An Exceptional Twist

by Kimi Flores

  “So how is your love life? Anyone new?” Leah diverted the subject to her sister while they washed and dried the last of the dishes.

  Pursing her lips, Dani finished wiping down the stove. “Nah. I work too much to meet anyone, and hanging out at clubs isn't my idea of a place to find a good man.”

  “Whatever happened to Felipe?” Leah asked.

  Felipe? Maria’s story came back, and he was suddenly picturing the guy getting it on with his stepmother. Gross!

  “His wife happened to him.” Dani sneered.

  Leah twirled around with her fist on her hip. “Say what! He was married?”

  Dani huffed, “Yep, and has a new baby boy. Come to find out, his wife was giving birth when he was asking me for my phone number. He told me he was there to see his sick grandmother. Can you believe that pendejo? I swear, I am never going out with someone I meet at work again.”

  “But a wise woman once told me to never say never.” Leah laughed as a shit-eating grin crept up her face.

  Must be a personal joke.

  “Since your 'never' and my ‘never’ are turning out to be true, I think that smartass should reconsider the advice she gives.” Dani laughed at Leah, peeking over at Stefen.

  Now he was really wondering what Leah had told her sister.

  “Am I missing something?” He lifted his hands wondering what they would share.

  “Nope.” Leah shook her head as both women cackled. There weren’t going to tell him, but he was sure, whatever it was, had something to do with him.

  After an excruciatingly long drive home, Leah maneuvered into Abby's driveway. She was worn out. The typical two hour drive became three and a half due to a jackknifed big rig on the five freeway.

  As the car came to a stop, Abby surprised Leah by opening the door. She bent forward and hugged Leah.

  Was she waiting in the driveway for us?

  “Thank you so much, Leah. You are a lifesaver.”

  Stefen seemed unsettled by Abby’s expression.

  “It's no problem.” Leah gave Abby a tired smile. “We got to see my mom and Dani. Besides, Stefen is starting to grow on me.” Leah winked at him for reassurance as she reached up for a good stretch. It felt good to move around after being crammed in the driver’s seat for so long.

  Abby held onto Leah’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “I know, but you’re going above and beyond.”

  “Uh guys,” Stefen pointed to himself, “the dependent handicap is right here.”

  “Oh, you be quiet. You know you aren't a problem.” Abby smacked him lightly on the chest as he strolled past her, then she turned back to Leah. “I've got a hot bath ready and the bed in the other guest room turned down for you. Come inside and unwind.”

  “I was going straight home.” Leah rubbed her eyes, not caring if she got mascara all over her face.

  “No, you don't. It’s almost midnight, you’re dog-tired. Stefen already texted me, so don't even try to lie.”

  Leah squinted at Stefen who turned his back and quickly headed in.

  “Coward!” she yelled.

  “Come inside now, please,” Abby instructed like she was Leah’s mother. “You can leave in the morning. I have pajamas already set out and at least one outfit you left behind at my old house before I moved here.”

  “Fine,” she grumbled, too tired to argue. As soon as she started up the porch stairs, she felt the tightness in her thighs and calves. Her butt was also numb from sitting in the same position for so long. With a yawn, she followed Abby up the stairs and into the bathroom where a wonderfully steamy hot bubble bath awaited.

  “You are the greatest.” She turned and bear hugged Abby.

  “I love ya. Here is a fresh towel and your clothes are on the bed. As you know, the other door goes into Stefen’s room.” She pointed to the other entrance of the Jack and Jill bathroom.

  “Does it lock from this side?” Leah wrinkled her nose.

  Abby grinned. “Already done. Enjoy, take it easy, and have a good sleep. Stefen hasn’t had a nightmare all week, so we should get a full night’s rest.” She stopped at the door. “And please don't leave in the morning before I see you. I want to make breakfast like we used to.” They shared a smile.

  “That sounds so good. I've missed those days.”

  “Me too.” Abby got a little teary eyed.

  “Enough of that.” Leah shooed her out. “Go back to bed.”

  Abby scrunched her face up before saying good night and closing the door behind her.

