“Well, hello, CiCi.” He smiles. So much so, you can see his eyes glisten. “I'm pleased to meet you…again.” He tries to sneak the last word in under his breath, but I heard it. “My aunt tells me you need a few things from the store. I'm more than happy to get those for you.” He shifts his stance on the step to fully take me, and I suddenly remember what we were doing in my doorway.
I shake some sense into myself. “Yes. Right. Well, let’s see what I've got here.” I dig into my purse and grab my wallet. Pulling out a twenty, I hand it to him. “I think this will do. I only need those few things for now.” I peer up at him. “Thank you so much for going. I would go if I could.” I point to my mask.
He nods his head at me and grins. “It's my pleasure and not a problem. I will get your things for you and be back shortly.” He quickly spun around and walked away.
I slowly started to close the door as I watch him cross the street. Damn, he definitely has a nice ass. Turning, I rip the mask off and lean against the door, lowering myself to the floor. I catch my breath and smile. Holy shit. It's Noah. My preteen dream boy back in my life when I need help. My heart starts to pound. Slow down heart. He will probably be like all men, but we can wish. I sigh.
After regaining my wits, I get up off the floor and head to the bathroom to fix my hair, brush my teeth, and put on a little makeup. I want to look a little less like death when he returns.
I'm sure I was in the bathroom for an extended amount of time because it wasn't long before there was a knock on the door. I take one last glance in the mirror and calmly but quickly rush down the short hall to the door. Grabbing my mask, I put it on and open the door. But Noah has already left. I notice him crossing the street, heading back toward Mary's. Discouraged that I missed him, I peer down at my step to notice a bag of groceries with a note taped to it.
I look back up in time to watch him and his nice ass, finish crossing the street. Bringing the few groceries to the kitchen, I set the bag on the counter and snatch the note off of it.
Noah 613-555-3720
Call me anytime should you need anything.
I smile at the gesture and tuck the note in my pocket. Pulling the items one by one out of the bag, I put them away in the proper spots and head to the living room. I pick up my cellphone and add his contact information, giddy like a schoolgirl. I've never had a dream man come into my life. Better take it one day at a time, just like I do with my illnesses.
Noah
As I saunter away, I catch a side glimpse of Celia. Damn. I can't believe I walked away like that. CiCi is one fine looking woman, even with a mask on. Her eyes are enough to pull anyone in. There's just enough green and blue mixed so bright, with pale lashes. Beautiful. With her face surrounded by luscious red waves, this woman didn't know it yet, but with the little I've seen of her, my walls have begun to crumble. How could the young redhead from across the street transform into such a stunning sight?
In the house, I toss my keys on the counter, grab a can of cola from the fridge, and sit back in the chair I was in before. My thoughts are swirling about the angel across the street.
“Well, that was awfully quick,” Aunt Mary says as she turns the volume down on the television. She glances my way and raises her eyebrows, silently questioning me.
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I chuckle. “CiCi seems nice,” I tell her. With a bit of concern, I continue, “She slammed the door at first, but then opened it again. She was wearing a mask the second time.” I lean forward, intrigued. Is she really sick?
Aunt Mary smiles big. “So, it’s CiCi already. You must have given a good first impression.”
“I know what you are doing, and I think I know who she is.” I grin at her assumption. “Now, the mask, is it serious?” Just as I finish asking, I feel my cellphone vibrate, and the silly chime I set for texts blasts throughout the small living room.
“That's something you need to discuss with CiCi. Go ahead.” She nods toward me, suggesting I answer my text. “I have a new show to watch, and steaks are marinating.” Returning her focus back on the television, she turns the volume back up.
Unknown: I didn't get to thank you.
The text is from CiCi. I smile as I stare at my phone. Getting up from the chair, I grab my soda and head to my room. Closing the door behind me, I sit on the edge of my bed and add Celia to my contacts list, thinking of something witty to respond with.
Noah: Not sure how serious things are over there with the mask and all. Didn't want to invade your personal space.
I hope that bringing up the mask wasn't going too far, but I need to know what I'm dealing with before I let myself in.
CiCi: Just precautions. I have Lupus and other autoimmune diseases, so I need to be cautious.
Well, that makes perfect sense. There's no way I would want to get the woman sick. This virus has been taking lives faster than doctors can diagnose. I think I will go get tested before I go back over there.
Noah: Understand completely. Going to get tested tomorrow. I wanna be safe to be around you. And believe me, I want to be around you.
Celia
It’s been a couple days since I'd last seen or heard from Noah. Things have been quiet and lonely. Literal Netflix and chill have been my life. It’s true about boredom; people eat when they are bored. Well, at least I do. All of my snack food is gone, and my milk is almost gone. I think I have an addiction to strawberry milk.
I roll over in my bed and look at the clock. It's 9:00 A.M. I suppose I should get up and make a list. Shopping is a good reason to text Noah, plus, after a couple days of yelling at my television screen, I need to socialize with someone else.
Reaching for my phone, I forget the list. I just want to talk to Noah. Maybe he has his test results. It would be nice to have someone join my bubble. Searching through my contacts, I find his number and start typing.
CiCi: How are things going over there? Did you get your test done?
Rolling onto my back, I grip my phone tightly and sigh. I probably sound desperate, but wait, am I not? Noah is extremely good-looking, and I'm lonely. I only want a friend, someone to hang with, talk to, and watch movies with while locked up in this box I call home. My phone buzzes.
Noah: Hey, neighbor, things are good. Test done and luckily came back negative. ;) Do you need anything?
Well, that doesn't sound too promising. He just wants to do my errands? I suppose that's something.
CiCi: Groceries and a friend :( Being alone sucks.
I bite my lower lip in anticipation of his answer, hoping I'm not pushing limits.
Noah: Make me a list, I'll be over in half an hour.
Half hour. Half hour! That's not long enough. Shit! I toss my cell phone on the bed and rush to the bathroom. Quickly, I work my way out of pajamas and turn the water on for a shower.
I'm used to getting ready at a fast pace. Being a nurse, you try to schedule your time accordingly for every task because our days are extremely busy. But, being off work, there are no more schedules. And now, I'm being given a time limit set by a sexy man, a man I used to dream about, one I want to get to know. I begin to feel frantic. While being in a flare-up, moving quickly is not easy, but I do my best. I've had good days lately, so I've been taking advantage of them. I finish drying off after the quickest shower I have ever had, head into my bedroom, and pick out a simple outfit to put on, some striped capris and plain tank top. I am but a simple woman who wears nothing except comfy clothing.