A HEARTS DESIRES

I dragged my exhausted body through the next few days, balancing my nurse duties and working on my art for the competition. I lay in my bed, cradling my pillow against my chest, when there came a light tapping on the door. Heart racing, I yelled out a timid “Who is it?” but there was no response. With a sigh of exasperation, I forced myself out of bed and shuffled over to the door.

As I opened it, my eyes widened, and my heart stopped. There stood Adam in a black pants and white shirt. He stepped closer and our faces were only inches apart. His lips met mine in a kiss that felt like a wildfire raging across my skin. We parted for a brief moment, panting in each other’s arms, until he moved in for the second time, his hands caressing my waist and his lips trailing down my jawline and neck.

“Adam... what are you doing?” I asked breathlessly.

“How did you know where l...” he presses his lips against mine, deeply kissing me before I can complete my sentence.

I move back as he continues to kiss me intensely till my back slams against the wall and we both pant heavily as we break free from the kiss.”Wh... what are you doing?” I ask, gasping for air, and his lips are on mine once more, but this time he kisses me even more passionately than the first, lifting me off the ground. As he glides his hands down around my waist, kissing my jawline and down my neck as I wrap my legs around his waist.

“Adam... “ I say, breathing heavily.

My head spun and my heart raced as his hands encircled my waist and lifted me off the ground. His kisses grew more passionate.

“Alivia.... Allllviiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa” I hear a voice echoing in my head. My eyes shoot open, and my heart skips a beat. Jess is sitting on my bedside and laughing, her hands shaking me awake. I groan, covering my face with the blankets, still half-asleep.

“Dude, can’t you knock?” I asked, pulling the blanket up further.

“Uhm... I did multiple times,” Jess said as she tugged the blanket away from me.

“Now get out of bed, I know you had a great dream, but we’re going to be late for campus,” she added mischievously as she turned away and headed for the door.
I furrowed my brows in confusion at her words until a flash of Adam’s face crossed my mind and I remembered the dream I had been having about him. Suddenly wide-awake, I sat up in bed.

“WAIT!!!... NOO,” I gasp.

Jess pranced towards the door, her eyes twinkling with mischief. She ran her fingers through her hair, swinging it back and forth in a challenge.

“Ooooh, Adam... Ohhh, Adam... what are you doing?” she asked, her voice dripping with teasing.

I reached towards the bed and picked up a pillow, sending it sailing through the air towards her. She easily stepped out of the way and laughed, “Hahahah I’m going...I’m going.”

Jess spun on her heel to face me and winked, “I will be waiting for you outside!” before waltzing out of the room.

I jump out of bed and head into the bathroom after brushing my teeth and taking a bath I throw on a dress that was made of a light and airy linen material that flowed elegantly as I walked. The sleeves were long and billowy, with a slight gathering at the wrist. The bodice was fitted, with a scoop neckline that showed off just the right amount of skin. The real showstopper was the intricate embroidery that adorned the hemline, sleeves, and neckline. The design was a mix of floral patterns and abstract shapes, each stitch precise and precise. The embroidery was done in a variety of colours, including deep greens, blues, and purples, giving the dress a rich and vibrant look. To finish off the look, I added a simple leather belt around her waist, cinching in the fabric and accentuating my figure. I styled my hair in a simple bun and I slipped on a pair of comfortable leather shoes and headed out the door, ready for another day of learning and creativity at art school.

Jess bumped my shoulder with hers, sending a mischievous smirk my way. We were walking like a pair of railroad tracks to our classes, the sun poking through a few clouds.
“So ... Adam?” Jess asked, her voice pitched and teasing.

I avoided her eyes and shrugged, trying to play dumb. “What about him?”

“He is the hotty that works with Dr. Volkov, right?” she asks, and I nod shyly Jess stopped walking, her hands on her hips as she looked at me seriously with a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Do you like him?”

I rolled my eyes and shook my head, but Jess just kept looking at me expectantly. “Oh Jess... come on....” I sighed.

“You didn’t answer my question,” she said, quirking an eyebrow.

“Adam is a friend. It is nothing,” I said firmly.

Jess’ eyes widened, and she squealed. “Aww, he’s your friend!” she sang, and then started skipping down the pathway to the school.

I rolled my eyes again and sped up my pace to catch up. Jess smiled brightly and shrugged.

“What? I’m in a good mood,” Jess said, “and speaking of the devil there’s Adam now.”

My heart stops in my chest and my eyes shoot up to see Adam standing there, the morning sun reflecting off his golden hair.

“What are you doing here?” I asked as we drew closer.

“I’m here to give an update on the lecturer’s kid who got infected with the virus,” he said in a solemn voice.

My heart sank, and Jess put a comforting hand on my arm. I knew how much Adam cared for people, and this was another example of his kindness.

“That’s really kind of you,” I said softly. “I’m working on my piece for the competition and it’s taking up most of my time. We are both really looking forward to it.”

Jess nodded in agreement, her eyes brightening with anticipation at the thought of our finished pieces.

Adam smiled gently at us, his expression full of warmth. “Good luck with it,” he said sincerely. “I am sure you’ll both do great. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”

I nervously bite my lip and summon all the courage I have, the words barely audible as I timidly ask” Do you have any plans this Friday? I’d really appreciate it if you could come with me to show your support.”

He tilts his head to one side, examining me curiously. “That sounds like a great idea,” he replies warmly with a hint of a smile on his lips. “I’d love to come!”

I take a deep breath of relief, handing him a piece of paper with all the details written on it. “Thanks for the information,” he says and takes the paper from me. His gaze was full of warmth and his smile showed his appreciation. “Now, I have to go back to the pack house,” he says before turning around and leaving us.

Jess and I were left standing there, silently admiring how sweet he was.