Changes

3

I wake up with someone's arm around my waist, and a face buried in my hair. I hear light snoring.

I try to wriggle away, but the arm tightens. I twist around, and see that it's Micah. I'm gripping his hand, and I let go.

We're on the couch in the sunroom. It's smaller than the living room is, and has a small couch, two armchairs, bean bag chairs, a small circular table, a bookshelf, and a big window seat. The door to the backyard is beside the window seat.

It's dark outside, but no one's closed the curtains yet. No one else is in here.

Remembering what happened before I fell asleep, I shiver. I dated Aaron the year after everything happened with Him. I never truly loved him, I just thought I did. But he was three years older than me.

I tap Micah's cheek. He scowls, pulling me closer. I poke his side, and he snaps, "What?" without opening his eyes.

"Can I get up?" I ask quietly.

His eyes open. "Oh, it's you." He mumbles, moving his arm. "Sorry, sweets."

"It's okay." I whisper as I slide off the couch. He rolls over and falls asleep again.

I wander into the kitchen. The lights are off, and the time on the oven says eleven forty-eight.

Did I sleep for that long?

I open the fridge to see if there's any food left. I smile when I see a plate of brownies wrapped in plastic wrap with a note:

These are for JAKE. Micah, if you eat these, I swear I will murder you.

-Finn

I get two, and a glass of milk, then go back to the sunroom. I sit on the window seat, and look outside.

There's a big fenced off area where Zac has his garden. The fence is so Apollo won't get to the food. The rest is just grass, except for the patio by the door. There are a few chairs, and a small round table.

I get up, leaving the milk on the seat, and unlock the door to outside. I turn on the patio light, then step out, cold air hitting my body. I go to the fence, and push open the gate. The plants are around the sides, and there's a swing set in the middle, with two swings.

I sit on one, not swinging, just sitting.

I like it here. This house, yes, but this is my favorite place here.

I finish the brownie, but I stay outside for a while.

The backdoor opens suddenly, and someone walks out.

Dominic.

He has dark brown skin and frizzy black hair cut short. He's tall and muscular, and I don't know much about him. He mostly just talks to Aiden, his boyfriend.

He notices me, and lifts an eyebrow, walking over to the fence. "What are you doing out here?"

I shrug. "I just woke up. Sorry I missed you guys getting here."

"It's fine." He says. "Are you okay?"

"I'm alright. I just remembered things I didn't want to."

He nods, and leans against the fence. The silence is comfortable, since I don't feel like talking much. I assume Dominic doesn't either, because he stays quiet, too, looking up at the sky.

But eventually, it gets too cold to be out here without a jacket. I stand, and walk to the gate.

"Going in?" He asks.

I nod. "Good night."

"Morning now, but same to you."

I smile, and walk to the house.

Micah is still asleep on the couch, so I put a blanket over him before going to the stairs. The lights are off in the hallway, but I open the door to our room, and go in.

The lights are all off as always, and I close the door quietly behind me. I climb into bed, and fall asleep.