“You know, if you weren’t a flight attendant you could be a news reporter.”
“You think so?”
Hazel gasps.
“Okay, we’re getting distracted. Dylan, deal with the movie. You can pick it next time.”
There’s something about forced silence that makes my laughs feel uncontrollable. I can’t look at Hazel because if I do, she’s going to send me into a fit. I can tell she’s holding in her own laughter and avoiding my gaze as well.
“He’s probably gonna be asleep in ten minutes anyway.”
I whisper as low as I can.
“I’d give it at least fifteen. At least.”
“I can hear you!”
Andrew’s voice booms and releases our laughter.
The night is long, but in the best way. It’s full of flirting and laughter and all the right touches at the right times. I lay my head on Hazel's shoulder and snuggle into her as her legs cross Andrew’s lap. Hazel reaches over her shoulder, with a twizzler in hand, and I take it from her by the mouth.
Every time Andrew’s lids droop, our giggles stir him awake.
The movie finally ends. Andrews leaning on the arm of the couch with his head propped up by his hand. A position I know he took intentionally, because we might not be able to tell if he’s asleep. Too bad his light snore gives him away every time.
“He’s exhausted,” I whisper.
“He really is. Should we go?”
Andrews lids snap open.
“Stay.”
“Jeez, how long have you been awake?”
Hazel's voice is at a normal volume, but it seems to bounce off the walls like a racquet ball.
“Andrew,” I add.
“I find it really unfair that you get to sleep during the movie that you forced me to watch.”
Andrew responds with a chuckle, picking up our bowls and candy wrappers, making his way to his bedroom. He turns his shoulders back toward us.
“Well? Are you coming?”
Without thinking, I scoop my arms underneath Hazel. She yelps in my arms, giggling the whole way to Andrew’s king-size mattress. We crawl in with Hazel squished between us. Andrew kisses her goodnight.
“Good night, Dylan.”
Andrew’s words say good night, but his tone says ‘I missed you’.
“Good night, Andrew.”
I hope he gets the same message from me. Eventually, he flips over and falls quickly asleep.
Hazel turns around. Her big green eyes burn past my exterior. She kisses my lips, lightly, like it’s the first time we’ve ever kissed.
“Good night.”
Hazel drifts to sleep just as quickly as Andrew.
Tonight is perfect. Somehow, everything is right. It’s simple and not confusing at all. For the first time in a week, I feel like my thoughts are aligned with my emotions. I’m less scattered.
Tonight is something I can see myself doing forever.