11 Chapter 10 (1/2)

It was around 2pm when Lena woke up. It made my heart melt when the first word she uttered upon waking was my name. Lester called room service and the three of us ate our late lunches in our room. Lester was right, the ice did help with the swelling. After eating, we all went to the room she was painting earlier, it's the last room then Lena would be moving on to her 'major project', the hotel lobby.

The three of us stayed there late, getting as much as we can done. Lena is starting to relax, like telling me about her parents had lifted such a heavy weight from her heart, and I think it did.

That night when she went out to her balcony I was already waiting, she sat on her rails like she always does. I stood there waiting for her next move. Is she going to cry, smoke, smile? She just sat there looking down, and then she lifted her face and looked up at the moon. Then she got up and went back to her room.

I let out a breath and lay on my bed, thinking about the days left, not knowing how to even start deciding what to do.

==

”Hey.” Lena was in the last room, finishing up her paintings. I placed her coffee on the bedside table and sat at the edge of the bed, content to just be here watching her.

”Hey.” She smiled at me and continued with her work.

I tried not to think of the days passing but I couldn't help myself, somehow I feel like the days are moving fast on purpose. Like they're mocking me with the knowledge that I only have a few days here.

I got up and stood behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist. I smiled as she immediately relaxed at my touch and leaned in. I don't know what exactly Lena and I are, but I'm not complaining.

”What are you doing today?” she asked.

”Nothing, I'm gonna hang out with you here.”

She turned to face me. ”You can't do that. You can't just stay here the whole day. You have to go out too, to see places, to explore, take pictures.”

”Yes I can. I've seen the places I want to see, explored where I wanted to, and I can always take pictures of you.” As if to prove my point, I snapped a few pictures of her. She laughed and smacked me lightly in the arm but smiled at the camera anyway when I moved it away from me so I could take a picture of us.

”No. I'm serious though. You are going out. Explore the city, be a tourist.” She lightly shove me towards the door.

”Do you not want me here?” I asked, feigning hurt.

”I don't.” she answered smiling. ”At least not today, or maybe just not this morning.” She shove me again.

I sighed and moved to the door. I don't know what exactly is she planning, or thinking but I agreed with anyway. Whatever Lena wants, Lena gets. ”Fine.”

She gave me a big smile and moved to hug me. I wrapped my arms around her, inhaling her scent, vanilla and paint and lavender. With a big smile on my face I went back to our room.

Lester was nowhere to be found so I called him up to catch up. Lucky he was still in the lobby, I quickly went out to meet him.