  Leah loved that there were candles lit around the tub. She turned off the light, and the room was glowing as she got undressed and slipped in. She didn’t have a tub in her apartment and was going to enjoy every moment of this.

  Oh this is absolutely divine. Abby was the best.

  Just as she started to wind down, she heard a knock on the door from Stefen's room.

  Covering her chest with her hands, Leah wondered if he was going to bolt in. “I'm in the bath. Don't come in.”

  He spoke softly from the other side of the door. “I know. I just wanted to say thank you…for everything. Abby’s right, your kindness has no boundary. It—well, you—mean a lot to me.”

  I do?

  She blinked, swallowing hard. “Not a problem.”

  “Good night,” his deep voice rumbled.

  “Good night, Stefen,” she whispered.

  “Oh hey, Leah?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Your mom totally watches porn!” He sounded like a little boy snickering on the other side of the door.

  His laugh was contagious, and she found herself busting up again. “Go to sleep, Stefen.”

  His laughter gradually faded as he stepped away from the door.

  What’s that sound?

  Leah's subconscious nudged her awake, but she was bushed and just wanted to stay curled up in the warm bed. The room was dark. Why on earth would she need to get up?

  Oh yeah, she had to go to the bathroom. There was a sound streaming in her ear, making it more difficult to ignore the urge. Her eyes popped open, her brain registering the disturbance—someone peeing. It sounded like Niagara Falls, it went on forever.

  “Oh my gosh, how much did he drink?” she mumbled, having a hard time holding her own in.

  Finally, the toilet flushed, and she was thankful to hear the faucet running.

  She wanted to dash in, but waited just a few more minutes, in hopes he’d fall back asleep. The idea of him hearing her pee, was giving her stage fright.

  She stood by the door, swaying back and forth until the need was unbearable. Then she peeked in to make sure the opposite door was closed, and she tiptoed into the dimly moonlit room. Hastily, she turned and pulled her pajama bottoms and underwear down in one sweeping motion as she squatted over the toilet.

  The first thing she felt was the wet rim touching the back of her thighs. When she lost her balance, her entire butt hit the freezing cold water. Squealing, she scrambled to get up as the opposite door flew open and the light flicked on.

  “Are you all right?” Stefen asked.

  That. Did not. Just happen.

  She timidly looked up to find Stefen standing in the doorway. He was covering his eyes, wearing plaid pajama pants…and nothing else. It didn't matter that they had this whole friendship agreement, she couldn't help but take in the sight of his messy, freshly cut hair and his bare torso. But the bright pink scar on his collar bone brought her back to reality.

  Looking down she cringed, realizing that she was standing next to the commode with her cotton pants and panties around her ankles. The only clothing she had on was a T-shirt, barely long enough to cover all the important stuff.

  Panicking, she used her dance skills and quickly freed her feet from the undies and bottoms, then she jumped over the tub’s edge, wrapping the shower curtain around her.

  “Fine, I’m fine,” she stuttered. “I just...fell.” Now go away!

  Squeezing her eyes shut, she nervously nibbled o
n her bottom lip as she stared at the fabric shower curtain.

  “Where did you go?” He must've opened his eyes.

  “Shower,” she squeaked.

  “Why didn't you just pull your pants up and stay out here?”

  Leah smacked her forehead. Oh shit, he’s probably staring at my chonies on the floor.

  “You scared me and this was quicker.” What the hell am I saying? She squeezed her legs together tighter. Crap I still have to pee!

  “Um, okay.” Then it must've registered. “Oh shit, Leah. Did you fall in the toilet?” His voice sounded like he was wrestling between fits of laughter and remorse. “I'm so sorry.” She could hear him snickering. Bastard. “I'm not used to girls going after me.” Then a chuckle with a slight snort broke free.

  Darting her head out from behind the curtain, she saw him hanging on to the sink, his shoulders bouncing with hysteria. They made eye-contact in the mirror, and she tapered her eyes.

  He quickly straightened and cleared his throat. “I apologize. I'm such a jackass for laughing, but I can’t help it. It’s pretty damn funny.”

