by JA Lafrance
Noah
As I saunter away, I catch a side glimpse of Celia. Damn. I can't believe I walked away like that. CiCi is one fine looking woman, even with a mask on. Her eyes are enough to pull anyone in. There's just enough green and blue mixed so bright, with pale lashes. Beautiful. With her face surrounded by luscious red waves, this woman didn't know it yet, but with the little I've seen of her, my walls have begun to crumble. How could the young redhead from across the street transform into such a stunning sight?
In the house, I toss my keys on the counter, grab a can of cola from the fridge, and sit back in the chair I was in before. My thoughts are swirling about the angel across the street.
“Well, that was awfully quick,” Aunt Mary says as she turns the volume down on the television. She glances my way and raises her eyebrows, silently questioning me.
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I chuckle. “CiCi seems nice,” I tell her. With a bit of concern, I continue, “She slammed the door at first, but then opened it again. She was wearing a mask the second time.” I lean forward, intrigued. Is she really sick?
Aunt Mary smiles big. “So, it’s CiCi already. You must have given a good first impression.”
“I know what you are doing, and I think I know who she is.” I grin at her assumption. “Now, the mask, is it serious?” Just as I finish asking, I feel my cellphone vibrate, and the silly chime I set for texts blasts throughout the small living room.
“That's something you need to discuss with CiCi. Go ahead.” She nods toward me, suggesting I answer my text. “I have a new show to watch, and steaks are marinating.” Returning her focus back on the television, she turns the volume back up.
Unknown: I didn't get to thank you.
The text is from CiCi. I smile as I stare at my phone. Getting up from the chair, I grab my soda and head to my room. Closing the door behind me, I sit on the edge of my bed and add Celia to my contacts list, thinking of something witty to respond with.
Noah: Not sure how serious things are over there with the mask and all. Didn't want to invade your personal space.
I hope that bringing up the mask wasn't going too far, but I need to know what I'm dealing with before I let myself in.
CiCi: Just precautions. I have Lupus and other autoimmune diseases, so I need to be cautious.
Well, that makes perfect sense. There's no way I would want to get the woman sick. This virus has been taking lives faster than doctors can diagnose. I think I will go get tested before I go back over there.
Noah: Understand completely. Going to get tested tomorrow. I wanna be safe to be around you. And believe me, I want to be around you.
Celia
It’s been a couple days since I'd last seen or heard from Noah. Things have been quiet and lonely. Literal Netflix and chill have been my life. It’s true about boredom; people eat when they are bored. Well, at least I do. All of my snack food is gone, and my milk is almost gone. I think I have an addiction to strawberry milk.
I roll over in my bed and look at the clock. It's 9:00 A.M. I suppose I should get up and make a list. Shopping is a good reason to text Noah, plus, after a couple days of yelling at my television screen, I need to socialize with someone else.
Reaching for my phone, I forget the list. I just want to talk to Noah. Maybe he has his test results. It would be nice to have someone join my bubble. Searching through my contacts, I find his number and start typing.
CiCi: How are things going over there? Did you get your test done?
Rolling onto my back, I grip my phone tightly and sigh. I probably sound desperate, but wait, am I not? Noah is extremely good-looking, and I'm lonely. I only want a friend, someone to hang with, talk to, and watch movies with while locked up in this box I call home. My phone buzzes.
Noah: Hey, neighbor, things are good. Test done and luckily came back negative. ;) Do you need anything?
Well, that doesn't sound too promising. He just wants to do my errands? I suppose that's something.
CiCi: Groceries and a friend :( Being alone sucks.
I bite my lower lip in anticipation of his answer, hoping I'm not pushing limits.
Noah: Make me a list, I'll be over in half an hour.
Half hour. Half hour! That's not long enough. Shit! I toss my cell phone on the bed and rush to the bathroom. Quickly, I work my way out of pajamas and turn the water on for a shower.
I'm used to getting ready at a fast pace. Being a nurse, you try to schedule your time accordingly for every task because our days are extremely busy. But, being off work, there are no more schedules. And now, I'm being given a time limit set by a sexy man, a man I used to dream about, one I want to get to know. I begin to feel frantic. While being in a flare-up, moving quickly is not easy, but I do my best. I've had good days lately, so I've been taking advantage of them. I finish drying off after the quickest shower I have ever had, head into my bedroom, and pick out a simple outfit to put on, some striped capris and plain tank top. I am but a simple woman who wears nothing except comfy clothing.
Back in the bathroom, I brush my teeth, then my hair, twisting it up into a messy bun with a scrunchie to match my capris. I apply a hint of eyeliner and some mascara to help accentuate my eyes since I've been told by many they are my brightest feature. I try to cover my reddened cheeks, but the stupid rash is being stubborn. I guess pink cheeks it is. As I am staring in the mirror at my finished appearance, there's a knock on the door.
Noah
I can hear traces of her scrambling around before the door opens, and it makes me smile. Once the door swings in, my grin widens. She isn't wearing her mask, and goddammit, she is stunning. Just seeing her, takes my breath away. “Well, look at you.” I try to say smoothly as I eye her up and down. “This is a new look. Although, I am quite fond of the pajama look.” I chuckle as I tease her. I can tell she knows I'm being facetious as she blushes and smiles in return.
