Dawn of the first day

Oh man, only an hour in and the day already felt like it was going to be a long one. As I stood waiting for Nia I cracked the door of my apartment for some fresh air. No matter how much I tried, rubbing my face couldn’t quite loosen the hold sleep had on me. Maybe the cooler morning breeze would help me shake it off.

Nia stopped at the end of the entryway looking slightly flustered.

Nia: Emery? Do you know where my bag is?

Emery: Yeah I packed it for you this morning while I was making coffee. Remember? I told you when you were getting in the shower.

She facepalmed and I couldn’t help but smile.

Nia: Em you know how I am when I just wake up…

Emery: Sorry love, I should’ve reminded you. I didn’t realize that’s what you were looking for, or I would have said something.

Nia: Nah, it’s not your fault. Thank you for doing that.

She collected the rest of her things from the living room and made her way to the kitchen in a haste.

Emery: I already put some lunch in your bag too.

She rounded the corner with a breakfast bar partially shoved into her mouth.

Emery: Oh my bad. Should I make two breakfast sandwiches for you going forward?

She waved her hand dismissively before she could finish swallowing.

Nia: I’m not actually that hungry. The swimming club asked for me to help them set up their booth stuff for the freshmen. I just wanted the extra energy in case it takes a while.

I rolled my eyes lightheartedly and chuckled a bit. They were so needy with her sometimes.

Emery: You’re too soft on them, agreeing to favors before the semester has even started. You might as well still be in the club.

Nia: C’mon cut me a little bit of slack here. You know I can’t say no to Lucy!

Emery: I get it. As long as she’s not working you too hard.

Nia: Don’t worry man, I can handle it. It’s the other members I need to watch out for anyways hehe.

She walked over to me and pulled my head into her chest, giving me a kiss on the head. I appreciated the intimacy, not to mention the softness, but felt the smallest bit of frustration bristle against the otherwise good mood. She knew I wasn’t fond of being manhandled like that…outside the bedroom, at least…

As if reading my thoughts, she let go and went to get her shoes on. Had I been that obvious without realizing it?

Nia: My bad. I just get excited. You know I don’t mean anything by it.

She sighed lightly and rubbed the back of her neck.

Nia: I do it before I even realize! I just can’t help it when you’re so cute!

The sincerity in her voice made it hard for me to hold onto any negative emotion. She’s such an affectionate person, I know how Nia is.

Emery: It’s on me at the end of the day. I’d prefer you didn’t hold back on your affection just cause I’m a little…

I struggled to use the dreaded word.

Emery: …Childish about this specific issue. It’s not like you’re even tall, I just need to get over my thing about being…the way I am.

Nia: If it makes you feel any better, you’re a lot more confident about it than you used to be. You wouldn’t even let me call you cute back in high school.

I closed in and gave her a one armed hug, kissing her jaw before I withdrew.

Emery: Thanks hun. Hopefully it doesn’t take another six years huh?

Nia: Even if it does Em, even if it does.

I pushed open the door and took Nia’s hand. The two of us headed out into the dimly lit morning.