3"Coffee, coffee, coffee!" I shrieked at my best friend. Honestly, my only friend this month, seeing as how nobody else could stand me in my current state.
"Geez, Michelle," she groaned, placing my lovely iced caramel espresso in front of me. She looked around slightly with an apologetic smile before casting her death glare on me. "Shut up, you're disturbing people."
I shrank down a little and gave her one of my best winning smiles. "I'm sorry, Annie."
She sighed and sank back down into her seat in front of me to finish her book. "Don't worry about it, hun. Just remember me in your will before you die. Or, if I die, you better damn write me an awesome ass eulogy because I feel like I'm going to have a cardiac arrest from all the stress you put me in."
"Sorry, again," I smiled demurely at her, "But thank you for sticking next to me. I know I'm beyond difficult to deal with right now, but I really appreciate it. And don't worry, the outline's already been typed on my computer. The letter for my will too."
She shook her head and chuckled. "Trust you to be so prepared."
I shrugged. "I was feeling in the mood."
She put up a hand and smiled at me. "I'm not even going to ask."
…
Five hours later, and I was ready to implode and be swallowed up into the dark matter of blissful nothingness. Because, in nothingness, I bet there would be no exams. No strict teachers. No straight A dependent scholarships, or caffeine driven study nights where I go into a panic attack every time I run out of coffee. No, if I could live in nothingness every year just two weeks before Christmas, I would be at peace.
But here I was, face pressed against the cool wooden table of a Starbucks café near my apartment. The room was filled with fluorescent lighting and the heavenly smell of brewing coffee but I couldn't even enjoy that because at that moment, I had officially become incapacitated. School had finally become the death of me because I swear, I could see the light and God's hand hoping to help me reach salvation.
I blinked and finally realized that actually Jake, one of my annoying twin brothers, was currently shining a flashlight in front of my eye.
"Is she dead?" I heard as my other brother, Tom, asked.
"Nah, I think she either fell asleep with her eyes open, or she's hallucinating."
"Is that you, Jesus?" I gasped.
"Hallucination it is, then," a different voice sounded this time. "Although, it's not the first time someone's called me God."
I groaned and shot upright, "I was just kidding people." I rubbed the back of my palms into my eyes and saw stars behind my eyes. Stupid Jake and his carry on flashlight.
"What are you guys doing here anyway?" I looked to Jake for the answer, and then looked toward the cocky stranger that had spoken in, "And who're you?"
"We are here as your cavalry and were instructed to lead you to bed," Jake grinned, "Ryan came looking for some excitement."
"Excitement?" I raised an eyebrow at 'Ryan', "Was watching a 27 year old supposedly grownup man flashing the light of his periwinkle flashlight into the unsuspecting eye of an incapacitated college girl really that entertaining?"
Jake scowled at me and muttered something that vaguely sounded like, it's just a purplish blue, while Ryan just grinned at me. And boy was he pretty.
"Well, at first it was just amusing, but you sure do get my heart jumping, honey."
"Name's Michelle."
"Well, belle it is then," he gave me a disarming smile but I just glowered at him before standing up and packing my bag.
"Alright," I shrugged on my backpack, "I'm ready, boys. Lead on."
Ryan gave me another amused smile while Jake and Tom rolled their eyes. I ruffled my twins's hairs and smiled happily at the prospect that sleep was finally in my future.
…
Speed forward to the middle of next week and I was bent over my desk in the apartment that I shared with my two older twin brothers. Who, at the moment, were really not being very considerate.
They had graduated a year before and so they felt like every afternoon should be spent doing nothing but screaming at the television while they played video games like no tomorrow. Not that I would really say I wouldn't either, being a big game lover myself, but with the disturbance they were causing and the temptation of procrastination that I was trying to fight, let's just say I was more than a bit frustrated.
My chair pushed back with a sharp squeak and toppled over as I stalked over to my bedroom door that was doing little to muffle the noises coming from the living room. I pulled the door open and slammed it against the wall stopper as I glared at the house's current inhabitants. My siblings didn't so much as turn my way, seeing as how they were enamored with the game before them, but the living room's third guest looked my way before the door even made a sound. He took a slow sip of his beer as he gave me an amused look that broiled my insides a little before I stomped my way to the TV and promptly snatched the controller from Tom, paused the game, and turned off the screen.
"What?!"
"Michelle!"
"Enough!" I tossed the controller back at Tom and gave them my best look of death as I continued. "Some of you may have already graduated but as for me, I have 3 more exams to finish that are detrimental to my grade and a makeup that if I fail, will lose me 6 credits! So, if you can't keep the noise level down while I study my ass off in that room, then you better get out or I'll make sure that every time you bring a girl over, you won't be getting anything but your own hand!"
I huffed. "Do I make myself clear?!"
"Yes," they both grumbled, rubbing their necks in guilt at the same time.
"Good," I harrumphed as I walked back into my room.
I studied a few more minutes, keeping a close ear for any noise outside and smiled in content when I heard nothing. It was good to finally be surrounded by silence.
