Matters of the Heart

Chapter 8

It was a nice day, not overly warm or cold. Sunshine streamed between the palm and sea grape trees scattered around the resort while a gentle breeze blew. There were people everywhere though it didn't feel crowded. The sounds of birds, waves, giggles and laughter filled the air as well as the gentle mutters of random conversations.

At the edge of the pool Meredith sat sipping on her mimosa while she took in the merry atmosphere. Everyone's happiness and cheerfulness seemed to bleed into her, which was rather nice. Cristina had left her to go flirt with some blonde she'd spotted at the other side of the pool. Thus she sat alone, her swinging legs dipped in the crystalline water adding to the multitude of ripples across its surface.

It was already day four of their stay in the very picturesque islands of Hawaii. They had attempted to surf, swam with dolphins, savored new foods, dared to snorkel, and even learned some Hula moves. From the vacationing standpoint they had done everything right. Meredith was actually proud of their dark and twisty selves for managing it all and in such a short amount of time. Then again the reason behind such success had more to do with ignoring their feelings than being exemplary tourists.

Meredith had enjoyed herself ignoring everything and stuffing it as deep down as she could while making up life stories about everyone who crossed her path. The bad thing was that even though she was a master of ignorance a sneaky little someone somehow continued to make their presence felt. Without a doubt, Meredith was amazing at pushing away and making herself forget and yet despite Addison not being there she still heard her, still saw her, still felt her.

The first time it had happened Meredith had chucked it to her tequila addled brain. The clicking of heels made her think the redhead had come to take her back home. She had fantasized Addison had come like a knight-in-shining-whatever to sweep her off her feet. But when she looked back it was only one of the managers from the hotel, greeting guests.

Next the scent of vanilla and jasmine had her head whirling about. She wasn't drunk then. Not at all. Her mind was rather clear and yet she could smell her, could feel her warmth surrounding her. That is until Cristina had tapped her shoulder and asked if she wanted to check out the next little shop of perfumes and candles.

On top of that, flashes of red hair had Meredith giving second glances at all the redheads in the vicinity. It filled her with anger, despair, guilt, and sorrow every single time she turned to look and instead of Addison she found a complete stranger. She would be swallowed in every negative emotion for long minutes until she managed to bring herself back. Cristina had noticed, Meredith could tell. But her person never commented on the fact that red hair turned her into a complete mess and she never addressed it either.

Thus doing everything, every little thing a tourist could do, had been the one escape besides her nights full of tequila. She knew at some point her liver may burst but who knew, maybe she was doing a great job of making it tougher.

Giggling behind her drew her attention and when she turned she cursed under her breath. Running around behind her was a little girl with her mother chasing her in what appeared to be an intense game of tag, at least for the girl. The scene didn't bother her, not at all, it was rather sweet and adorable. What did bother her was the flowing red hair the girl's mother had. Because why not bring Addison back when she was relaxing by the pool.

With a huff Meredith stood and gathered her phone, towel, and purse. She scanned the pool and found Cristina laughing with the unknown blonde from earlier. Catching her friend's eyes she motioned she'd be heading back to the hotel. Cristina nodded and waved before getting back to her conversation.

With one last look at her person she turned and headed inside. She was greeted by the young doorman, who yet again was making eyes at her. He was handsome, she had to admit if she hadn't changed so much after Addison she might have brought him up with her. Alas she had changed and now a few hours of prospective pleasure meant little to nothing to her.