Breathe by Ani San

ok?’ she asked, looking around me to see if anyone was waiting for me.              
    ‘ Yes, I’m going home,’ I smiled, and turned before she could dig for more.
     
    It didn’t take long to get my jacket, and I put it on while walking outside. The streets were empty apart for a couple of people passing at the other side of the road. I was half expecting him to wait just outside the doors, but he was nowhere to be seen. I felt the disappointment hit me, and was about to sink onto the pavement and sulk, when I heard a motorcycle engine. He was at the corner of the building, sitting on a red sports bike, holding the extra helmet. The motorcycle was big, and I realised that I’ve never been on a bike before. I wasn’t about to let this chance escape. It was hard not to run against him, I tried to keep my steps even and straight, and sober. Maybe I overdid it, because he was getting restless. Before I could reach him, he opened part of his visor.
    ‘ Did you change your mind?’
    I shoo k my head and grabbed the helmet. It was a bit big, and I had trouble with the strap under my chin.
    He removed his gloves. ‘Here, let me do it.’
    He stroked my neck when he was finished, before he closed his visor and put both arms on the steering. I jumped on, and after I found a place to put my feet, I let my arms close around him. It felt good to push him against my body.
    The bike jerked as he drove of into the street. Friday night traffic in London could be a challenge, but Christopher seemed skilled. He followed the flow and went between the cars when the jam was tight. I tried to follow his movement as he bent his body, not sure if it was the right thing to do, or if it even mattered. We didn’t get much speed, which was good considering my outfit. The jacket and boots kept me warm, but I could feel a biting gust on my exposed thighs. It didn’t take long to reach my neighbourhood, and as we got to the apartment building, I let go of my tight grip and pointed to the incline to the parking basement. My key card opened the gate, and I managed to get it from my pocket and swiping it without stepping of the bike. I think it was the first time I had used it, I didn’t own a car or have a drivers license. The basement was large, but held few cars. All the spaces were assigned to an apartment, and I pointed towards my number. I had trouble getting of the bike, my legs felt stiff even though the ride was short. I removed my helmet and put it on the bike, but Christopher didn’t do the same. He kept his on. It looked kind of stupid, walking into the elevator with the helmet on. He seemed a bit paranoid. I could see a strange couple in the mirror, and smiled at our refection. It was impossible to know if he was smiling to, but he took my hand and squeezed it. Reaching the seventh floor, we exited together, still hand in hand. I used the same card to open my door, and held the door for him to enter. It was the second time he was here, but the circumstances were completely changed. We didn’t have Anna to hold us in check. I didn’t have my morals in check. As soon as he removed his helmet, I wanted to throw myself at him. Somehow I managed to control myself.
     
    The living room was dark, and I closed the curtains before hitting the lights. There were still beer bottles on the table, Alice and I had a few while getting ready. The apartment had been spotless the last time Christopher was here. Now, not so much! It was clean of course, but I hadn’t been bothered with tidying before leaving. A small part of me was worried that he would be angry because of that, but I knew it was stupid to think it. He was nothing like Erik. And I hadn’t been expecting company. Still, I quickly removed the clutter and carried the empty bottles to the kitchen. In the meantime, Christopher had removed his jacket and boots, carefully stacking them in a corner. 
    ‘ Would you like some wine?’ I asked him nervously, as I returned from