…
I woke up to a light touch on my cheek and as I opened my eyes, I stared into the most gorgeous green eyes I had ever seen. That, and a perfect nose, well-sculpted lips, high cheekbones, and semi-shaggy brown hair. All in all, I was drowning in his perfection for those few seconds before I realized I was actually drowning in drool.
I shot straight up, wiped my mouth, and stuffed my saliva stained notebook under my butt.
"Uh, what're you doing here?" I said brilliantly.
He gave another one of his 'amused' looks and showed off his nice pearly whites.
"I brought you tea," he said, and sure enough, there it was in his hand. He stepped closer to place it on the desk in front of me, now partly clear because of the notebook I was currently sitting on.
"Oh," I stared at the teal mug in front of me. I added perfect smile and considerate onto the list.
I smiled slightly at him, "How'd you know I like tea after a nap?"
His cheeks tinged a slight pink and he shrugged. "Jack and Tom figured you passed out so I asked if you liked to drink coffee after naps also and they said you liked tea more for afternoon naps."
I grinned at his sudden shyness and stretched my arms. "Yeah, caffeine's not the best thing to drink 24/7 so I try to drink water first in the morning and tea after any naps I take just to calm my system down."
"That's smart."
"Thanks," I smiled at him.
He stood there a while longer, hands in his pockets, eyes lingering on me, and a faint smile on his lips before he seemed to finally snap out of it.
"I'll, uh, be outside with the guys. Promise we'll behave."
"Okay," I grinned, "Thanks and tell them that too please!"
"Will do," and then he left without another word.
I sighed and smiled slightly at the tea in front of me.
Look at that, he got my favorite cup too.
…
"I did it!" I shrieked at Annie. "I'm done! I'm free! It's over!"
She laughed. "Yeah, and the student body has successfully evaded your wrath for another 3 months."
"I know! Aren't you glad?" I squealed. "I am! This time I don't even have to write an apology letter because I made a freshman cry!"
"Yippee for you, Michelle," she laughed, "Can we go watch a few chick-flicks now?"
"Oooh!" My eyes watered at the prospect of just lying around with my best friend. "Yes, please!"
"Oh, 'Chelle, are you crying? You're unbelievable." But she linked her arm through mine and started walking toward her place, which was conveniently enough only a 5 minute walk away from the university. That lucky girl.
Halfway there, I could tell she had something she wanted to say by the little looks she kept sending my way.
"Yes, best friend?" I asked, still on a high from finally finishing all my winter exams.
"Well, best friend," she gave me a coy look, "I've been hearing a lot about a certain hot male named Ryan that thinks you're the cutest thing ever since kittens invaded the internet in Santa costumes."
I blushed. "Oh, please. There's nothing cuter than little Santa kittys."
"Probably not. But anyhow, I hear he's got a thing for you."
"Oh, really?" I pursed my lips. "And where did this sudden…information come from?"
"Oh, you know," she smirked, "A little birdie told me."
"Birdie as in my twin brother Jake?" I asked her. "You know, I've heard a lot about how the birdie and a certain other canary have been singing a lot of tunes together."
This time it as her turn to blush. "Is that so?"
"Yep, and you know what happens when two birds sing," I smirked at her. "The birds and bees and all."
"Michelle!" she gasped, but laughed all the same. "We were going to tell you."
"Don't worry, it's fine with me you've got a thing going on with my bro. Just don't break his heart or anything and I'll make sure that if he hurts you my family will have to rely on just me and Tom to carry on the family genes."
She giggled. "Thanks, 'Chelle. But you didn't really think you'd get out of our little Ryan conversation that easily, did you?"
I groaned. "But boys have cooties!"
"And babies come out of your vagina, big deal."
"Ew, Annie!"
…
I walked back home with a content smile on my face and a distant knowledge in my brain that I probably had too many double fudge cookies and wine. Probably why I stumbled when I finally made it to the apartment door, but giggled like I hadn't just forgotten my keys were still at Annie's.
I banged on the door a few times before calling out to the boys.
"I'm the boogieman, but if you open this door I promise I won't eat you alive!" I giggled out.
I heard a bit of muttering on the other side and a chuckle before the door was opened, but the sight before me wasn't what I was expecting.
Ryan stood right in front of me with that shmexy smile on his lips and his beautiful green eyes crinkled in amusement.
"Well, miss boogieman, why don't you step inside?" he grinned.
I walked in the door, ending up only a few inches from his chest since he still didn't move once he'd closed and locked the door.
We were so close I could feel the heat coming off his body and I felt giddy when I saw that for once, the look he gave me wasn't amusement. He looked like he was hungry for some monster flesh. My monster flesh in particular.
I knew I was drunk and it gave me all the more courage to lean in a little and whisper in his ear, "You know, I don't like breaking my promises. But I really feel like I want to just eat you up."
He smiled broadly down at me, his eyes growing darker by the second. "You hungry, hungry little monster."
