Reconnecting

Chapter I - Part II

Just as soon as Deveraux's hand wrapped around the worn, brass handle of the cabin's front door, the muffled sound of heavy rain came down upon the canopy like a far-off, thunderous wave. With it, a sudden chill crept into the air.

Soleil's eyes widened as she looked from the cabin to the pickup truck as it became pelted with the abrupt onslaught of rain.

"Whoa," she whispered, then returned her gaze to her father. "Nice timing, Zeus."

Deveraux chuckled softly, but there was an obvious appreciation in his eyes. "Can I just say that you're hilarious and I love it?"

Despite the chill of the air between them, Soleil felt a warm flush spread across her cheeks and her heart gave a slight flutter.

"Yes," she answered a little too quickly. "You may."

The praise had been completely unexpected, and it rattled something inside of her. He could have scooped her up into his arms right at that moment, and she wouldn't have protested.

He grinned at her.

"C'mon. Let's get unpacked."

Soleil nodded slowly, still slightly entranced by the moment and its odd intensity.

"And I think I need a hot shower," she finally said, running her hands over her bare arms. Her t-shirt felt suddenly and distinctly not weather-appropriate with the change in temperature.

Deveraux laughed. "You'll have to settle for a bath. The bathroom hasn't been touched since the eighties, I think."

"Ewww," she scowled, and raised a clenched fist theatrically. "If it looks like a roadside bathroom, I fucking swear to god..."

"Well..." he said, letting his voice trail off.

At this point, they had both entered the cabin and Deveraux was closing the door behind them. Immediately, they were greeted by the unmistakable scent of aged wood and lingering dust.

Soleil crinkled her nose, forgetting her earlier gripe and refocused. She punctuated the moment with a dramatic cough that reverberated through the wooden walls.

"Ah, the sweet aroma of nostalgia," she quipped, her voice dripping with wry humor as she took in the rustic interior. "It just keeps getting better and better."

Deveraux laughed as he placed his weathered backpack on the floor. "Reminds me of the good old days," he replied with a wink, their eyes locking in a playful exchange.

Soleil picked up an old, faded photograph from a dusty shelf. It showed a much younger Deveraux in a questionable '80s fashion ensemble, complete with a mullet. "I see you were quite the fashion icon back in the day."

He raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Hey, the mullet was cool back in the day!"

She did some quick math. "In the late 90s? I think not," she said, shaking her head and placing the photo back on the shelf. She looked up again and met his eyes but, strangely, her words were gone.

There was a moment of silence between them - the first real awkwardness since their initial meeting - and she broke it by clearing her throat.

"So...where's my room at?"