I woke up at five the following morning as usualâTen years with a set schedule will do that to you. But instead of waking up to screaming sergeants and freezing showers, I woke up to the sound of her soft breathing. She was asleep on her chest, the bottom of her bare body covered with the black comforter. I slowly traced the contours of her back with my fingers. A soft sigh, followed by a sleepy smile, graced her face. I couldn't keep my own happiness from pouring out. Finally, after all this time we could finally be together.
I allowed my mind to space as I considered the possibilities for breakfast. The sudden sound of my phone ringing gave me a start. I slipped out of bed and found my way towards the restroom, where I closed the door. "What do you want man? It's early as fuck." I said as I took a seat on the closed toilet.
"Shut up. I know you were already awake." He shot back. I grinned.
"Actually, I think you should come home." He clarified. I furrowed my brows. "Everything okay?" I asked, the waver in his tone alerting me to his hesitation. "Just...get here." He urged as just before hanging up the call. After using the restroom and washing my hands, I made my way over to where she lay.
I looked around for my clothes and slipped them on as soon as I found them. Once I'd finished getting dressed, I made my way over towards her sleeping form. "I'll be back soon Princess." I promised before placing a kiss on her head, then making my way out.
The drive to my house was uneventful. Once I'd pulled in and parked, I took out my keys and made my way up the stairs.
"Jase? I'm home!" I called out as I wandered into the kitchen and grabbed a bagel from the pantry. I leaned against the counter as he stepped out of the room.
"Morning." I was greeted by his full mouth. "Ah, lovely. Just what I want to see in the morning, your chewed-up breakfast." He teased as he stuck his tongue out. I rolled my eyes. "So, what's so important that you asked me to come home? I was gonna take her out for breakfast." I muttered as I rested a chunk of bagel in one of my cheeks.
"We just got this." Jason said as he held out a paper to me. "The fax came in early this morning. It's from Florida so I believe they're a few hours ahead.
"But we don't know anyone from Florida." I reminded as I read through the text.
"Dear Mr. Ramos, It is our duty to inform you..." I trailed off as I read the rest in my head. Jason took advantage and grabbed himself a banana from the fruit bowl. My heart had nearly stopped by the time I reached the end.
"Marie?" I asked out-loud as I desperately tried to remember. "Who's..." I trailed off when memories of my mother's best friend flooded my mind. She had been there through everything. Through all the fights and tears. She had been the one to offer us refuge, but my Mother declined.
"My mom's friend..." I informed as I stared at the sheet of paper. "It says that now that I'm twenty-one, I can legally claim the property that my mom left me. Marie is requesting my presence because the bank is trying to demolish it..." Silence befell the kitchen then.
"So what are you gonna do?" He asked as he discarded the peel in the trash. "I have to go. If it's something my mother left me, it's gotta be worth something. Maybe this can help me with my studies. Pay for my law school. Get me set to buy a house..." I trailed off.
"What about Hazel?" Jason asked cautiously. "I should do it for her."
"But will she be okay with it?" He asked as I stared at the floor. "She's gonna miss you." He reminded. "I know."