Episode 152: A Day off (Part 2, long)
McGraw/Goth Household
At a certain point, a teenager’s life becomes even more exciting than it already was. You enter upper-level high school. You learn more than your brain can sometimes process. But then there are those moments when you simply withdraw to escape the stress of the daily school grind for a bit. And… to try out new things. "Hnhn, heh, I can barely breathe, Morty…".
Kissing is arguably one of the most wonderful experiences at that age. And by now, Bella and Mortimer are more than skilled at it. "I'm sorry…" / "It's okay, hnhn. But if you keep going like this, you'll end up devouring me…" He smiled a little and then looked into her eyes. A much gentler kiss followed. "Better?" / "Mhm.".
After another, less tempestuous kiss, Mortimer leaned back and looked at her silently for a moment. "What are you thinking about, Morty?" Bella asked, stroking his face. "Well, what else would I be thinking when the most beautiful girl in the world is lying next to me—someone I’ve known for so incredibly long and who takes my breath away every single day?" / "Hn… I like your compliments." / "And I like you—you know how much… Bella."
For a brief moment, she glanced at one of the pretty pictures on his wall. Of course, she knew what he was getting at. "Of course I know that… I… I’m sorry that I… am still so hesitant when it comes to… us getting closer." / "Are you afraid of me?" / "What? No, not at all…" / "Then how much longer am I supposed to play this game? I don't want to keep lying to everyone else, claiming we've already done it a few times…".
"I'm sorry… I want it too, Morty…" / "And… why don't we just do it, then?" / "That's the question I keep asking myself… Really, I'm not afraid of you, and I'm not afraid of… doing it." / "But?…" / "I just want it to be something special…" / "For me, every day with you is special." She smiled and took a deep breath.
A few seconds passed before she sat up and looked at him with an expression that seemed mysterious and hard for him to read. "What is it?" / "I might have… an idea." / "What kind?" / "Well, there’s that nice school dance tomorrow." / "Shit, was that really tomorrow?" / "Don't tell me you forgot about it, Morty??" For a moment, her expression showed a hint of dismay. He knew she really enjoyed events like that and that going was important to her. But he just grinned. "No, of course not. So, go on." She let out a short breath and continued. "Well, it’s the last one before graduation." / "Yeah, so?"…
Bella bit her lower lip slightly and toyed with the bottom buttons of his shirt. "Well, I could talk to Pauline and Xander and ask if it's okay for me to come over to your place afterwards. It wouldn't be the first time I've stayed over at your place." Morty let the thought run through his mind, his heart pounding. "That... could be an option. But... Agnes and Stiles..." / "Hey, those two are much more laid-back and pleasant—unlike two little kids who could burst in at any moment."
While Mortimer was still considering how to respond, Bella leaned back to the side. Naturally, this wasn't the sort of thing one wanted to do in passing—and above all, one wanted to be as undisturbed as possible. That was why it was so important to talk it over properly. Deep down, Mortimer knew that his "substitute parents" trusted him implicitly and had taught him everything important to the best of their ability. "Okay… then here." A happy, contented smile crossed her face. "I love you, Morty."/ "I love you too.".
Later. Agnes was back home just before 3:00 p.m. Bella enjoyed spending time at the McGraws' and appreciated the casual conversations she couldn't always have with Pauline and Xander. "Can I ask you a question? It’s quite personal." / "Sure, what is it?" / "You two are the only people I know who don't have children yet…" It was a matter that had been on Bella's mind for quite some time.
Agnes smiled faintly and shrugged. "It just hasn't happened yet. We both work a lot and have different schedules, so it’s hard to… well, relax, you know?" Bella smiled, briefly thinking back to the conversation she’d had with Mortimer earlier. Being relaxed—that was likely the key to being able to truly let go. "Yeah… yeah, I understand, of course…" Agnes also noticed that Bella tended to overthink things. "Hey, don't worry; there’ll be the sound of a crying baby here someday, too. But for now, we’re going to the movies."
"Okay, and what are you guys going to see?" Mortimer asked curiously. "Don't ask me; Stiles has already picked out the tickets and won't tell me." / "Hey, the whole thing is supposed to be a surprise, and you don't give away surprises, right?" / "Hehe, you're right about that, Stiles…" / "I just hope it's not a total romance flick, because I get enough romance at home…" / "Don't worry, sweetheart, you'll definitely get your fill."
“I thought all the shops were closed on a public holiday, including the cinema…” / “No, not today; they even wrote that in the paper. You two are welcome to come along if you want…” Bella glanced over at her boyfriend inquiringly. But he shook his head. “No, we’ll stay home and find a way to pass the time.” / “Alright then, we’re heading off now. Have a lovely rest of the day.”.
The two of them watched Agnes and Stiles leave the house together. For a brief moment, they shared the pleasant silence that followed the long conversation. Then Mortimer put his arm around her shoulder. "So?" / "Oh, I know what you’re thinking… and my answer is no." / "Hehe… that’s okay. Do you… actually have any idea what you’re going to wear to the school dance yet?".
"No, not yet. I think I'll quickly rummage through my wardrobe tomorrow after school. What would you like to see me in?" / "Hmm, maybe something pretty and long…" / "Long? I always thought guys wanted to see girls in the shortest dresses possible." Mortimer smiled and then pulled her onto his lap. "I'm just not like other guys… Besides… it's easier to hide nice lingerie underneath." / "Oh, you!".
Mortimer was amused whenever Bella got a little worked up. Yet she knew there was no real reason for it; the two of them simply loved teasing each other. "Hmm, I was out shopping with Pauline the other day, and I actually spotted something nice." / "Really? Now you’ve got me curious." / "Ooh, I’m not telling. Say, how about you paint a portrait of me?".
"A portrait… Of you?" / "Mhm…" Bella nodded eagerly and glanced briefly at the cat, who was busy with its wall-mounted toy. "Uh, I don't know; I've never tried my hand at one before…" / "I’d be really happy if I could model for your first portrait, Mortimer." He looked into her eyes and quickly realized she was serious. At that moment, he admitted to himself that he had been looking for a new challenge when it came to painting. "Okay, if you can stand still that long. I'll give it a try."
To be continued…
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