The Crazy American

Chapter 3

I jolt awake from a vivid nightmare covered in sweat. Glancing at the clock, it's only three in the morning and I'm wide awake. I sigh and hop out of bed and get into the shower. The warm water makes me forget the hell that was my dream. He can't get here. I remind myself. Not here.

After an extra long shower, I dry off and slip into my outfit for the day. A pair of mint skinny jeans and a white button up shirt. I braid my hair into two braids so when it's dry my dirty blonde hair will be wavy. Put on my makeup, grab my book and head downstairs. The whole building is silent. I go into the kitchen and heat up some tea, turning the heat off right before it whistles then venture off into the great room.

The morning grew in a slow way. It was as if the sun had just woken up and was shrugging off the weight of slumber that hung heavy on its shoulders. The sun trudged its way up into the sky where it would climb and climb only to fall back into the clutch of night again. The sky burned with reds and oranges as the sun kissed the night sky. It said it's farewell to the moon and stars, then hurried into the morning light. The building sighed with age as the hours passed.

Quiet footsteps patter down the stairs. Elliot turns the corner and jumps about a foot and a half in the air. His hair all messy from a night sleep. The top few buttons of his white shirt are undone, exposing his clavicle.

"Bloody hell." He gasps, his voice still husky from sleep.

I giggle. "Morning."

He holds his chest as his heart rate slows down from its current state. "Good morning. Why are you up so early?" He asks.

"Couldn't sleep. You?"

"Same."

"Would you like some tea or coffee or something?" I ask setting my book down.

"No you've done enough for now."

I make a pouty face at him. "Maybe you shouldn't be such a scaredy cat." I murmur.

"Would you care to sit out in the courtyard with me? This is the best time to be out there." He motions to the back door. I nod and grab my tea. We make our way outside. The air is cool and refreshing.

"How do you like it here?" Elliot sips on his tea.

"It's amazing, really." I close my eyes and smile taking in the scent of the morning.

"Classes start today," he sighs.

"I'm excited." I say keeping my eyes closed.

"Really?" He questions.

"Yeah. I'm taking a painting class and a photography class. I can't wait."

"I didn't know you paint."

"I love it. Haven't in months though." I frown and look down at my hands not making eye contact with him.

"What type of paints?" He sounds thoroughly interested.

"Acrylics mainly. Though I would love to learn how to do oil." I smile at the thought of painting.

"Why did you start painting?"

"Well I had some traumatic experiences and so to cope I took up painting. It's as though you can get lost for hours in the bristles of a paint brush. Create new worlds that no one can enter. Only you. Though they may see some of what you are trying to portray, they will never actually see it as you do. It is completely a world for just you and those you allow in." As I spoke he listened intently, smiling at me. I blush and fiddle with my hands.

"I guess it's kind of a way out of everything."

Elliot sits staring at me. "You are the only person who isn't intimidated by me or obsessed with me. It's a breath of fresh air." He chuckles softly to himself.