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Chapter 6

Half an hour later, after arriving home, I ascended the stairs, the creaking of each step echoing through the house.

Once on the landing, the soft glow of the hallway lights guided me as I began traversing the narrow corridor. The plush carpeting beneath my feet absorbed the pressure, thankfully muffling any noise as I made my way past Amber’s room and on toward mine. I sure as shit didn’t want to deal with any shit from her right now.

As I reached the door to my room, I pushed it open, feeling the cool metal handle against my sore hands as I stepped into the dimly lit space.

Walking across the room, I could feel the softness of the carpet beneath my soles, each step sinking slightly into its plush fibers. Approaching my dresser, I reached out and ran my fingers along the smooth surface, picking up my phone. Glancing at the screen, the soft glow illuminated no missed calls or messages. Placing the phone back down, I continued my journey towards the bathroom.

Stepping into the tiled room, I shed my clothes, feeling the fabric brush against my battered skin before discarding them into the hamper. Afterward, reaching over, I turned the showerhead on high, the sound of rushing water filling the air. Stepping beneath the cascading water, I could feel its warmth enveloping me, the droplets cascading down my face and across my shoulders. With frustration mounting, I let out a cuss, the sound echoing within the enclosed space, and slammed my knuckles against the shower wall. The fight had provided a momentary release, clearing some of the mental clutter, but it had failed to achieve its intended purpose – to suppress my longing for Nicole.

NICOLE

Giving up and tossing my sweat-dampened hair out of my eyes, I sat up on the edge of the creaky bed. The night had offered little sleep in the stifling heat of the trailer, the air heavy with humidity. My thoughts had churned, preventing any rest as I tossed and turned, my sheets and pillowcase becoming soaked with perspiration and tears.

As the morning sun crested the horizon, casting a golden glow, I rose from the bed and made my way to the cramped bathroom. My mouth cracked in a yawn as I shuffled across the six-foot expanse, the worn linoleum cool beneath my bare feet.

The ugly, avocado green shower/tub loomed in front of me, the curtain pushed aside. With a twist of the knobs, I adjusted the water temperature until it ran tepid, providing a soothing respite from the sweltering air. Afterward, I peeled off my clingy t-shirt and panties, the fabric sticking to my damp skin.

Stepping beneath the gentle spray of water, a soft moan escaped my lips as I relished in the blissful relief it brought to my overheated flesh. Reaching for the bar of soap in the soap dish, its familiar scent mingling with steam, I lathered it in my hands, the bubbles cascading across my skin in rich, foamy waves. When I had finished bathing, I moved on to the two-in-one shampoo/conditioner nestled in the other soap dish.

Soon the scent of fresh flowers filled the air as I massaged it into my hair, feeling the silky texture glide through my fingers. Once finished, I rinsed clean, the water cascading down my body, washing away the residue of the restless night.

Minutes later, I wrapped a towel around my body, the thinning fabric almost useless against my skin. With a sigh, I draped the towel over the bar that held the shower curtain; it was time to do laundry again. Of the five towels I owned, it was the last clean one I had. Grabbing my hairbrush, I pulled it through the thick dark-chocolate strands of my hair until it fell in a smooth fall down my back.

Shortly afterward, I was standing in my cozy kitchen, bathed in the warm morning sunlight that streamed through the window.

With anticipation, I reached out and opened the refrigerator door, greeted by a refreshing coolness that escaped into the room. My eyes landed on a container of creamy strawberry-banana yogurt.

As I peeled back the foil top, a faint crinkling sound filled the air, mingling with the gentle hum of the refrigerator. The sweet scent of ripe strawberries and the subtle tang of banana drifted up to my nostrils, awakening my senses. With a silver spoon in hand, I scooped up a generous portion of the velvety yogurt, its smooth texture caressing my tongue. All the while, my gaze wandered out the window above the sink, where I beheld the tranquil view of a blooming rose garden. Contentment washed over me as I savored my breakfast.

Once I had relished every last bite, I discarded the empty container into the trash, its light thud blending with the rustling of the discarded foil lid.

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