Falling for a Storm

Chapter 2: Lexi

Waking up stretching my legs out, feeling sore from my extra run yesterday. When I open my eyes I groan with how bright the sun is. Looking at the clock on my bedside table, I jump out of bed. Since when have I ever slept in till 10? I head to my closet trying to decide what to wear today, touching a sundress. I decide it doesn't feel right with my current mood. Instead I grab some cut off denim shorts with a black racer tank top and some crimson red slip-on vans making my way into the bathroom to take a shower and get ready for the day.

Walking down the stairs throwing my hair up into a ponytail, I glance out the bay window seeing an old golf cart making its way down my driveway confused. I unlock the front door walking onto the porch. I see it's Mr. Williams from next door. I rarely speak to anyone really but he always tells me if I need anything to call on him. Everyone I've met has told me the same thing, the entire town seems to be grandparents looking out for little ol' me.

"Afternoon Mr. Williams." I call out.

Parking Mr. Williams says, "Girl you doing okay? Debbie at the corner store said you wasn't out this morning on your run."

"I'm okay Mr. Williams, I seem to have overslept." I say.

"You sure girl?" Looking at me rising his eyebrow and tilting his head.

"I'm sure Sir."

"Girl, your eyes are still puffy. Don't lie. What's wrong?" He demands.

Feeling like I am being reprimanded I took a deep breath closing my eyes to stop myself from crying.

"Yesterday was the first anniversary." Whispering hoping he doesn't make me repeat it. I cannot be the widow always crying, I'm stronger than that.

"Well damn girl...the first year is the hardest." He took a deep breath and stared off into the distance, "It don't get no easier but that first one...yeah bout damn near kills you." He said looking like he was remembering his own pain.

"Thank you for checking on me Sir. I appreciate it."

Giving me a small smile he just nods.

"No big deal girl. We're a small town that sticks together. You just come over if you need to talk. The grandkids say Imma pretty good listener." He pats my shoulder and heads back to his cart, starting it and heading back up the driveway.

Going back inside I head to the kitchen starting my coffee. I guess people notice me more than I thought, maybe I should go let Debbie know I'm okay? No. I'm sure Mr. Williams will handle that for me. Grabbing a peach yogurt and a spoon I quickly eat, I'm getting started so much later in the day than I had planned.

I head to my office looking at the urn, maybe I should just look today to see if I'll be noticed. I really don't want to have to explain to anyone, much less Cara's family what I'm doing. Taking the post-it from my desk with where the plot is I grab my purse and head to my Jeep.

Checking the forecast on my phone I notice it isn't calling for rain so I pull the soft top off and toss it in the compartment in the trunk. Picking a playlist on my phone I start the Jeep heading to Charleston. Might as well enjoy myself, right?

Before I get to the cemetery I stop at a florist to grab some flowers not wanting to stick out. Only what type of flowers does one buy for your husband's true love? Google is no help; they think I want flowers for my husband. Ugh! I head inside and choose a bouquet that has pink and white roses, the internet has only helped with knowing not to pick red unless they are your true love.

Finding the plot wasn't difficult. The fact that a funeral was happening two rows behind her headstone confirmed my choice of not bringing Bash this time. I should probably have checked the website for when they have funerals happening, I will next time so this doesn't happen again.