Page 36 of Falling Again

I wake up on my couch with a tuft of curly blonde hair in my vision and the sun still hiding behind the hills. I breathe in, and the scent of sweet, soft florals fills my senses, relaxing me. I flex my hand and feel warmth beneath my fingers. I look down and see Chloe’s head draped on my chest, her arm snaked around my waist. We really need to stop falling asleep on couches. I let my eyes drift closed again, not ready to give up this moment. So much for being “just friends”.

I wake up again to my phone buzzing in my pocket. Chloe shifted and is no longer lying on top of me but at the other end of the couch. She’s gripping a crocheted blanket around her, and Scooter is curled in the nook behind her knees, fast asleep. Even my dog is in love with this woman. Whoa, I’m not in love with Chloe. Am I? I’m not drinking those dang guava seltzers ever again. I pull my phone out and read several texts from the “Core Four” group chat. Chloe named it immediately after she added me to the group chat after the first pub night we all had together.

I check the time. 6:30 in the morning. I remember that we are supposed to leave for the airport today. Annika was up in arms about the trip on Friday. I really hope Chloe packed before she came over yesterday, or else I really do think Annika will explode. Annika brought up the idea of the trip to us a couple of months ago. She was missing her family and thought it would be fun to revisit her hometown. I’ve never been to Southern California, so I was excited, and Reid was looking forward to visiting again since he used to live there, but I got the impression that Chloe wasn’t as thrilled. I run through a mental checklist. I have already packed my bag and told my neighbor to check on the animals this week. I told him I’d help him shear his sheep when spring hits as a favor in return. Scooter and Dandy are staying with Reid’s parents, who are overjoyed to have two animals in their house. They are going to pick up Scooter today. Chloe didn’t bring over any bags, so I don’t think she intended to fall asleep on my couch the day before she traveled. I can only imagine Annika is pulling her hair out. I see Chloe’s phone on the table, screen completely black. It must’ve died. I tap Chloe on the shoulder and tell her I’m going to go pick up some coffee.

Not even twenty minutes later, I return to the house to see Chloe awake and snuggling Scooter, reading a book. It’s the rock-climbing memoir she gave me. I started reading it and finished it in two days, and it was incredibly inspiring. I think I’ll have to take Griff up on his offer next time to go climbing in Yosemite.

“I got you coffee and a treat,” I say, holding up the goods. She looks over at me, giving me a small smile. I circle the couch and sit next to her with some space, remembering our agreement from last night. Both of our phones vibrate; hers is on the coffee table, plugged into a charger cord, and mine is in the kitchen. I get up to get mine and see her typing away on her phone.

Reid and Annika are getting ready to leave and texting us to coordinate their departure. They ask if we want any coffee. She glances at me from the couch as I stand in the kitchen, draped over the counter, smiling into my coffee cup.

Chloe

Yeah, I already got something.

Reid

And you didn’t ask us if we wanted anything?!

Me

I already got her coffee

Annika

When?

Me

This morning

Annika

It’s 7 am

Me

And?

Annika

What’s is going on?

Reid

It’s happening.

Annika

Chlo…where are you?

Reid

IT’S HAPPENING

Chloe

Noooo. Nothing is happening.