Luce fell on the bed next to Monday, and both stared at the ceiling.

Neither had ever thought they would lack time to reflect. Yet both found themselves swept away by their whirlwind romance.

The women were lost.

It was the first time in weeks that they had a moment together and sleep called.

Luce sat up, "Monday."

"Hmm."

"Are you awake?" Luce asked.

"I don't know, I'm responding, so I guess I am."

"I think I'm in love."

Monday opened her eyes and sprung up from her covers, "what?"

Luce giggled, "Yeah, I think I'm in love with this man who isn't my type and drives me up the wall. ㅡI swear my blood boils every time Blaze says nurse Olowe do you have something to add when one of the interns delivers their analyses or when he winks at me whenever we cross the corridors, and his fingers lightly brush against mine as he passes. ㅡI swear, Monday, I just want to grab him by the tie and make out with him in a broom cupboard somewhere when he does that."

"Welcome to the club," said Monday, who knew full well what Luce meant. The writer wished to strangle Kenneth sometimes.

His love was everything and nothing at once. Kenneth could suffocate Monday by the constant messages and calls one day, only to leave her without news for days without an explanation. Monday didn't know on which foot to dance, for every time she thought she figured Kenneth out, the man showed her another facette.

Selfish, Kenneth quickly forgot his life's mantra to sulk like a child. He was grown but still managed to play capricious.

Luce's confession made Monday wonder about her sentiments.

How deep were her feelings for Kenneth, and how long would they last?

Monday turned to face her cousin, "How do you know you're in love?"

"I just know it," Luce said, placing a hand on her chest. "ㅡI guess it's the little things, like his smile and the fact he anticipates everything. Sometimes I have the impression Blaze can read my mind. I feel safe when he's around. I want Dad to meet him."

"Wow, now you're talking. Are you sure? "

Luce nodded, "I've never been this sure about someone. I mean, I haven't thought about the pastor sinceㅡI can't remember."

Her cousin had moved on and attested looks were only packaging. Luce had got to the stage where she saw beyond her preferences or benefices. She privileged the well-being.

Again Monday asked herself how she felt. The truth was she tried to tame her feelings. Monday still had her defensive mode on.

Luce let a minute of silence pass before saying, "How about you?"

"What about me?"

"Come on, Monday, what's going on with Mr. TED."

Monday sighed, "he still wants me to visit him in New York. I don't have time, and I know he doesn't either."

"Monday, are you sure you're not making excuses?"

"I am. I know I am," Monday admitted.

"Then why are you doing it?"

Monday began gesturing, "I'm afraid to find myself in his world. I mean, I'll be staying at his place and sleeping in his bed."

"Yes, andㅡI mean, it's what couples do."

"Yes, and I'm not sure it's something Kenneth does. You know how men are. They make you believe they're all okay with the program, and suddenly they switch on you," Monday said, falling back on her bed.

Luce crossed her arms, "why do I get the feeling you're trash-dumping on Kenneth while speaking about yourself? ㅡAs far as I know, men like Kenneth Mosely aren't the type to lash out invitations for the sake of it. I think he has made a lot of effort for you. He has come here six times already since you two began dating despite his busy schedule. All you've done is sit here like the queen of Sheba, waiting for your vassal."

"Oh, Luce, don't you think you're exaggerating?"

Her cousin shook her head, "Show you care, Monday. Give the man a little TLC."

Monday sighed, "I swear, Luce, if it backfiresㅡ."

"Don't jinx yourself," Luce said and got up, "good night."

"Goodnight, Luce."

Luce returned to her room, leaving Monday to rehearse her next call with Kenneth.

The night was short for Monday, who woke up at the crack of dawn and immediately grabbed her phone to call Kenneth, who almost slipped off the tiles in his shower to answer the call.

"Why are you breathless?" Monday asked when the man answered with a hasted hello.

"I almost died not to miss your call," replied the man while he turned on his camera.

The wet hair and naked chest didn't leave many options concerning Kenneth's actions before the call. Still, Monday asked, "What were you doing?"

"I was taking a shower."

"At this time?"

"Yes, I had dinner with friends and came in late. I can't sleep without taking a shower," Kenneth paused," hey, why am I the only one with my camera on?"

"I don't look good."

"Monㅡday."

