Visions of a Half-Sleep

The Past

"Hey Olivia, what is this garbage?" An old drunk truck driver hollered from the corner of the bar, "Turn on the game." Rolling her eyes, with an annoyed snort, Olivia not too gentle slammed her copy of People Weekly on the counter. Fishing out the step stole from under the bar she climbed up to adjust the channel dial, trying to drown out the obnoxious comments other patrons were making about her legs.

Finally, she could get back to her article, She had to know how the hell could that cad cheat on Diana? Hell, that two-page spread of her in an off-the-shoulder velvet dress was proof alone that he was an idiot to not know how good he had it. He was lucky he did end up like that Bobbit fellow and lost his crown jewels.

Bright light streamed through the front door as it opened, bringing into start relief the obscene amount of smoke and floor splattered in various liquids. Looking up she saw a burly-looking guy striding up to an open bar stool. He scanned the bar before his eyes landed on her. Instantly his eyes lit up and he sat up a bit straighter, broadening his shoulders. Great. Closing her magazine, Olivia walked over, whipping her hands on a damp rag, "How can I help you?"

"John"

"Over there." She jabbed her thumb in the direction of the dingy bathroom with its blown-out lightbulb and sticky floors. She expected the man to get annoyed but instead, he actually gave a small chuckle. He looked much better when he smiled, his edges rounded and became less rough.

"Name is John. Could I have a beer?" She bent over to open the mini-fridge and pull out a bottle.

"2 bucks." She popped the cap and handed the sweating glass to him. He passed her the bills, then with a small smile and tilt of his head in thanks he down the drink. She was about to head back to her article when he started talking again.

"So, I am new in town."

"Welcome to Beacon Hills."

"Here for a day or two, stopping over before heading to Sacramento."

"Driving?" He didn't look like a truck driver, his shirt didn't have nearly enough stains and his gut wasn't protruding past his feet.

"Yup, it's beautiful."

"The only way to see this state in my mind." Olivia leaned against the bar half watching John and half watching the TV. She caught him giving her low-rise jeans an appreciative stare before going back to smiling at her face.

"I've driven almost everywhere in this country. There are some gorgeous views."

"That sounds nice." She would love to just go driving. Hope in a car and go wherever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

"This one is probably the best?" He replied giving her his most charming smile cranked to full power. She blushed at the attention but shook her head at his ridiculousness. "Could you maybe show me around?" He asked, taking another swig of his beer. "It would be nice to have such a lovely woman show me what's fun to do in this town."

"There isn't really much to do in Beacon Hills. Just the bar" she waived around him to show just truly boring this place was. "And the movie theater."

"Movie then?" Was he asking her on a date?

"There is a new Friday the 13th movie out."

"It's a date."

An exciting baby squealing accompanied Oliva as she shouldered open the door to her sisters' house. Inside she could hear the sounds of cooking, the radio, and the toddler in the highchair excitedly waiving to her. Seeing his happy babbling brought a tired smile to her face. "Claud, I am back." Olivia announced, dropping her bag she scooped up the little boy from his Hi chair, "Hello my little man, how are you? Have you been good for Auntie Claudia?"