Shores of Truth

Ch. 9, Breakfast and Beach

Nyx

 At the same time Travis was waking up, Nyxeria was rising as well. She stretched out under her comforter. It was warm enough last night to leave the window cracked. The morning air rushed in causing her to snuggle back under the cover. She had a wonderful night. Perhaps she would nonchalantly walk by his house today. She struggled out of bed to shower and change. She wasn’t normally a morning person, but everything felt new. Nyxeria wore leggings, a bulky sweater, and knee high socks.

There was a sound from downstairs. Her mother was up. Mrs. Page wasn't being loud so Nyxeria assumed she was not getting into too much trouble. With Travis' image fresh in her head Nyxeria grabbed her sketchpad. Using a charcoal pencil she drew the outline of: his face, his exceptional nose, bright smile, but was stuck perfecting the shine of his eyes. It was at this time when she heard voices downstairs.

Travis

 Travis had arrived at her house. Right before he could knock, the door flew open. There stood Nyxeria's mother. She was still in her nightgown, but looked to be in the middle of doing her makeup as most noticeably only lip liner was applied to her mouth creating a resemblance to child's coloring book.

 "So you are Travis," she said sizing him up.

 "Yes, I am. It is a pleasure to finally meet you," he have her an award winning smile which unfortunately had no visible affect.

 "I have my eye on you. If you break my daughters heart..."

He wasn’t in the mood to be lectured by yet another person about his life, "I think she is more than capable of taking care of herself."

 Her mother's face darkened, "What is that supposed to mean?" The vibe of the room darkened.

 Before Travis could stutter out a response Nyxeria rushed into the room. Her mother automatically brightened with the appearance of her daughter.

 "Travis?" Nyx was shocked to find him in her entryway. She found it humorous that she had the same idea as him this morning. "Did you forget anything?"

 "No, no. Just in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by, see if you wanted to get some breakfast."

 Mrs. Page chimed in, "I'm making pancakes."

 "You are welcome to join us. It would be our pleasure," Nyxeria added quickly.

 "I'd love to, if you don't mind."

 "Not at all."

 Nyxeria's mother's mood changed to bliss as she walked towards the kitchen. Nyxeria took Travis's hand and led him after her mother. She was certain they’d get along with some supervision.

 Later Nyxeria and Travis wandered down the beach. Max was following behind. Despite Travis's dislike of dogs, he was starting to warm up to him.

 "You never did explain why you are so against dogs."

 "I never said I was against them per say. We just do best going our separate ways."

 "Come on, there has to be a story there."

 "Only if you say pretty please."

 "Pretty please with a cherry on top."

 Travis leaned over to kiss her head. Nyx snuggled closer to him. "Don't change the subject."

 "Was that what I was doing? I thought I was just admiring the most darling creature in existence." Travis smirked at her rolling eyes. "When I was little there was this bully. He threatened to sick his dog on me if I didn't do what he said. I told the teacher and he got in trouble. We thought he was all talk, just an attention seeking kid. Then he set it all up and got his dog to attack me. I still have a few scars. It was the most frightening thing I've ever been through."

 "What happened to the bully?"

 "I don't know. I was just a kid. I can't recall seeing him again."

 "One dog with asshole owners doesn't make them all bad."

 "I know. It just makes it harder to trust them," Travis sighed, "It is hard to trust anyone."

 They held each other for a few moments. Then Nyxeria yanked him hard into the water. Clothes and all soaked as they tumbled into the lake.

 "What the..." Nyx splashed him and ran in deeper. Travis went in deeper as well. He grabbed her to pull her under. She kicked away and splashed again. Soon they were laughing. Max joined in barking at the horseplay.

 "Oh no," Nyxeria said catching a breather. Travis noticed the direction of her stare. A large man was jogging on the beach towards them. He waved enthusiastically. Whoever he was, he was the last person Nyx wanted to see.