comes to schoolwork quite possibly ever.I feel like I’m on top of things and know exactlywhat I’m doing and what’s due.It’s nice not to feel overwhelmed for once.
