“It’s a little funny.”
“I hate you.” I mumble as I try not to laugh.
“How you want to do this?” he asks.
“I don’t know.” I toss my arms to the side as the tears slide down my face.
“Hey, hey, hey.” He says, squatting just enough to pull my hands away from my face and make me look at him. Brushing my tears away with his thumbs. “I have an idea. I’ll get it ready. Just lie down and relax.” Falling backward on the bed, I shake my head, not believing what’s happening.
I hear the water running in the bathroom and sit up on my elbows. Curiosity gets the better of me as I make my way to the door, peering in. He’s kneeled down, looking under the sink.
“I know it’s under here.” He mutters to himself before pulling out a small bath pillow and moves it over to the tub. Putting his hand into the water, testing to make sure it’s warm enough.
Turning around, seeing me, and jumps.
“What are you doing?” I whisper, walking over.
“I thought a bath might help you relax.”
The emotion in the room makes the corners of my mouth turn up.
“Come on.” He nods towards the tub.
Undressing before I step into the water. He moves the pillow over, motioning me to lift my head and placing it underneath. Sighing, I attempt to relax as he walks over to the sink, washing his hands. Closing my eyes, I want to pretend this isn’t happening.
The water shifting makes my eyes pop open as I look at him inthe tub with me.
“You don’t have to get in… you can just try from outside.”
“Drew.” He tilts his head to me again. “Look at me.” His voice becomes serious. “Are you thinking that it may come out and blood gets in the water?”
Slowly, I nod my head.
“I don’t give a shit. In fact, I couldn’t care less about it. Let me know when you’re ready.”
We look at each other for a moment before I slowly nod my head as I move my legs.
“Okay, what am I looking for?”
* * *
“Don’t look at me.” I whine as he walks back over to the tub.
He insisted we stay in the water and relax.
I demanded that we drain and refill it.
“Stop it.” He mumbles as he pushes on my back for me to sit up. He moves around me until I’m lying back against him. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about.” He whispers into my ear.
“Yeah, okay.” I roll my eyes even though he can’t see me.
“I’m serious.” I can hear the chuckle he’s forcing down. “And if you think about it, itiskind of my fault.” It makes me laugh again before I cover my eyes.
“Next time, you’ll have to be more cautious.”
He lets out a loud laugh. “How about next time, just take it out?” I’m sure he can feel me becoming uneasy before he starts again. “I told you, I’m not afraid of blood.”
I sit staring at him as he shows me this gentle side, not knowing exactly what to do with it, but I guess if I’m being honest, he’s been this way with me since he showed up at my apartment months ago.
