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Chapter Three

I walk into the house feeling ready to just slump into my bed, apron and all.

"What's for dinner?" Tyler enquires from the living room while he watches the news.

*Sigh, for once it would be nice to come home to dinner waiting for me.*

"I brought some food from the diner to reheat. It will be ready in about 15 minutes, " I reply.

*Thank you Ben for allowing me to grab these leftovers at the end of dinner rush*

I start taking out the containers to reheat in the microwave while Tyler wheels himself from the living room up to the kitchen table. He silently watches as I dash about the kitchen getting out plates, cutlery, and pouring us some milk. *A glass of wine about now would be great, though.*

Once it is all ready, I sit down beside Tyler. He sits at the head of the rectangular table since it is easier with his chair. He cuts into his food and silently chews. The silence is really uncharacteristic of Tyler. I don't really know how to break it, and I really do not want to discuss what we were discussing this morning....the past....Connor...., so I just start to enjoy my food as well. The awkward silence I feel starts to slip into a pleasant meal of togetherness. When the meal is over I get up to start cleaning and set about making some tea for myself.

"Would you like some chamomile tea?" I ask Tyler as he quietly sits at the table watching, but not watching me clean up.

"That witch drink will kill you, Calia." 

*I roll my eyes at his normal reply. Maybe things are alright and he is just tired, too.*

My tea is all set and the kitchen is cleaned. I give Tyler a curt nod indicating I am about to walk upstairs to finally sleep the night away. *Or, am I going to sleep a bit then sneak out to see Connor again? Uh, that thought can just go away because I need a good 12 hours to sleep off my last doses of Connor.*

Tyler hesitates, but then grumbles, "If you leave tonight to see him again, please be careful" as he wheels himself into his bedroom.

I am left speechless, which is good considering I don't have an audience to listen anyway. I just shake my head and drag my sore feet from the diner and my stinking uniform upstairs. The tea is already helping me relax.

I consider a bath before bed, but as I sit on the edge of the bed to remove my shoes the weariness of the last few days begins to really take hold. I barely get my shoes off as I doze off into dreamland.

My last thoughts of the day are as varied and worrisome as would be expected, yet they are unexpected to me.

*Connor............the diner visit.........I need to talk to Tyler.....the past....*

I sleep restlessly as memories of the past rush upon me.

My long blonde hair mashed along my face as if it is wet, as I lay on a hard surface, I can't see beyond my own nose, I hear scuttling as if someone else is nearby.....I realize that I am laying on stone slab in some kind of field.....the grass is mostly mud and I start to realize that it is raining hence my wet hair.....I still can't see beyond my own nose, but I start to hear something.......it sounds like someone walking through the mud....either towards me or away from me.......I start to wiggle around, but I can't stand.......Suddenly, I scream!.........the dream, or nightmare, of my past begins to flash in glimpses.......black hair......someone yelling......the night glow eyes of an animal......these glimpses come with feelings of loss, fear, warmth, and an overflowing love and terror.......the final glimpse is of a man facing away from me, but he never turns around............

I awake in confusion and sweat. I can't seem to catch my breath as if I have been running for miles all night. I slick back my wet hair from my face with a shaking hand as the memories start to fade. I take a look at the clock that reads only ten at night. I don't feel as if I can fall back to sleep. I start pulling on some skinny jeans, a simple t-shirt, and some clogs. I grab my brush and neatly tie my hair back in a ponytail. I don't add any makeup as I want to seem as natural and casual as possible. I spritz on some barely there sunflower perfume. I grab my purse and keys. I contemplate telling Tyler that I am leaving, but then decide against it. I quietly sneak down the steps, pass his room, and out the front door.

I put my keys back into my bag opting to walk over to Connor's instead of driving. The night is fresh against my skin. The moon glows brightly and I can't help feeling as if I am making the best choice by going to see Connor instead of talking about the night's flashes into my past with Tyler. I am a bit elated as I reach his street and view his house. *You are not supposed to feel elation for any man! Haven't you learned that yet???!!?!?!* I sigh, letting out the worries of the night and what is to come. I just hold my head up high as I walk up his front porch. I was in such a rush last time I was here I was unable to enjoy the beauty of his home. This time, I plan on taking my time.

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I am hoping to start Chapter Four this weekend :) So, check back soon! Thanks!