"Oh, I'm so glad Thanksgiving holidays are over now." Angela sighed and turned to Mike, gathering a sack of groceries from her car.
Mike took the bag from her. "I know what you mean. Now we've got to make it through the Christmas holidays."
"Yeah, I'm not looking forward to that. Thanksgiving was enough for me."
He followed her up the short steps into her apartment.
"I'm going to get my place ready for a spiritual cleansing this week. It's been a long time," she continued.
Mike cocked an eyebrow. "You actually do that shit, huh?"
She smirked. "Yes. You knew that about me before we started dating." She took the sack from him and started putting things away.
"I know. It's just weird, that's all."
Angela frowned. "I thought you liked weird."
"I do." Mike reached for Angela's hand and took it in his. He kissed it as he gazed longingly into her eyes. "I love your eyes, Angela." He leaned towards her lips and kissed her. She hesitantly pulled away from him.
Mike looked puzzled. "Is something the matter?"
"No. I'm just tired. I didn't sleep well last night. I think I'd better turn in early tonight. It's Friday, and I'd like to get some rest. I hope you don't mind." She tried her best to look sad, and the puppy dog look won out.
He snorted. "If you'd learn to eat more meat, you'd probably feel better."
She stuck her tongue out at him. "We've been over the meat issue many times before. I've just never been a big fan of red meat."
"I know. I'm mostly picking on you anyway, but I am concerned about your health. The protein--"
She pressed two fingers against his lips in slight irritation. "It's sweet, but I'm fine. I promise."
His shoulders sagged. "Okay. I promised the boys I'd game with them this weekend, anyway." Mike tried to mimic the puppy dog look.
"Call me later?" She turned away from him, glancing over her shoulder.
"I sure will. I love you, Angela." He kissed her, and his smile returned.
"You too." Angela closed the door quietly. She walked over to the nightstand, picked up a black photo album, and dusted off the cover. Angela found the picture of her and a taller man with long midnight black hair that framed a rough, unshaved face. His arms were around her and they were both smiling. To my best friend, forever and always, Christian, the caption beneath the picture read.
A visit from you would really make my day, she thought. She set down the photo album and went into the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea.
Her kitchen was tiny, barely big enough for two people. The rest of her apartment was fairly open--one couch, a few pictures on the walls and some ironwork candleholders over the fireplace that needed cleaning. In one corner, Angela kept a kitty bed for the stray cats she picked up and gave a home to.
After her cup of hot water was boiling, she added the tea bag, stirred it and brought the cup to her nose. The aroma and warmth of green tea helped her nerves. The past week had been stressful. Mike tried to be helpful by coming over to see her, but as usual, he was just in the way. The winter holidays were a mess for her since Christian stopped coming into town.
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