Time at home.

It hasn’t been too long, but coming back to the house from University is slowly becoming more and more comforting. It’s finally starting to feel like coming back HOME and not just to a big house. I mean, walking into the living room and finding a used glass on the coffee table made the place truly feel like it was ours. That said…

“Who left a used glass on the table in the living room?” I shouted back to the girls as they all went up the stairs and to their rooms to get changed into more comfortable clothes.

“Ah, sorry, that was me!” Noelle shouted back. “Leave it there! I’ll wash it in a second.”

“Nah, take your time.”

Cake jumped on the table to smell the glass, and I thank whatever genes she came with that she’s never had that cat impulse of just pushing things off tables.

I pet her and scratched her neck.

“You’re a good girl, Cake.”

She purred and meowed softly, then followed me to the kitchen as I went to wash that glass and check the two whole chickens left unfreezing in the fridge from last night. If I roast them both, we can have chicken for dinner and then I can leave sandwiches ready for tomorrow.

But that was later. I didn't have to start dinner until a couple more hours. And it was becoming a sort of routine that everyone was left to their own devices for that couple of hours.

I went up to the second floor, where I bumped into Grace as she came out of the bathroom. She walked up to me and gave me a quick peck on the lips.

“I’ll be down in the library working on an assignment,” she told me.

“I won’t bother you, then.”

She smiled. “Thanks. I want to get that over with as soon as possible.”

“Did they give it to you today?”

“Yeah, and it should be short enough that I can get it out of the way before the weekend if not today. Can I get a butt spank for good luck?”

I chuckled. “You want to spank my butt or do you want me to spank yours?”

She smirked. “You’re sending me off, so mine.”

She turned around and I gave her butt a nice, encouraging spank along with a nice squeeze just for myself.

“Mmm… Okay, let’s get this damn thing done.” Grace went back down, now all pumped. She did seem in a particularly good mood after university today.

Then, as I was going to my room to leave my backpack, I ran into someone else. Alice was just getting around the corner as I was opening my door, and I saw her wearing her coverall and with her hair tied back. I’ve always liked how it hugs her figure so well, and she says it’s super comfortable, too.

“Going to the garage?” I asked.

“Yeah, I’ll be there until dinner. Would you go get me when it’s done?” she asked me.

“Sure. Are you doing anything specific to the car?”

“Remember how I’m going to a meet tomorrow? Mila and Fernanda want to come with me, so I’ll change the tuning since I’m not gonna race.”

I smiled. “You invited them?”

Alice smiled back, bashfully. “Well, yes… Mila has wanted to come with me for a while, and Fernanda… I want to get closer to her. Do you think inviting her to come to a car meet was a good idea?”

“She likes learning about new stuff for her drawings, so yeah, I think so. Will Alex be there?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I’ll text him to look after you all.”

Alice pouted with arms crossed. “Oliver, I’ve been going to these before we even met. We’ll be fine.”

“See, that just means I didn’t know to be worried before. I’m texting your brother.”

Alice scoffed with a little laugh. “Worrywart…”

She leaned in, gave me a tender kiss and went down the stairs.

Mila, Sarah and Noelle went to the game room to hang out, and I was just next door in the music room, giving form and putting to paper these abstract sounds and ideas in my head.

I was there for about an hour and a half. It was time to get started on dinner, but also seemed like an appropriate time to text Fern.

I admit, I’m not big on texting. I’m just bad at, you know, having things to say. That and I always feel like I’m bothering people. However, I don’t get to see Fern as often as I’d like, and at this stage of the relationship, keeping in contact was important. After all, I’d hate to do what Mila, Grace and Sarah did to me way back when and keep her wondering what the fuck was going on.

-Oliver: Hey, Fern. How was your day? Don’t worry, answer when you can.

It only took her a minute to answer.

-Fernanda: Hello. I just got home from the coffee shop. I actually met some people at university today. Two girls asked me to work with them on an assignment. I… think we might get along.

-Oliver: Really? I’m glad. Do they seem nice?

-Fernanda: Yes. They’re a bit awkward, but so am I, so… I guess we sort of forgive each other lol.

-Oliver: I hope it goes well. And by the way, I heard you’re going to the car meet with Alice and Mila. Looking forward to it?

The fact that she answered quickly was reassuring.

-Fernanda: Yes! I didn’t expect an invitation from Alice, but it made me really happy. Also… I may have a passing interest in cars due to a certain anime.

-Oliver: And you’re coming back here with them after? I ask because I’d like you to, of course.

-Fernanda: I’d love to. I’ve been really distracted lately. Can’t get the last weekend out of my head.

-Oliver: I’m looking forward to this one, too. Now, I should head down to the kitchen and start making dinner. Send me a text whenever you want. I’ll answer when I can.

She sent a thumbs up emoji in response.

I couldn’t help but wonder if I was trying too hard to make her feel comfortable and ended up overcorrecting and coming off as patronizing. Might have to dial it back a bit. Well, that or outright ask her.

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