Malcolm returned to the apartment to prepare for the upcoming event: Sex.
The word was so simple but, it wrecked his whole existence. It was like everything moving forward depended on his performance that day.
Even a long, hot shower couldn't shake off the fear creeping inside him.
All his doubts and insecurities gathered for a meeting, and he was the agenda.
What if Amy was just joking with him?
Or worse... What if she thought that was what he needed at the moment?
A distraction.
What if Amy was the distraction? Could he be able to perform his duties as her boss and landlord after that?
What if he didn't perform?
What if he wasn't enough for her?
What if they broke up-
"Do you want me to tell you that it's going to be fine, or…?"
April's voice snapped him out of his train of thought as she walked in, stopping in front of him.
She took his shirt from the dresser and draped it over his shoulders, looking at his worried face.
"Amy is not invalid. She has a choice in this. Whenever it doesn't feel right, she can put a stop to it."
She paused, then turned him toward the mirror.
"And so do you, Malcolm. You can want this as much as you do and you can stop it anytime you want."
Malcolm closed his eyes, fear washing over him.
"How did you know what I planned with Amy?" He asked in a whisper.
April smiled.
"Oh boy… it's only been three years living with you. I've learned to notice your changes."
She then pointed toward his bedroom door.
"You left it open after saying nothing to us in the living room."
Malcolm turned and hugged her tightly. He was glad Elijah had a sister... and that this sister was radiant, grounded, and unfazed by any emotional storm.
"Okay, that's enough," April said, peeling him off. "You'll wrinkle your shirt."
Malcolm kissed her cheek.
"So… what am I missing now?" Asked Malcolm, twirling around so April could look at him.
April shrugged, mildly offended.
"How the hell am I supposed to know? Go ask Elijah for direction."
She then frowned.
"Do you even have condoms?"
Malcolm blushed.
April rolled her eyes and left the room.
Malcolm turned back to the man in the mirror.
Despite being a nervous mess, he looked excited. Ready.
He hoped everything would flow naturally.
April returned with a packet of condoms and some lube.
"Okay. You can have these."
Malcolm accepted them and moved to leave, but April stopped him.
"Don't force yourself. If you don't know something, if you're unsure, or if something feels wrong- anything at all... say it."
"I know," Malcolm said softly. "Thank you."
Whatever resolve she saw in him seemed to satisfy her.
"Now go get laid."
Yes, Malcolm was still a mess.
Yes, he had much to learn when it came to sex.
But he felt better after listening to April.
It felt like whatever was going to happen or not happen later on, was just as much his choice as Amy's.
He didn't even realize he was early until he saw Winnie, who smiled brightly at him.
"She's still dolling herself up, but you can wait on the couch for her."
Malcolm grimaced.
"I'm allergic to the cat."
"Oh," Winnie's smile faltered. "I honestly don't know how to help you there."
Malcolm laughed.
"No problem. Just tell her to text me when she's ready."
"Or she could just meet you at the hotel instead?" Winnie teased.
Malcolm blushed.
How can everyone tell his plans?
Was he really that transparent?