I wake up on the couch with an aching neck and a weightless body.
As I hold back my complaints of pain for the stiffness in my everything, I take note that Jonah isn't crushing me anymore.
I sit up as carefully as I can, cupping and rubbing my neck in an attempt to make the aching subside. (It doesn't work, FYI.)
I clear my throat and shout, "Jonah! Where are you you blond bitch?"
Just then, the bathroom door opens, Jonah walking out with newly cleaned hands. "I'm here, baby."
My playful whining is instantly choked back from the name, stuck to the roof of my mouth and refusing to leave. I feel my cheeks flush a considerable amount, and I'm left to the realization that we're truly official again. I know Jonah when he's angry--he never uses pet names when he's angry. In all honesty, he doesn't use them ever.
But is this a sign? That we're better now? Everything's okay? I mean, there will be many things to learn and heal from from here on out, but . . .
Suddenly, my impatience takes the better of me and I'm working my stiff legs to him as quickly as I can.
I make it in front of him and just stand there, staring into his soul for a long time until I just can't take it anymore and I'm yanking him in for a kiss. He doesn't resist, and if I didn't know better I'd say he's been missing this for a while. But I have too. Very much so.
I pull back quick, still clutching his jacket. "I just needed confirmation."
"Confirmation for what?" He asks.
"If we're okay now. Like, really okay."
Jonah's eyebrows furrow. "Of course we're okay, Antonio." He says. I can feel the toughest, most affectionate pang in my heart suddenly and I'm about ready to melt. "I don't know what's in it for us in the future," he continues, "but right now I'm happy, and that's"--he jabs his finger into my chest--"because of you."
After a long pause, I let out a breathless laugh, grinning from ear to ear. "You are a sappy sack of shit." I shake my head and turn to the kitchen.
Jonah follows me and says in a sing-song voice, "I love you too."
Oh boy. Strings are attached people. And I don't give a damn anymore.
~~~~~~~~~
AND THAT'S IT BOYS!
i know this story was a trainwreck, but i'm really happy it's over and i can finally stop drowning in due times.
thank you for sticking around for antonio's journey with jonah and pray they'll be enjoying themselves for the rest of their lives together.
oh and before i go, i wanted to announce that i've recently participated in the wattys2019. i've joined the competition because it seems like fun, and although i don't care if i become one of the winners or not, i hope you guys can show your support and vote, comment thoughts, or simply read and spread this story.
thank you all for getting me this far!!