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She makes me...

She makes me sooooo...

I don't know.

I can't explain it, really. This floating feeling that makes my smile spread and never cease whenever she's with me. When it's just us. She let's her barriers down and I like to think it's especially reserved for me.

"Tell me what you're thinking...," I whisper down to her as she lies across my chest. As absent minded as I may appear, just lying here, playing with the ends of her long, caramel locks, my mind is scattered with the after-shocks of our love-making.

"I'm thinking...I should probably go soon..," She giggles, lifting her weight off of me to prop her chin on her palm. "Wouldn't want to overstay my welcome," A quick wink and peck on the cheek and she tries to crawl out of bed.

My reaction is purely instinct; I can't get enough of her, even if I tried. And I have tried.

"Nuh-uh, spend the night with me. Just one more time," I grab her by one ankle, struggling to bring her to me as she teasingly keeps trying to squirm out of my reach.

"Boy, you're needy, don't you think?," She flips her hair over her shoulder, looking back to blow me a kiss.

"I need you like I need a hole in the head," I reply, rolling my eyes and pulling her back down to me. "Get back over here.."

As she lies beside me, I cup her face in the palm of my hand, gently caressing her soft skin with my thumb. "You might wanna try being nice to me for more than a 5 minute stretch," My words grow quieter as I slowly lean my lips onto her lips.

She raises her brow at this remark and opens her mouth to speak. Probably just to retort with something clever or smart-mouthed, but not before I stop her.

I kiss her lips and so the music begins to play in the background of my thoughts, like a movie scene. The warm aura that begins at the taste of her lips continues to spread through my body, my mind, my heart...my—

"Back off, you pervert!," My cloud 9 thoughts are abruptly interrupted when Charlie slaps my shoulder, pushing me out of her kiss. Her devious smile curls at the end of her lips, her eyebrow lifts, and so she dares, "You gotta catch me first!"

"I-What?"

She takes off running at full speed, throwing on a hotel robe, and leaving the room laughing like mad. I try to hurry and go after her, I think I know exactly where she's going. I leap out of bed and stretch my legs to stand only to fall on the floor. Kicking the tangled sheets off of my legs and feet, I dawn a robe and finally chase after her.

It better not be forever.

Hearing the ruckus of banging doors and metal tings from behind the kitchen doors, I turn to look over my shoulder, before entering.

"How'd I know you'd be in here..," I catch her red handed, stacking plates of deserts onto a serving tray, wheeling it all on a cart as if the hotels kitchen serves as her own personal grocery store.

"You can't completely ravish a girl and not feed her back to strength. Don't be scary," She dabs a whip of frosting on the end of my nose, bringing my attention away from vigilant look-out behavior, and back to her smirking lips.

"You're gonna pay for that!," I challenge, digging my fingers into a large slice of cake, threatening it over her head. "Don't you dare!," She starts running around the kitchen, me chasing after her as the two of us cackle like little children.

I throw the cake at her, watching as it splatters onto her hair and the side of her face as she squeals trying to wipe herself clean. "You little shit!," She laughs, pulling the refrigerator doors open and taking out a can of whipped cream. "Ha! Ha!"

I put my hands up, surrendering to her madness as I slowly back away. "Okay...you made your point. You win. Just don't-,"

She snickers and snorts as she douces me in specks of white, fluffy cream. My entire face may as well be a pie topping. I can't help but join in as she doubles over with cackling laughter. I lick my lips, opening my arms to tackle her into a hug before she can run away this time.

"Rami!! Stop!! Nooooo!!," She howls as I rub my face all over hers, then proceed to lick it clean. "What are you? A dog? Stop licking me!"

"The dirtiest dog you've ever met— Rufff, Ruuu-,"

"Who's in here!!"

"Get down!," I whisper quickly, putting my hand on her head so both of us duck down behind the kitchen island in time before were caught. "Get off of me!," Charlie hisses, slapping my hands away.

"I know you're in here- Jesus Christ! Look at this mess!!"

"Follow me," I place my finger over my lips as we both crawl around the kitchen island, listening to the footsteps approaching our hiding spot. "Get in," I harshly scold her as she crossed her arms, refusing to follow me into the empty bottom cupboard.

"Move over"

"I can't- shhh!," I use my hand to cover hers as we both hold our breaths. The hotel security guard breathes heavily as he mutters curses to himself.

"Damnit, I'm getting to old for this shit!," A beep followed by a cackling static noise sounds as he speaks into his dispatching radio. "All clear. The culprit got away, but someone's gonna have to clean this kitchen and as of now, I'm off the clock..."

As he sighs, his shoes scuff against the floors. I try to ignore the fact that Charlie's now sucking the mix of frosting and whipped cream off of my fingers so I can listen til the coast is clear. I gulp at the way her hot tongue swirls around my finger tip, dipping into the back of her mouth, slowly pulling it out clean.

I shake my head from going down that path once the heavy kitchen door clicks shut.