“I wanted to look…alive, I guess, is the word.” CiCi lightly laughs and bites her lower lip.
Lip biting is a heart-stopper for me, especially on beautiful women, and FUCK, CiCi is more than beautiful. She appears to be the full package. “No mask today?” I question with raised eyebrows.
CiCi beams and fuck me, that smile is to die for. “Nope. Your test was negative, and I feel confident I am safe to be around you since I haven't been around anyone else.” She shifts her stance as she shifts her gaze around. She must notice the bags of food I brought. “My apologies, please come in. Thank you for bringing me groceries. I have money for you.” She moves out of the way and allows me into her house.
I glance about the room as I walk where directed. The house is small but nicely decorated. It suits her. Diplomas hang on one wall, family photos on another—nice beige furniture to match the creamy colored walls. Once in the kitchen, again small, I set the bags on the counter space and begin to unload the food.
As I unpack the groceries, she puts stuff away. I can't help except notice that she is still blushing. I did some research on the illness she mentioned, and a facial rash was part of it. I wonder if she is trying to hide it. It's not for me to ask, and I don't want to upset her or ruin this day. I finish unpacking and turn to her. “Where do you put the empty bags?” I wink at her as I fold up the empty bags.
“I have a drawer for them. I'll take them, thanks.” CiCi reaches out for them, and I hand them to her. “Are you hungry? I can make us something.”
I shake my head slightly with a grin and head into the living room, which she follows after me. I sit on her couch, and damn, it’s comfortable. I pat the spot beside me, “Come sit. Let's watch something.” As I make myself cozy, she debates sitting beside me, and I suppose she decides it’s safe to do so, but not too close.
CiCi grabs a pillow and holds it in her lap and picks up her television remote. “What would you like to watch? A movie? Sitcom?” She looks at me with those gorgeous eyes, and I melt. I am a goner and see my future in those eyes. I will do anything to make this
woman mine. If I knew back then that we were fated, I wouldn't have done all that I have. My life hasn't been the greatest, and I'm far from innocent. But as I have been told, it’s never too late.
Pulling myself from the depths of my daydream, I focus on the now. “How about a sitcom? That way, we can watch more every day.” I wink and smile at her, making her cheeks turn redder than before. Whether that's a rash on her cheeks or not, the color looks good on her.
CiCi loads Netflix and scrolls through the sitcoms, landing on one we both agree to and start watching. The show is good, making us laugh so hard that we didn't even notice we hadn't eaten anything all afternoon. She offers to make something, but being the man I am, I stepped up and order a pizza. The day has been going so well, I didn't want it to end. CiCi has even moved closer to me on the couch, and I love the feeling.
Celia
It’s been a week since I met Noah. Well, not actually met him, I knew him as a kid, but I am just now getting to know him. He's been super sweet and handy to have around. It's not only that, though, I honestly think he sees me. The real me. He has yet to comment on my rash, my tiredness, or the fact that I haven't really left the house this week. It's like he knows, and he cares. Is it possible to find your match, your forever, while quarantined during a pandemic? I've been dreaming about Noah all week like I did when I was younger, but these dreams are more vivid. My heart skips a beat or two every time I see him. And when I get close to him, I want to touch him, kiss him, be as close as possible to him. I've never really been in love before, lust, sure, but real love, no. Is Noah my match? Am I falling in love?
Yawning, I start to roll over in bed and the pain…oh my god, it hurts. My head and my entire body aches. Shit, today is not going to be a good day. A lonely teardrop falls from my eye, and I wipe it away. No! I won't let this stop me from having Noah time, I repeat over in my mind, and tears start to pour out. The pain becomes unbearable. I need my medications, and I need them fast. I need to get on top of this. I lay in bed for a few more minutes and then force myself out slowly, making my way to the bathroom to get my medications and taking them. There's a knock on the door as I was working my way back to bed, so I change my direction. I know it’s Noah. I don't want him to see me like this, but I can't hide it forever.
Another knock.
“Coming,” I yell as loud as I can as I move slowly. I open the door, and there stands my dream man. “Hi,” I mumble.
Noah is quick to notice things are not good. “Shit, CiCi, are you not feeling well?” He is quick to scoop me up in his arms and bring me to the couch. He sets me down gently and kneels in front of me. “What can I do?” he asks with concern fully displayed across his face. He wipes my damp cheeks and reaches for a blanket that sits on the back of my couch and covers me.
“A glass of water and company will work,” I mutter out through the pain.
Noah swiftly gets me some water. He closes the front door, takes his shoes off, and gets comfortable on the couch with me. Picking up the remote, he hands it to me. “We can watch something if you want, or you can rest. I will be right here, babe,” he says as he runs his hand through my messy hair. “Did I do this?” He looks at me with concern, worried. He must've not noticed what he called me, but I sure did, and I love it.
I curl my body against his, moving carefully to not cause more pain. “No. This is what I live with on a bad day. I have taken my medications. Hopefully, I won't be as bad in an hour or so.” I peer up at his handsome face and attempt a smile. “Lupus sucks. Fibromyalgia sucks. Autoimmune disorders in general suck.”
