Sleepy Girl 11.1

"There's a difference between playing and playing games. The former is an act of joy, the latter an act." - Vera Nezarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

At 9 am in the morning Anthony sat at the board room with his head pounding. He listened as the director rambled on and on and on. His eyes were getting heavy, all he wanted to do was crawl back to his bed and sleep the whole day. What time did he get home anyway? It felt like his head had just hit the pillow then he get up again right away.

"Anthony is everything all right?"

Anthony snapped back to reality, seating up straight. "Yes father."

He kept his eyes on the screen in front, willing his mind to absorb everything that was being said.

After the long and tedious meeting, Anthony sat as his desk, both hands massaging his temples. "Ugghhhhh…" He was annoyed at himself for being so irresponsible, he should have never allowed himself to drink so much. He had always learned to control himself if he knew he something important coming up, like the meeting earlier. His thoughts went back to last night, to why he drank in the first place. 'Lexie' That's what she said her name was. He racked his brain for any memory of her, he was sure he's seen her before.

He continued massaging his temples as he closed his eyes, forcing himself to concentrate. He stayed that way for minutes, then his hands stopped moving, they froze in their position as he focused. Suddenly there it was, he had found it. It was like a light bulb suddenly being turned on, casting a light on a dark part of his mind and he was finally able to see what was in there. He opened his eyes, smiling.

==

As Anthony sat at the board meeting, Nathan and Lexie sat at a diner awkwardly. Lexie stared down at her plate, occasionally glancing up at Nathan who was watching her. It made her self-conscious, why was he looking at her like that. The food in front of them getting colder by the minute. They sat in silence for a few minutes until Lexie could no longer take it.

"I thought you were hungry?" Lexie was looking at Nathan's barely touched plate.

"I am." He sipped his coffee and took a bite of his pancake. On their way home, Nathan convinced Lexie to go get breakfast first. He promised to pay to get her to agree on the pretence that he was starving, he knew they barely had any food at home. He already made a mental note to go to the grocery, but for now here they are. He watched Lexie take a small bite. "Why are you eating like that?"

"What do you mean?" She looked up from her plate to him, tilting her head a little.

"Don't you usually inhale your food?" He pointed his chin to Lexie's plate. Does she not like the pancakes? "You don't like it? Should we order something else?" He raised his hand, ready to call for a waiter.

"Oh. No." She shook her head. "It's just that… it feels weird if I'm the only one eating."

Nathan chuckled and dug in on his food, he raised a slice of pancake on his fork to Lexie as if to show proof before stuffing it in his mouth. Satisfied, Lexie smiled and started digging in on her own plate. Later Nathan pushed the plate of fries on the center of the table towards her. It was Nathan's order, and now he wants her to eat it. She looked up at him raising an eyebrow.

"I'm done." He answered rubbing his stomach. Lexie laughed lightly then stopped as her eyes followed his hand that touched his stomach, the contact made his shirt lift and a tiny part of skin was exposed. Her breathe caught in her throat and she quickly turned her gaze back to her food.

Nathan caught himself smiling fondly as he watched Lexie finish everything. He silently cleared his throat. I just don't like wasting food, he thought, trying to make excuses for himself. He turned his head to face the window, keeping his eyes glued to the street.

After ensuring Nathan that she didn't want dessert, they headed home. Lexie was already sleepy from the lack of sleep yesterday, and now feeling full made her even sleepier. All the fat and oil from the fries definitely didn't do any help. She could already imagine the couch calling out to her.

Lexie felt the wind blowing in her face, it felt good, it was cool and gentle. Plus the movement of the motorcycle made her feel like she was being rocked. Her head was heavy, she could no longer carry it as it slowly drooped, she didn't realize her eyes were already closed.

Nathan quickly glanced back when he felt a weight on his back, Lexie's head leaned on the back of his shoulders, her eyes were closed. Nathan used his hand to pull Lexie's hand tighter then slowed down, making sure to drive gently.

He parked the motorcycle in front of the apartment, glancing at Lexie who was still fully asleep. He took off his helmet and let it hang on the handlebar, he thought about removing Lexie's too but he couldn't reach it without moving her. He looked around, deciding what to do. Should he just carry her in? But how? If he moved his back he was sure she was gonna wake up. He heard a light snore come from Lexie and he couldn't help but laugh quietly, struggling not to shake his shoulders. In the end, he decided he did not want to disturb Lexie, he sighed and took out his phone. Resigned to the idea that he will be stuck here for a while he decided to play on his phone to pass the time. Every now and then his hand caught Lexie's slipping hand and place it back around his waist.

Nathan tried to focus on the game he was playing, trying so hard to not think of the fact that he badly needed to pee.