  If it had happened to someone else, she probably would have laughed, too. “Do you mind, leaving,” she grit out. “I have to shower now, thanks to you. And I still have to pee!” How she’d held it this long, she had no idea.

  He shrugged. “Just go in the shower—or is that just a guy thing, too?”

  Horror flashed across her face as she jumped out of the tub, struggling to keep the curtain wrapped around her lower body. He, of course, thought this was freaking hilarious.

  Catching his breath, he said, “If I’ve ever done that, and I’m not admitting that I have, I would aim directly for the drain.” He pointed down to demonstrate. “I wouldn't want to stand in my own urine, either.”

  Chuckling, barely, she told him with a little less attitude, “Fine. Whatever. Go so I can, you know.” She nodded toward the seat-less toilet.

  Stefen lowered the seat for her, apologizing once more on his way out. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  As soon as the door was closed, Leah sat down and looked at her clothes on the floor.

  How embarrassing. Oh well, he’s seen much more than that, and at least they’re cute panties.

  She still felt the urge to pee, but knowing that he could hear gave her real stage fright. “If only I could aim for the drain,” she muttered.

  Through the door, she heard the muffled sounds of his laughter again, and she smacked her forehead. He must’ve heard her.

  I should’ve never unlocked the door after my bath.

  It was hilarious, but Stefen still felt bad about last night. He’d tried his damndest not to laugh, but failed miserably.

  It took him a while to get down the stairs by himself this morning, but he was determined to start being as independent as he could. He’d overdone it the day before and planned on taking it easy the rest of the day. For now, he could at least make coffee for everyone.

  Leah sauntered down the stairs with a knowing smile on her face. Damn. Even with her messy morning hair and no make-up, she was beautiful.

  He closed his mouth, so she wouldn’t catch him drooling. Adjusting the strap on his sling, he flicked on the coffee pot.

  “Is your shoulder bothering you?” Leah pointed to his suspended arm.

  He’d worn the sling off and on to keep his muscles from getting stiff, but he probably should’ve taken it with him yesterday. “Yeah, I think I slept on it wrong, so I figured I’d wear this today.” He rubbed his sore shoulder lightly.

  She couldn’t hide the concern in her eyes or her voice. “Have you taken any pain meds for it this morning?”

  He smiled to himself, loving when she doted on him. Then he swallowed as he started to think about everything that was missing from his life.

  “Nah, it’s just a bit tender,” he played it off. “I’m trying to only take something when I can’t stand it. I feel like my body is still pumped full of all the medication from the hospital.”

  He knew she understood because she’d once shared that Abby turned her onto more homeopathic remedies.

  “May I?” she asked, and he nodded as she gently moved the neckline of his shirt to the side.

  He would never turn her touch down. The sensation of her fingertips tenderly gliding on his skin was a balm to his pain.

  “It may not help a whole lot, but it can’t hurt.” Pulling a vitamin-e bottled from her pajama pants pocket, she smeared a bit of oil directly on his scar, then looked up at his eye as she dabbed a little on the small mark on his lid.

  Did she plan this ahead of time?

  His body hummed as her fingers lovingly traced his new imperfections. He closed his eyes taking her in and loving her closeness. Opening his eyes, he wondered what was on her mind as she closely examined his blemishes. “How bad are they?”

  “Healing nicely.” She backed up and rubbed her hands together to blend the oil into her skin.

  “No, I mean do they look horrific?” His chest tightened, all the raw emotions inside of him threatening to burst out. This was the first time he had shared his insecurities with her.

  Leah’s face softened, tenderly placing her open hand on his cheek. “Don’t worry about how you look and what people think.” She cocked her head and smiled. “Personally, I think scars are sexy.”

  “Sexy?” He smirked. She thinks my scars are sexy?

  But her face became serious. “They remind us of where we’ve been and what we’ve overcome.” Staring at each other just a little too long, she removed her hand, and they both turned away from each other.

  In search mode, she opened the fridge and cupboards. “I think I’ll give Abby the morning off and make breakfast before I go into work. I found everything I need to make some chilaquiles.”

