Passenger

I squinted, as I woke up.
I was happy to be able to sleep in, I never go to. Taking Annie to classes, going to work- I never got to sleep for more then six hours. But as I glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table, I couldn’t help but smile at the fact that it was 11:30-

Wait.

I sat up, the brightness of the sun streaming through the window, causing temporary blindness and dumbness.

I don’t have an alarm clock.... Annie is my alarm clock.

“You just throw a pillow over your face.”

I jumped as a muffled, deep and exhausted voice spoke from beside me, before I broke into a smile, and tugged the pillow away from the covered face. Watching as Michael squinted into the light that hit his dark eyes, and I chuckled, watching as he fought me for the pillow with one hand, while I held it with two.

He let go and I nearly toppled over before he grabbed me around the waist and tugged me close as my hands landed on his chest.

“Morning.” he said groggily, and pressed his lips to mine quickly, while I smiled deepening the kiss, as I pressed my hand to his cheek.

“Morning.” I laughed pulling away as I sat up, fully awake and alert, watching as the man beside me glared slightly and snatched the pillow back and covered his face.

“I’m going to raid your fridge.” I said crawling out of his bed, leaving the warm duvet and his arms, “I’ll make breakfast.”

He pulled the pillow until it was just over his eyes, and so I could see his mouth, where I spotted a large smile.

I pulled on a pair of boxers that were on the ground, and tied the large T shirt that covered my upper half, glancing towards the bed, where Michael was on his side, starring at me with a crooked smile.

“Don’t you look fashionable.”

I rolled my eyes gently, “Don’t get started bed head. I’ll call you when the food’s ready.”

I walked towards the bedroom door and pulled it open, feeling the after glow all over my body as I tied up my hair and greeted the two dogs who bounded after me with happy tail and butt wags as I headed downstairs towards the kitchen, where the noon sun beamed in through the large windows.

I smiled as I went through Michael’s fridge, watching as the two dogs sat watching me intently as I pulled out eggs, and butter. They followed me as I headed towards the cabinet, struggling a bit to reach, but I let out a loud ‘yes’ as I grabbed the flour from the top shelf.

As I let the eggs gather to room temperature, I found the dog food and quickly gave Herman and Stella dog food. Stella was the first to finish and came over to where I was standing at the counter, and watched me intently, her tale wagging as I cracked the eggs, to make pan cake batter.

I couldn’t help but kneel down in front of her and let her lick my face, just as I heard commotion from the entry way, and the two dogs, one eating and one giving kisses bounded towards the other room.

I let out a chuckle, walking towards the stairs, “The food isn’t ready- Lisa?”

I froze, watching the blonde, dressed in leggings and a long coat, freeze as well, tucking a pair of keys hastily into her pocket.

“Oh, hey Kazz. What a surprise to see you here.” she said, in a tone I couldn’t recognize as Stella and Herman greeted her in a familiar and much more friendlier manner then they had greeted me.

I frowned, my face pulling into one of discomfort as I felt blood rush to my cheeks.

“You have keys to Michael’s apartment.” I said softly, watching as she walked in, and placed her bag on the counter next to the pancake mix I was getting ready to cook.

“Yeah.” she said with a shrug, “For situations.”

I felt sick.

“So did you guys do the dirty?” she said with a wink, as oblivious as ever.

“I-I-” I stammered, my eyes burning with warmth of tears and confusion, “W-what?”

Lisa chuckled, rolling her eyes, “Did you guys have sex.”

I closed my eyes as I heard footsteps coming down the stairs, and opened them just as Michael entered the kitchen and stopped short, glancing with wide and unsure eyes between the two of us.

“No, we didn’t.” I said, glancing at Lisa, before turning to Michael, who averted his gaze and stared intently at Lisa.

“Has this been a game, between the two of you?” I asked softly, my lips and mouth dry, for having my jaw slacked.

Lisa’s face was frozen, “This isn’t a game Karren, look I can’t, just wait-”

“I don’t think I have to.” I said, walking out of the kitchen and heading straight towards the bedroom where I quickly stripped out of Michael’s clothes and into my dress from the night before.

“Karren, listen to me.”

I ignored Michael, as I tugged on my bra and then my dress.

“Karren.”

I moved out of the way before he could grab my arm and turned to him, hurt in my eyes as I cried.

“I thought you were different. Honest, not trying to fuck with me or anything. Trying to know me, not get to me, so you could laugh about it with Lisa.” I said, tears streaming down my cheeks, “God, I’m so fucking stupid. Were you faking everything?”

I stared as she walked into the room, and Michael frowned before he turned to me, “Karrent, it’s not like what you’re thinking. I can’t explain.”

“She’s done it before.” I spat, “Lisa. She’s hooked me up with a guy, only to get with him a few days later, and talk shit about me, to show she’s better. I’ve walked in on it. So I hope you two have fun. Because, I won’t be a part of it.”