Harmony
Me and my rents get back to mine, but before I can disappear to my room, they sit me down on the couch.
Serious talk time...
“I know Ariella’s given you her blood and said she'll look out for you,” Dad says, “but we just want to reinforce the fact that you need to be very careful.”
“I will.”
Mom gives me a look. “Playing with male wares is completely different to messing with human males, Sweetie. We just don't want you getting hurt.”
“I know, and as much as you probably think I'm not listening, I am. I know how careful I need to be.” Hell, I'm pretty sure there’s a bruise on my hip from where he grabbed me.
They both seem satisfied with my reply, but then dad sits forward. “You're gonna wanna spend time with him, which we completely understand. He's welcome here once you’ve introduced him to your uncle Clarence and the rest of us, but I also wanted to suggest something else.”
“Go on...”
“Well, there's some land for sale six miles down the road, and your Mom and I were thinking...”
Oh, shit! “You're gonna build me a house?”
Mom smiles. “Yes, Sweetie, but you don't always have to stay there. I don't know if I'm ready to see you move out yet.”
I shake my head and look at Dad. “You need to give Mom another baby, Dad. Then she won't miss me so much.”
Dad smiles. “Well, that's something else we wanted to tell you.”
Excitement rushes over me. “Oh, my God. Are you pregnant, Mom?”
She laughs. “No, not yet, but we're going to start trying.”
I clap my hands together. “Finally! I hope it's a boy. Oh, my God, do you know what you're gonna call him if it is?”
They both laugh at that. “Not yet, no. But you'll be the first to know names as soon as we find out what we’re having.”
I get up to hug them both. “I'm so happy you've finally decided to have another baby. I'm still gonna be your favourite, though, right?”
I feel them shaking their heads against my shoulders. “No matter how many kids we have, you will all be our favourite.”
I stand up, smiling down at them. “It's okay, Dad. I know you have to say that.”
He shakes his head. “Harmony...”
“Just kidding. I’m excited. To think, by the end of next week there should be a fridge full of milk.”
Mom smiles. “Hopefully.”
“Definitely. Right, I'm gonna get some study in while I wait for Jaheim to get back. I think I'll actually be able to absorb it now and not have to resit.”
“We have every faith in you. It’s just good to see you happy again, Baby Girl,” Dad says.
“Very,” Mom agrees.
“It’s good to feel better. I’ve been feeling like a corpse for weeks.”
Mom looks sad. “We’ve been so worried. Please, just eat as much as you can, alright?”
“I will.”
***
I close my bedroom door and then sit on my bed. I can feel the distance between Jaheim and me getting further and further apart by the second. My parents have marked me enough times over the years, mostly whenever there was family drama, so I know exactly what it feels like.
Being marked by Jaheim is a completely different experience, though.
I wonder if he heard what I said to his sister... I try to remember what I said, was it really bad? I don’t think so—
Oh. My. God.
He must’ve heard me cumming outside his apartment. I bury my head in my hands, feeling my cheeks warming enough to catch fire. Thank God I never said his name or some shit, but he would’ve heard my moans and that’s embarrassing enough.
Shit.
My cell chimes so I pick it up off the bed to check it.
I blink when I see Mate come up.
Mate: I can't stop thinking about you even more now.
I smile so hard at that while I change his name in my contacts.
Me: Thanks for unblocking me.
He types…
Jaheim: Never again.
That makes me smile even harder.
Jaheim: Why does it feel like I could find you, no matter where you are?
Me: That’s because you marked me. You released bane when you kissed me and deepened our connection. No matter how far apart we are now, we'll still be able to find our way back to each other.
Jaheim: Is it permanent?
Me: No. It can be removed with more bane.
Jaheim: Got it.
Jaheim: I’m glad I did it.
As much as I love what he’s just said, my chest feels tight because of all the things he doesn’t know about himself.
Me: Me, too. Where are you now?
Jaheim: Halfway there. Just stopped to eat. I'm actually hungry off my own accord. Must be the Harmony effect.
Me: Same. I've eaten more today than I have in weeks.
Jaheim: Good. Eat more.
Is that a direct comment about my weight? Ugh... I think yes.
Me: Don't think because you're my mate you can tell me what to do.
He types for a while.
Jaheim: So is that what we are?
Me: Yes.
Jaheim: Well, I'm sure I can persuade you to do as your told.
That excites the hell out of me.
Me: We'll see.
Jaheim: We will. Heading back to the car now. I'll let you know when I'm on my way.
Me: Alright.
I hook my phone up to charge before opening my schoolbooks. Study first, and then I need to get my shit ready for tonight.
***
I pack some things, shower, and then wax the hell out of everything possible. As much as I wanted him to fuck me this morning, I’m glad he didn’t, cuz I was no way in the hell ready. My weight ain’t the only thing that’s suffered over the past month.
I swear I feel like a virgin again with how long it’s been since I was touched.
I look in the mirror and release the towel from around my body. I stare stunned at the sight of me. I cover my mouth; I literally wanna cry. I have never been ashamed of my body, but right now…
There’s no denying how bad I look. My ribs are showing, my hip bones are literally sticking out of me, and I even have a slight thigh gap which I’ve never had before. I’ve lost so much weight it makes me feel sick.
I sit on the bed, anxiety rising in my stomach. I don’t think the clothes I’ve packed are gonna fit me very well. I don’t think any of my clothes will.
I get up to rifle through my things, but I end up in mom’s wardrobe, fishing through her clothes because she’s a smaller size than I usually am. I find some tights, a couple of skirts and a few sweaters that are cropped. These will have to do. Least I won’t look like such a drowned rat in them.
I repack my shit and then check the time. It’s four in the afternoon now and I’m feeling tired. I’ll eat and then get a couple hours sleep.
And I already know I’m gonna sleep the best I have in ages.