Back in the bathroom, I brush my teeth, then my hair, twisting it up into a messy bun with a scrunchie to match my capris. I apply a hint of eyeliner and some mascara to help accentuate my eyes since I've been told by many they are my brightest feature. I try to cover my reddened cheeks, but the stupid rash is being stubborn. I guess pink cheeks it is. As I am staring in the mirror at my finished appearance, there's a knock on the door.
Noah
I can hear traces of her scrambling around before the door opens, and it makes me smile. Once the door swings in, my grin widens. She isn't wearing her mask, and goddammit, she is stunning. Just seeing her, takes my breath away. “Well, look at you.” I try to say smoothly as I eye her up and down. “This is a new look. Although, I am quite fond of the pajama look.” I chuckle as I tease her. I can tell she knows I'm being facetious as she blushes and smiles in return.
“I wanted to look…alive, I guess, is the word.” CiCi lightly laughs and bites her lower lip.
Lip biting is a heart-stopper for me, especially on beautiful women, and FUCK, CiCi is more than beautiful. She appears to be the full package. “No mask today?” I question with raised eyebrows.
CiCi beams and fuck me, that smile is to die for. “Nope. Your test was negative, and I feel confident I am safe to be around you since I haven't been around anyone else.” She shifts her stance as she shifts her gaze around. She must notice the bags of food I brought. “My apologies, please come in. Thank you for bringing me groceries. I have money for you.” She moves out of the way and allows me into her house.
I glance about the room as I walk where directed. The house is small but nicely decorated. It suits her. Diplomas hang on one wall, family photos on another—nice beige furniture to match the creamy colored walls. Once in the kitchen, again small, I set the bags on the counter space and begin to unload the food.
As I unpack the groceries, she puts stuff away. I can't help except notice that she is still blushing. I did some research on the illness she mentioned, and a facial rash was part of it. I wonder if she is trying to hide it. It's not for me to ask, and I don't want to upset her or ruin this day. I finish unpacking and turn to her. “Where do you put the empty bags?” I wink at her as I fold up the empty bags.
“I have a drawer for them. I'll take them, thanks.” CiCi reaches out for them, and I hand them to her. “Are you hungry? I can make us something.”
I shake my head slightly with a grin and head into the living room, which she follows after me. I sit on her couch, and damn, it’s comfortable. I pat the spot beside me, “Come sit. Let's watch something.” As I make myself cozy, she debates sitting beside me, and I suppose she decides it’s safe to do so, but not too close.
CiCi grabs a pillow and holds it in her lap and picks up her television remote. “What would you like to watch? A movie? Sitcom?” She looks at me with those gorgeous eyes, and I melt. I am a goner and see my future in those eyes. I will do anything to make this woman mine. If I knew back then that we were fated, I wouldn't have done all that I have. My life hasn't been the greatest, and I'm far from innocent. But as I have been told, it’s never too late.
Pulling myself from the depths of my daydream, I focus on the now. “How about a sitcom? That way, we can watch more every day.” I wink and smile at her, making her cheeks turn redder than before. Whether that's a rash on her cheeks or not, the color looks good on her.
CiCi loads Netflix and scrolls through the sitcoms, landing on one we both agree to and start watching. The show is good, making us laugh so hard that we didn't even notice we hadn't eaten anything all afternoon. She offers to make something, but being the man I am, I stepped up and order a pizza. The day has been going so well, I didn't want it to end. CiCi has even moved closer to me on the couch, and I love the feeling.
Celia
It’s been a week since I met Noah. Well, not actually met him, I knew him as a kid, but I am just now getting to know him. He's been super sweet and handy to have around. It's not only that, though, I honestly think he sees me. The real me. He has yet to comment on my rash, my tiredness, or the fact that I haven't really left the house this week. It's like he knows, and he cares. Is it possible to find your match, your forever, while quarantined during a pandemic? I've been dreaming about Noah all week like I did when I was younger, but these dreams are more vivid. My heart skips a beat or two every time I see him. And when I get close to him, I want to touch him, kiss him, be as close as possible to him. I've never really been in love before, lust, sure, but real love, no. Is Noah my match? Am I falling in love?
Yawning, I start to roll over in bed and the pain…oh my god, it hurts. My head and my entire body aches. Shit, today is not going to be a good day. A lonely teardrop falls from my eye, and I wipe it away. No! I won't let this stop me from having Noah time, I repeat over in my mind, and tears start to pour out. The pain becomes unbearable. I need my medications, and I need them fast. I need to get on top of this. I lay in bed for a few more minutes and then force myself out slowly, making my way to the bathroom to get my medications and taking them. There's a knock on the door as I was working my way back to bed, so I change my direction. I know it’s Noah. I don't want him to see me like this, but I can't hide it forever.
Another knock.
“Coming,” I yell as loud as I can as I move slowly. I open the door, and there stands my dream man. “Hi,” I mumble.
Noah is quick to notice things are not good. “Shit, CiCi, are you not feeling well?” He is quick to scoop me up in his arms and bring me to the couch. He sets me down gently and kneels in front of me. “What can I do?” he asks with concern fully displayed across his face. He wipes my damp cheeks and reaches for a blanket that sits on the back of my couch and covers me.
“A glass of water and company will work,” I mutter out through the pain.
Noah swiftly gets me some water. He closes the front door, takes his shoes off, and gets comfortable on the couch with me. Picking up the remote, he hands it to me. “We can watch something if you want, or you can rest. I will be right here, babe,” he says as he runs his hand through my messy hair. “Did I do this?” He looks at me with concern, worried. He must've not noticed what he called me, but I sure did, and I love it.
I curl my body against his, moving carefully to not cause more pain. “No. This is what I live with on a bad day. I have taken my medications. Hopefully, I won't be as bad in an hour or so.” I peer up at his handsome face and attempt a smile. “Lupus sucks. Fibromyalgia sucks. Autoimmune disorders in general suck.”
He nods his head in agreement. “I guess so. I will have to do some research on them. I want to be able to help you.” His fingers glide through my hair like a comb, and it feels so good. I've always loved getting my hair brushed or played with. I am not telling him, though, he may stop. I laugh at the thought.
“I appreciate that, babe,” I toss the lingo back at him and give him my best grin. Turning the remote around in my hand, I get Netflix running and start our show.
Noah
I have fallen for CiCi. Plain and simple. My walls have dropped, and my heart opened completely for this amazing woman. All last week, we spent time together. We got to know each other better, we chatted about the past, the present, and the possible future, well the future with the damn virus. Celia is my future. Seeing her sick and in pain is torture. Her medications barely do anything for her, but she is a fighter. I called her 'babe' hoping she would let it slide, but she caught it and returned the endearment.