"Run, run, as fast as you can. I'll always catch you, I'm the boogieman!" I giggled, "Wait, I think that's the wrong song."
"Yeah it is," he smiled, before coming down and giving me a soft peck on the cheek. "And you're adorable."
I pouted. "But I want to be sexy."
He grinned. "You're that too, but right now I think you should go sleep."
I smiled coyly up at him. "Will you be joining me?"
He gasped in mock indignation. "How dare you so inappropriately proposition me!"
I giggled, and pecked him back on the cheek. "Fine, then. Goodnight!"
I swayed slightly on my feet as I walked out of the little hallway and into the living room it led into. My brothers were both sitting on the couch, playing video games, and they both turned around with a knowing look.
"Nightie!" I gave them both a sloppy kiss on the cheek and turned around to blow a kiss to Ryan before scurrying into the bathroom.
"Never mind, I gotta pee!"
…
Saturday morning found me more than a little bit embarrassed by the occurrences of last night. I woke up softly rubbing the spot Ryan had kissed before I nearly barfed at myself. I was definitely acting too much like a love-struck teenaged girl for my liking.
After I'd finally gotten dressed and ready for the new (no doubt awesome since I had no more studying to do) day to come, I made my way to the kitchen for breakfast.
Although I was slightly hoping he wouldn't be there, since I was still a bit pink from thinking about my drunk self last night, I knew he probably would be. Another weird part of me was also hoping he would be there so that maybe I could test if my lips had better aim, now that I was sober and all.
I'm very disgraced to say that's why I didn't leave the bathroom until I'd applied enough makeup to look naturally beautiful. That is, enough to look better than I had the last few days but not too much so that it wasn't completely obvious I wanted to get dolled up just for him.
I sighed as I realized that I'd finally become another complicated female.
Breathing in and breathing out, I walked into the kitchen that morning in a pair of black tights and an off the shoulder blue sweater. Yes, even my outfit was designed to look 'casually sexy', and did I mention I braided my hair to one side so that my bare shoulder would be more pronounced? I just want to repeat that I'm not proud.
Once I'd walked in, I was only semi-prepared for the sight before me because there was Ryan, again, and he was cooking.
How can someone be so freaking perfect?
"Good morning," I called out after a few minutes of guiltily watching his deltoids and nice backside move around a bit.
I walked closer as he turned around to look at me. He gave me faint smile as his eyes drifted from my eyes to my bare shoulder…and lacy black bra strap. I know, I'm a genius.
And argh, so proud but not proud at the same time!
I gave him a coy smile, knowing exactly where his mind went off to but continued on, "Smells good, what's cookin'?"
He grinned. "You tell me, good lookin'."
I pinked a bit in delight and crinkled my nose at him. "Not sure that's how it goes."
"Hm," he gave it some thought, "Well I don't think 'run, run, as fast as you can—"
I pressed my hand against his mouth to keep him from continuing and couldn't help but squeal a bit when he nipped my palm.
"I was drunk last night," I blushed, "So yeah, the cogs in my brain were a little off."
"Well, I was not complaining," he winked at me before grabbing a plate and scooping some eggs, bacon, and sausages onto it. He handed it to me.
"Wow," I smiled at him. "Thanks."
"You look beautiful, by the way," he smiled a little demurely this time. "Makes me wish you guys had a 'kiss the cook' apron instead."
"Yeah well, we don't really cook much," I grinned, setting the plate down. "But, what you want can be arranged."
I pulled him down by the neck of our current apron, a plain blue one we got from the dollar store, and pressed my lips firmly against his. I nipped at his bottom lip when he still hadn't moved after a while, but once I'd swept the tip of my tongue lightly over where I'd bit him, he'd already gotten the memo.
His hands wrapped lightly around my waist as I tugged gently on his hair, making him moan against my mouth, much to my delight. He tightened his hold on me and pressed himself closer to my body when I got the feeling we weren't alone anymore.
"We were wondering why breakfast was taking so slow."
Ryan jumped so hard that he accidentally bumped against my head while I just groaned and turned around to glare at my brothers.
"Oh don't mind us, just make sure our breakfast doesn't burn," Tom grinned.
"And Ry, we decided it's totally fine with us if you want to date our sister as long as you keep cooking for us also," Jake added with an equally annoying smirk.
"Well, belle," Ryan, having finally recovered, gave me a cheeky smile, "Looks like I've got the brothers' approvals."
I let myself bask in the presence of the perfect guy before me for a minute with a wide idiotic smile on my face before I cleared my throat, grabbed my plate again, and stuffed my mouth full of food.
"Well then you better keep the food coming, hun!"
AN: It's been a while since I've posted anything since I've got an awful case of writer's block, but late one night, this came out of me. I swear I'm not pregnant.
Just wanted to clarify though that I own no brand names, company names, or store names mentioned in this. I'm just a little Floridian girl hoping I won't kill myself from being such a night owl.
Oh stories, can't you invade my brain in the morning? Or better yet, afternoon?