"Let's go, you frisky animal," I say, yanking my sticky hand free. "If you're a dog, I'm a dog," she giggles, standing to her feet and grabbing onto my arm to aid her through the dark kitchen.

"Where are you going?," She questions as I walk back toward the fridge instead of the exit door.

Grabbing another can or two of whipped cream, I wink at her, but quickly realize she probably can't see my face. "We'll be needing this for the bedroom..."

Quiet as we can manage we peak our heads into the hallway. "Let's go"

As we tip-toe the hallway to get back to my hotel room, I pull Charlie back behind the wall before the hallway splits direction to hide her. I spotted a troop of new security guards patrol the opposite hallway. "Shit. How will we get across! They'll see us"

"They have no proof," Charlie answers back. I give her a blank stare, pointing out the obvious evidence were covered in from head to toe. "Fine. Just run. Watch this!"

"What are you-,"

"Ooooh, boysss!!," She's quick with the way she covers her face, throwing her arms around her identity, as she opens the tie of her robe. "I said run!" She hisses, now with her naked body on full display for the guards standing awestruck with gaping mouths. "Oops- gotta go! Thank you for your service, men!,"

I wave my hand, pleading with her to hurry up as I hold the door open to my hotel room. She skids inside on the balls of her feet, breathless and giggly she stands in front of the closed door, clutching her chest. I push her against it, my body embracing hers as I slip her robe off and grab the sides of her face, "You're the love of my life, you know that?"

"Well, just you wait and see," She quips right before I mold my lips to hers. Her body relaxes against mine, her fingers slide into my sticky hair as our tongues swirl with a lust that melts my insides.

————————————————-

"I'm going to fix this. I told you I would."

"Angel, please. You heard the doctor. There isn't really much they can do to reverse the-,"

"Charlie's first appointment is today," Her tone matches my smile as I stop walking in my gloom, excitement peaking through.

"Really? Today? Here? Now?"

"Yes! That's what I've been trying to tell you! That's the smile I love to see"

I bite my lip to keep myself from cringing at her words. I'd love to see your smile clearly, my angel...

"Come on, quick! I bet we can catch her before she goes in," Cherie pops a quick kiss on my lips, slipping the tip of her tongue inside before she pulls me along after her.

We both shuffle along the winding corridors of the hospital hallways, giggling with each other as we try to spot the exit toward the gynecology clinic. She makes me feel vibrant when she's this playful. Young at heart forever.

"She said her appointment was today. She has to be around here somewhere...," Cherie says as she pokes her head into the waiting room.

"There she is...nibbling her fingernails like always.."

"What are you guys doing here?!," Charlie says as soon we sit down in the chairs on either side of her.

"Oh you didn't think we'd let you have all this fun alone, did you dear?," I pinch her cheek between my fingers, as she groans her indifference.

"Relax, Char. We're so excited! Aren't you?!," Cherie can hardly contain herself as she fusses over Charlie. Fixing her hair, straightening her shirt a little.

"Mum, stop," She says, pushing Cherie's hands away. "You get so jumpy when you're anxious."

"Melina Lurex," A nurse walks into the waiting room, reading the name off of her clip board.

I turn to smirk at Charlie who just replies "Get over yourself," before grabbing her purse to get up. "That's me," she says as I follow closely behind her.

She seems really uncomfortable as she sits on the exam table, Cherie and I sitting in the two chairs beside the bed. I can't believe she's old enough to be here in the first place and I admit my feelings about it are torn. But if my own past has taught me anything, it's that once the outline of a tiny human form appears on that screen— it's bliss.

"Ah, Miss Lurex is it?," Dr. Martin laughs lightly as he walks into the room, shaking our hands. "Good to see you again, Mr. And Mrs. Mercury," he says cheerfully.

"Now, I could have sworn I delivered a teeny-tiny little girl named Charlie just a few years ago!"

"I know!," Cherie excitedly squeezes my arm. "Our little baby is all grown up now!"

"I can see that...Charlie, how far along do you think you are?," Dr. Martin's kind demeanor has always been welcoming and appreciated in our family. I'm glad Charlie chose to come to him.

"I'm not really sure, at least more than two month...," Charlie's voice sounds scared and quiet— completely strange upon my ears since those two traits are not like her at all. I reach out for her hand as the doctor asks her to lift her shirt. She squeezes my fingers, I rub the back of her hand, small soothing circles for my baby girl—

Lubdub lubdub lubdub lubdub

There it is! I can't believe it! I can't control the range of emotions powering up inside of me. My little bean—My first grandchild! Instantly, I begin to choke up, the hitch in my breath summoning tears to free fall.

"Oh my god!," Charlie gasps, cupping her hand over her mouth, bringing my interlocked hand up with hers. Tears begin to stream down my hand as they catch from her moistened cheeks. I lean over to wipe them as her words of disbelief come out as fast whispers. "It's real, Papi. Its real! Oh my god, oh my god!"