It was one of the top long-distance relationships rules the couple abided by; both had to turn on their cameras. As usual, Monday wanted to stray away from what she considered a chore. She hadn't slept much and could only imagine the charcoal bags under her eyes.

"Kenneth, please, cut me some slack. I have something important to tell you."

"Oh, yeah, go on."

"ㅡEm, eh," Monday's voice suddenly got deep as she unleashed, "I want to come to New York."

Monday watched Kenneth bite his lips and lower his gaze. It was apparent the man attempted to refrain from smiling.

"ㅡKenneth?"

"Yes, I'm still here."

"I can see that. Did you hear me? I said I'd like to come and see you if you still want me to come."

"Of course I want you to come," Kenneth said, finally releasing a smile.

The man knew better than to ask Monday why she changed her mind. What was essential in her message and what he had to acknowledge was she desired to see him in New York. It was a big step in their relationship, and they both knew it.

"Can I see you? I mean, can you turn your camera on."

It wasn't a caprice; Kenneth just wanted to catch the expression on her face.

Monday had thrown her bonnet across the room and gathered her mini twists in a bun, anticipating the eventual demand. She proceeded to honor Kenneth's wish.

The man beamed even more.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Monday asked.

"Because you are," the man replied.

"Stop it."

"You first."

Neither managed to switch their facial expression until Kenneth put a tee on and got under his bed covers.

"You must be tired."

"I amㅡ," Kenneth replied before regretting.

"I better hang up."

"No, don't. I want to talk to you."

No, Kenneth wasn't a man who beat around the bush to play it cool. He formulated his wish with explicit words that left no doubt if he desired something.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"I don't know. How was your day?" Kenneth asked.

"I wrote three chapters, and I went to my Zumba class. Oh, I tasted a new bubble tea."

"Really, I don't know how you drink that stuff."

"I love bubble tea."

"I know you do; I don't get how you can drink something with those sticky dark balls."

"You mean tapioca?" Monday asked.

"Yes, I tried one the other day. It isn't tasty. How on earth can you drink and eat those sticky, chewy, and sugary little balls."

Kenneth's words surprised Monday. The woman couldn't imagine Kenneth sacrificing his tastebuds to discover one of her favorite beverages for her big brown eyes. Kenneth wished to know her better. Thus, he made an effort just as he did when he decided to read all her books.

Luces' words came back to mind. Monday needed to show she cared.

"Wait for me before you taste another one."

"I will trust me. I won't traumatize my tongue again."

Monday chuckled," You'd think it's the worst thing you've ever put in your mouth."

"It is; I'd rather have your juices flowing in my mouth if I want something sweet."

Kenneth was sure the sentence resonated in his mind only until he saw Monday lower her gaze.

"Did I say it out loud?"

Monday nodded.

"Well, it's the truthㅡ," Kenneth blurted before puffing his pillow. Monday laughed and suddenly stopped as she realized Kenneth slept on the right, away from the window. Having been single for a long time, the woman made sleeping on the right a habit and wondered how the man would take it if when she would ask to take his spot in the bed.

"Kenneth, are you sure you want me over at yours?"

The question had Kenneth frowning. The man was convinced they had stepped up from that part of their chapter.

"Monday, I already told youㅡ."

"I sleep on the right," Monday expelled in one go.

Kenneth eyes automatically swung from side to side as he sought the correlation, "and?"

"Well, I'll want to sleep on the right."

"You'll be close to the door," Kenneth replied, seizing her issue.

"I prefer."

"I'm sorry, I can't let you sleep in my spot," Kenneth replied.

"Why?"

"What if someone breaks in, you'll be the first person in danger.

Monday drooped her lips, "being close to the window isn't better."

"There's less of a chance to have someone enter from there."

"Why?" Monday asked.

"I live on the 40th floor. The intruders better have a helicopter waiting for them."

Monday blinked while wondering why she imagined Kenneth living in a two-story flat.

"You live on the fortieth?"

"Yes, I hoㅡpe you'll like the viㅡew," Kenneth said with a yawn. The man preferred to lose the battle to win the fight for the spot in bed once Monday was there.

"Oh, Kenneth. It's really late for you. You should get some sleep."

"No, Monday, waitㅡ."

"What?"

"I can't wait to see you."

"I can't wait to see the view with you," Monday said before hanging up.