  Confused, he inquired, “Chila-wha?”

  She laughed at his pronunciation. “It’s a traditional Mexican dish with fried corn tortillas, onion, scrambled eggs and cheese. For the brave at heart, you can add chili or salsa.”

  He leaned against the counter, “How can I help?”

  “Have a seat and keep me company.” Pointing to the bar stool at the breakfast counter, she continued, “I can tell you’re in pain. Don’t even try to hide it from me. You overdid it yesterday, didn’t you?”

  Damn, she knows me so well. He took a seat, changing the subject. “I didn’t know you were going in today.”

  Leah cracked a few eggs in a bowl. “I have a wedding on Saturday, and I need to prepare for it. It was kind of last minute. The other florist flaked, and it’s the first one I’ll be doing at Evanwood Vineyard, so I want to make a good impression. I’d love to do more weddings there, and Zachary said he’d refer brides to me.”

  He leaned on the counter with his elbow, resting his jaw on the palm of his hand. “I forgot you were going to work with him. He seems like a stand up guy.” Now that I know he isn’t interested in you.

  She poured oil into a pan on the stove, then added shredded up corn tortillas. “Madison was at the shop when he came in, and I think she has a bit of a crush on him.” Leah mumbled the last part as they noticed the groggy little girl coming down the stairs, rubbing her eyes.

  “Argh, matey,” Madison greeted Stefen with one eye closed. She went in for a hug, then jumped up on his lap. “Where’s your patch, pirate?”

  “I left it upstairs for now, squirt.” Stefen kissed her on her forehead just as Madison noticed who was in the kitchen.

  “Auntie Leah!” The little girl leaped down and bounded toward Leah.

  “Hola, mi chiquita.”

  Madison came to a dead stop and put her little fists on her hips. “Auntie Leah. I told you. I’m not a banana.”

  Leah mirrored the little girl’s stance. “And I told you, Miss Sassy Pants, that if Uncle Stefen can call you squirt because you peed on him, then I can call you chiquita because you’re my little chica.”

  Giving in, Madison rewarded her with a huge hug, grinni
ng up at her. “Okay, but not in front of my friends.”

  “Huy, it starts at such an early age.” Leah shook her head, eyeing Stefen as he filled their mugs. “Why don’t you go watch some cartoons while I make breakfast, then we’ll wait for mommy and daddy to come down.”

  Stefen handed Leah her coffee and they both took huge gulps as Madison strutted toward the living room. At the edge of the kitchen, the little girl twirled around. “Mommy and Daddy aren’t coming soon. They’re humpin’ in their bedroom.”

  Thankful that he’d already swallowed his mouthful, he watched Leah spit hers out. She started choking, unable to catch a breath.

  Madison stared with wide eyes, mouth gaping open

  Once Leah was no longer wheezing, Stefen couldn’t resist. “Sweetie, do you know what that means?”

  “Yeah.” She nodded. “My friend Casey said it’s when your parents are in the room with the door closed. You’re supposed to leave them alone because they’re makin’ brothers and sisters for you by humpin’.” Madison scrunched up her eyebrows questioningly. “I don’t understand why they still do that, though. Mommy already has a baby in her belly.” She shrugged. “Oh well, I’m going to go watch TV.”

  She skipped over to the television, leaving the two adults behind as they attempted to pull themselves together. Unable to control her hysteria, Leah doubled over, meeting Stefen eye to tear-filled eye.

  He was also bent over.

  Gasping for air, Leah wiped under her eyes. “I can’t believe she just said that! Stop laughing. I can’t take anymore.”

  It took a few minutes, but they had just regained control of themselves when the newlyweds appeared at the top of the stairs, making googly eyes at each other, holding hands as they walked down.

  Abby ducked her head bashfully, while Caleb’s face lit up when he spotted the twosome in the kitchen gaping at them. “Good morning, guys. What a beautiful day.”

  Oh yeah, Madison was right. These two were just going at it. Caleb’s way too happy for seven a.m.

  Abby smiled when they reached the bottom step. “We could hear you laughing all the way upstairs. What’s so funny?”