I laid on my bed in the darkness, a faint light glistening from the door in front of me. It was quiet, with only a hint of noise coming from the TV downstairs in the kitchen. I wasn’t tired, but I knew I had to get some sleep. I looked over at the digital clock on my nightstand. The red numbers read 10:46. I gave out a big sigh and noticed the noise from the TV downstairs had ceased. I listened for a moment, and heard footsteps coming up the stairs. The light from the hallway went out, and it was now pitch black. I heard my door open slowly.
“Lydia, are you still up?” I heard my brother whisper.
“Yeah, I am.” I said.
“I just thought I’d say goodnight.” he said softly.
I smiled for a moment, “Hey Zach…”
“Yeah?” he said.
“Cuddle?” I asked innocently.
He gave out a short giggle, “Sure.” I pushed the blankets to the edge of my bed and I felt him grab my feet as he climbed over me. I moved onto my side and he lay down on his back. We’ve done this so many times we knew exactly how to position ourselves, even in pure darkness. I lay back down on my side and cuddled into him, my tummy against his side. I dug one of my arms underneath his back and placed the other on his tummy. He wrapped one of his arms around my shoulder and rested it on my hip. Immediately, I was camp fire warm. Not just on the outside, but on the inside. I felt completely at home in his arms, like the world didn't matter, like there were no problems to deal with. Only the feeling of warmth, security, bliss and innocence. I love feeling his body against mine.
He gave out a long sigh, “I have something I’ve wanted to ask you.”
“Sure?” I asked in anticipation.
“Are you…are you ok? Ever since our mother left?” he said.
I was in shock, “Yeah, I’m ok with everything…but are you?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” he whispered softly.
I made circles with my fingers on his chest. “Don’t live in the past, Zach.” I whispered back.
"It's hard not to, and you know the reasons why." he whispered.
"Deep down, she loves you, and you know that." I whispered.
A long silence went between us, the entire time I was making shapes with my fingers on his chest. The more I snuggled into him, the more I could smell his attractive male scent. The scent slowly turned me on and I needed to say something to get my mind off of how sexually appealing he was.