I hold her hand tightly and wrap my other arm around Cherie as the two of them become blubbering messes. "Congratulations Charlie! And Grandmum and Granddad. Let's try for an ultrasound? We'll give you some privacy to undress. Place this cloth on and we'll be back in a minute"

Cherie sniffles a bit, her smile cracking wide open as her glossy eyes beam down upon Charlie. "Aw, Mum, you're gonna make me cry again," Charlie whines, wiping her makeup from under her eyes.

I kiss her forehead, the sound of a heart beat not my own pumping through my ears, a track on repeat that I wish will never stop playing.

"You're going to be a wonderful mother, my darling— just you wait and see...."

———————————————-

"You have still got so much energy and power— WOW!," She giggles, wiggling her shoulder against mine as we take a break. "I'm just so happy to finally sing alongside you, dear," I whole-heartedly reply, smug smile turning up my lips.

Listening to the way our voices lift each other up will never get old. My Montsy. She's always one to brighten my spirit, through song or friendship. And Cherie knows that— I guess that's why she invited her over, knowing today didn't start off too well. The truth is, Charlie's doctors visit already brightened my entire being!

"Teach me that line again, I promise I'll get it this time," I chuckle and it feels so good to finally be exploring this genre of music. I don't know why it's taken this long to take Montsy up on her offer. Other things have always gotten in the way.

"Por ti sere gaviota de-,"

"That word, right there. It isn't the most beautiful Spanish, is it?," I grimace causing Monsty to let out a soft giggle.

"Well, no. I guess not," She giggles again, bumping my shoulder with hers, making my excitement swirl inside. It's electrifying! "But the meaning of the lyric is beautiful."

"Yes, a seagull," I smirk, playfully rolling my eyes. "What a beautifully annoying creature...cah-caw, cah-cAw!"

"Hahaha— that's a crow!," She laughs and I feel my heart tenderly warm and begin to fill with thrill to be writing music with her. This has always been a dream!

"Crow...Seagull...I don't give a shit," Spreading my arms out over my head, I shamelessly giggle like a school-girl. "I'm a Persian poppin' jay, my dear. I can make a bigger bang than that, I tell you!"

"And just what kind of 'bang' does one 'Persian poppin jay' make?"

It takes a second to think it over, but I use the piano top to boast myself to my feet, inhaling a strong breath through my nose, puffing my chest, using my fist in the air for dramatic effect before belting:

"Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy-oOoOoOooOoOooOh—,"

"Freddie, you've another guest," Phoebe announces, as the sound of applause cuts me off.

"What are we up to?," She asks, making me jump at the sound of her voice. I sit back down on the piano bench, leveling myself with her.

"Cecilia, darling! You came!," Wrapping my hand around hers as she grabs my shoulder, I reach for the handles of her wheel chair to tug her towards me to embrace her in a hug.

"Of course I did!," She says, kissing my cheek before pulling away. "I've missed my Mercury's. Where's everybody else?"

—————————————————

Charlie:

I miss you. Come see me tonight?

I scoff as I read his text, putting my phone back down on the table as the nail-tech asks me to switch hands.

"Who's that?," Laura asks, leaning over from her chair as if I'd share this secret with her.

"Oh, nobody, dear. Some clingy guy that cant take a hint," I say, giving a tight smile.

"Are you not bringing a date to the wedding? You have a plus one, you know..," She continues talking as she twirls around in the swivel chair, walking towards the pedicure station behind me where the rest of the bridal party are seated.

"Charlie, bring a date? Ha! Yeah, right!"

That little twerp! She always has to call me out. I chuckle along with our audience, watching Mum smirk and lift an eyebrow at me as I finish up with my manicure to walk over and join them.

"As a matter of fact, Lilifred, I will be bringing someone," She pokes her head out from the waiting faces, glaring at me. She hates when I call her that! Serves her right, though...

"Oh, really? Who is it?," My Godmother, Rose asks, voicing everyone's intrigue.

"Um, well- it's...a surprise!," I stammer slightly, trying to sift through the 'black-book' in my brain.

"She doesn't have a date! She's lying!," Lily once again calls out my bullshit, but I'll never let her know it.

"Yeah, whatever, jealous.," I snicker, turning the tables. "You're just upset that you don't have a da-,"

"A date?," She finishes, smiling widely, her cheeks tinting to a rosey hue. "As a matter of fact, I do," She nods, crossing her arms, raising her chin up, defiantly.

"Do not!"

"Do!"

"Not!"

"Do too!"

"Yeah, and then you woke up!"

"Girls!," Mum sternly scolds. "This is Laura's day. Stop bickering, you're both way too o-old for t-that," Her voice gives out a bit, making me turn to look at her properly. She looks ghostly pale as she dabs her perspiring forehead with a towel.

"Face it, Mum. She'll never grow up," Lily quickly sniffs.

"Like you're any better," I sit back, my mind on other things as another texts appears on my phone screen.

"Pffft. I'm a grown ass woman-,"

"Lily!" Mum tisks her tongue, groaning as she slumps in her seat. I continue to listen as I enter my password to unlock my phone, but the photo of Rami lying in bed with no shirt on distracts me.