Todd had actually rested his eyes and his mind for a few hours that evening. He awoke to find himself staring into the eyes of Tea. His Tea.
Todd: Is this a dream?
Tea: I think I’m going to be sick.
Todd: Guess that makes this a nightmare for you. Or is that daymare, since it’s light out?
Tea: Todd! I’m in serious need here.
Todd: Well, you’re getting what you deserve, drinking like that. What were you thinking?
Tea: I was trying not to.
Todd: Watch out. You’re starting to sound like me.
Tea: Can you help me up? I’m all twisted up.
Todd: Now you’re REALLY starting to sound like me.
He raised her head with his hands and squirmed backwards. He gently placed her head on the rug and jumped up. Not thinking, just reacting. She needed help up and he could do this. He placed his left arm under her knees and through her legs. He softly placed his right arm between her neck and her back, where the two met and scooped her up.
Todd: Where to, your majesty?
Tea instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. She was almost breathless being this close, wrapped in his arms. They were connected. Physically connected. She could feel his strength and love being near him. Being near Todd…her Todd.
Tea: To the bed, Sir Thomas Todd (playing along with his tone and mood)
Todd: As you wish (continuing the play acting for a little while longer)
He walked her over and laid her gently on the covers. He tucked and pulled until he loosened one and covered her entirety with it.
Todd: You can get some real rest now.
Tea: Will I be resting alone?
Todd pulled back, all games halting…all facades dropping away, with a noticeable thud.
Tea: (sensing the notable change) Sorry. I thought we were still playing.
Todd: No problem. I’m just going, ah, I’m just going to…(totally caught up in the moment of their positions, their closeness, on the bed)
Tea: (interrupting him and trying to let him off the hook) It’s okay, Todd. Truly, it is.
Todd: Yeah, well, I’m going to get some more firewood and maybe take a quick spin into town. You know. For those black olives, I forgot.
Tea: You don’t have to leave, Todd. I’m probably going to sleep, now. I really don’t want to be alone.
Todd: I’ll stay until you fall asleep. You need to rest.
Tea: But I’d like to go with you later.
Todd: Well, I’ve been thinking about that. I thought you might like to go out later, for dinner or something.
Tea: You know me so well.
Todd: Okay, it’s settled. You rest. And I’ll watch over you until you’re fast asleep.
Tea: And you won’t be gone long right? And you will be back?
Todd: I’ll be back before you know it, Delgado. Now sleep.
Tea: Afraid I’ll follow you?
Todd: You already did, yesterday, remember? (changing his tone and almost whispering) Now rest.
Tea: Okay, okay. Thanks for putting up with me.
Todd: No problem. That was the plan after all.
Tea drifted off to sleep quickly. Todd quietly walked around the cabin, content with his surroundings. But he realized that things might not be so endearing to Tea. So he made a mental list in his head of things she would need. Things she might want. Things that might make her want to stay. He knew, again, he could do this. Easily, in fact. If she only understood this was his way of loving her, by doing for her. “Someday,” he whispered, “I’ll be able to do it your way.” And with that, he turned and left the cabin, heading into town.