He nods his head in agreement. “I guess so. I will have to do some research on them. I want to be able to help you.” His fingers glide through my hair like a comb, and it feels so good. I've always loved getting my hair brushed or played with. I am not telling him, though, he may stop. I laugh at the thought.
“I appreciate that, babe,” I toss the lingo back at him and give him my best grin. Turning the remote around in my hand, I get Netflix running and start our show.
Noah
I have fallen for CiCi. Plain and simple. My walls have dropped, and my heart opened completely for this amazing woman. All last week, we spent time together. We got to know each other better, we chatted about the past, the present, and the possible future, well the future with the damn virus. Celia is my future. Seeing her sick and in pain is torture. Her medications barely do anything for her, but she is a fighter. I called her 'babe' hoping she would let it slide, but she caught it and returned the endearment.
For the past three days, she hasn't been well, but neither has the weather. I did some research on her autoimmune disorders, and I hate them. Anyone who suffers from them, I feel for them. I wish there was a cure, but of course, there is not. I plan to do my best to support CiCi during her flare-ups, but I won't push her. She knows her limits. When she called me this morning, she said she felt a bit better. So, today, I have a surprise.
The park next to my aunt’s has been closed to the children for playing on the structures and swings, but there is a large lawn and garden area that the town still takes care of. There are rules about social distancing, and since no one has been using the park, I made a plan. I set up a beautiful, romantic picnic for CiCi and me. She has been in that house now for over two full weeks. She needs out. The sun is shining today, and I wish to tell her something.
I knock on her door just before noon, and she opens it right away. “Hey, you.” She smiles and opens her arms for a hug. I immediately take her in my embrace and give her a gentle squeeze, breathing her in. She smells good. “Come in, let’s watch something.” She bites her lip before pulling away—damn woman. I can't let her get away with that. I pull her back to me and place my lips on hers for a heart-stopping kiss. She tastes even better than she looks. Standing on her tiptoes, I feel her return the kiss with fervor.
I pull back, flushing. “Damn. I've wanted to do that for so long.” Grinning, I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “You are so beautiful, CiCi.”
She blushes. “To be honest, I've wanted you to do that for years.” She giggles and bites her lip again.
“Stop biting the lip, woman,” I tell her with a slight growl. “When you do that, it makes me crazy.” I stare at her and watch the shocked expression spread across her face.
“Oh...” Licking her lips, she tries to look away, but I stop her.
“Listen. I have a surprise for you. Get your shoes.” She steps away and searches for her shoes.
“What kind of surprise?” She bites her lip again, and I growl. She giggles.
I tell her she can wear her mask if she wants, but she won’t need it. I hold her hand as we walk across the street, and what an amazing feeling it is to have her hand in mine. She even came willingly and maskless. Bonus.
Celia
I have fallen for my dream man. I never thought it possible, but it seems fate has done its job. Noah may have a past, but it’s the now and future that matter. He gets me, treats me exceptionally well, and I trust him. And that kiss. Damn, that kiss was HOT!
I know it’s only been a few weeks, but my mother told me once that I would know the one when I found him. Thanks, Mom, I found him. I hope Noah feels the same way. I don't know what the future holds with the pandemic and the so-called 'new normal,' but I would love to have Noah in my life.
I hold his hand as he guides me to the park. He said he had a surprise for me. Once we turn the corner around the fence, I almost start to cry. The most beautiful picnic is laid out under a tree. A large bouquet of roses in a vase, heart-shaped balloons, a big wicker picnic basket sitting on a large plaid blanket. I look at him with watery eyes. “It's beautiful.”
We go sit down, and it’s then I notice a bucket of ice with champagne chilling in it. Oh my god! I love this man. How is this possible? It’s exactly like a dream I had. I begin to sit down, and he helps me. Dropping beside me, he plucks a rose from the vase and hands it to me.
“A beauti
ful flower for a beautiful woman,” he sweetly says and leans in to kiss me softly, which I accept fully. I wrap my arms around him and take the kiss deeper. It took me a minute to remember we are in the park, and I pull back.
“Thank you. I love this.” I stare into his eyes, they shine brightly. His skin glistens in the sun. I want to blurt it out, but I don't want to scare him off. I start, “I lo—” but stop and shake my head.
He raises his eyebrows and grins. “You what?” He reaches for the champagne and two glasses. Pouring us each half a glass, he refocuses his attention back on me.
“Okay, maybe later then.” He hands me a glass and takes a sip of his own. Drawing in a deep breath, he sets his glass down and reaches for my hand. “CiCi, I know it’s only been a few weeks, but it feels like we have known each other much longer.”
I take a sip of beverage and set my glass down. My heart starts to pound. Does he feel the same? Is he going to say it? Eek! I better let him talk. I place my other hand with ours and stare up at him.
He gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “I never thought it could be possible, but you seem to have taken over my heart.” He leans in, kissing my forehead. “I love you, CiCi. I think I fell in love with you when you first opened your door and slammed it in my face.” He chuckles and continues, “You don't have to say anything right now, but—”