She really should stop being so antisocial.
It wasn't
really her fault, though. If anyone was in her position, they'd one hundred percent do the same thing. Flat on her back, tangled up in pure white sheets and long limbs, she smiled. Her time away from Murphy had been unbearable. Erika had hit rock bottom and she couldn't find a way up and out. Her family and friends had been supportive but that wasn't going to bring him back.
She'd lost her sparkle. She'd become glum and disenchanted, unfocused and lethargic. It felt like her world had been tipped upside down and shaken vigorously. It was actually noticeable.
But somehow, whether it be through divine intervention or cosmic destiny, they'd found one another again. As much as she loved her family, Erika just wanted five more minutes, never mind the fact that they'd been here for a few hours. Super secret spy style, they'd sneaked into the party, giggling like teenagers about to have some sort of clandestine rendezvous. Getting past Freya was like trying to steal the crown jewels. It was a twist of fate that at the exact same moment, one of their aunties had distracted her and Erika had swiped the keys with a deft hand.
Their little cabin wasn't actually that little. Near the top of the gorgeous tree, their space contained a full double bed. It was a bit of a squeeze but she couldn't think of anything and anyone she'd rather be pressed up against. It smelled fresh, like pine and linen. Their bathroom was clean and the towels were fluffy and the pillows plump. With them being so high up in the canopy, it was rather peaceful. She was dimly aware of the music and chatter that drifted up and through the leaves but she was in no hurry.
It did honestly feel like some sort cloak-and-dagger affair. Erika was a grown woman of twenty five and yet, the idea of her nanna catching her with her boyfriend was both terrifying and hilarious. She wasn't ashamed of Murphy. Hell no. He was decisively her better half and she didn't deserve him. It was her mission to show him off, have an amazing time and make time for snuggling. Her family were full on and everyone would want to greet them but for the time being, they were fine as they were. They'd seen him a few times since their reconnection, she took every opportunity to have with him with her but this felt very official. A birthday was a big deal.
With a lazy yawn, Erika rolled over and scooted closer, placing a kiss on Murphy's shoulder before resting her chin on his collarbone lightly. It must be no surprise that Murphy knew she watched him when he slept and if it wasn't, then she was not about to tell him. For the first time in months, she felt
safe. She hadn't gone off the rails in his absence. She'd gone the other way, becoming pale and withdrawn and sulky but she was back on sparkling form.
"Hey," she said gently, bumping his jaw line with the tip of her nose. "We're going to have to go and say hello," she added softly. He looked so peaceful when he was asleep and she regretted having to leave the warm and soft cocoon of blankets and sheets. "I think there might be pizza?" She replied, bright blue eyes sparkling as she grinned.
With dexterous care, Erika shifted to stand, her bare feet sinking into the mattress as she stepped over his body and hopped off the edge of the bed, rummaging around for her discarded dress. She couldn't find it. Shrugging, she found
another. Her long legs stepped across the bedroom as she peered out of the window and she gave a soft gasp. The sun was setting, the pinks and vibrant oranges filtering through the branches. "Come and look at this," she said to Murphy as she held out her hand for him to take before opening the cabin's door and leaning against the doorframe. "How much trouble do you think I'd get into if I swung from that branch over there?" She asked, wiggling her eyebrows at him. Her mother would pitch an almighty fit.
@Murphy Regan <33
