Safe and Sound

Salty Sweet

     It's been five years since the last time I've seen Ezra. I haven't even seen Spencer, Emily, or Hanna. The only person I have seen from Rosewood is Alison. Today we are meeting at the Ritternhouse Reserve for brunch. The Rittenhouse Reserve is a neighborhood eatery owned by Alison & her new beau. The RR is frequented by millennials at all hours of the day, literally. It's the most popular place in Philadelphia and my favorite place to eat. I am in no way being biased...

     The RR has similarities to the Apple Rose Grille, but it's much bigger. It's uncanny how they're able to fit this place on such a tiny street, but here we are! The air is always woodsy and fresh, smelling of rosemary and lemon, surrounding customers with ficus plants and minimalist wreaths. You can hear the sound of water rushing passed rocks from the fountain centered on the floor of the restaurant. This is a place of peace. This is a place of gathering. This is a place of family.

     As I sit down at our reserved table, Chase pushes my chair forward, ever so slightly. I smile at him as he beams at me, leaving down to plant a kiss on my lips. His lips are so soft and plush against mine. He makes me feel warm in side.

     Chase takes his seat next to me, still beaming from ear to ear. I can't help but do the same. It's hard to hide my smile from him, even though I can't help but feel that something is missing from my life. The feeling is something I can't exactly put my finger on, yet I can't shake it. Being here with Chase is amazing and that's the only thing I want to focus on. His smile, his eyes, his voice... these are things most important in this moment because he is what keeps me grounded.

"So, what are you having for your meal?" Chase asks me, with a long breath to follow. "I think I have something hearty for a change."

     A tiny giggle escapes me as I tuck my fresh-cut hair beneath my ear. Things have changed within these past five years since Chase and I have been together. Chase has been obsessed with dieting and has insisted that I join in his obsession. Apparently, he has met Alison's husband way before today. Among the many changes I have made, in addition to Chase's newfound diet, is my new haircut. Blunt, sharp, and short, Alison said it's the new look I need. "Very Philly," she added. I wonder if she will feel the same when she sees it today....

"I think I'll have the Asian salad, sans the chicken, with an unsweetened green tea," I finally manage, still looking at my menu.

"You should treat yourself today!" Chase nearly shouts. "You deserve a treat".

     Though I love Chase very much, there are times that I find these little annoyances unbearable. I know it's not much of anything. "Treats". I just can't get past that. As if I were a dog, Chase is telling me what I deserve. He might as well just pat me on my head and tell me that I've been a good girl. Not that he hasn't ever done that. Why do I put up with that again.

"Just be sure to take your vitamins as per usual. And your medicine".

     Again with the demands. Am I your child-dog, or your girlfriend? I shouldn't get so upset with him. He is, after all, the reason I've been at peace. He's the one who's helped me to move on. The one who makes me feel like the most important person in the world. I am his priority. I am his...

"Aria!"

     I hear a voice shout my name and I finally look up, still holding my menu in both hands. My grip is a firm one. The uncertainty of why I'm holding on for dear life and why I feel this wave of anxiety shakes me up inside. I'm feeling uncertain of everything lately, if I'm being honest. I don't trust myself or anyone, yet I feel like the worries of my past have been buried deep, deep within me. They've been suppressed for so long that was able to create basically a new identity. So why are all these unresolved feelings beginning to surface?

     I let out a sigh and finally relax with a smile. Alison walks over to our table and air kisses myself and Chase respectively. She looks as glamorous as ever.

"How long have you two been sitting here?" she asks, her blonde curls bouncing over her shoulders as she sits across from me.

"Aria got here first," Chase responds. "I've only been here a few minutes." Why doesn't Chase ever give me the opportunity to speak?

"Well, I was about ten minutes before Chase," I speak up. "I'm starved. Are you ready to order?"

"She just sat, Aria. I doubt she's ready to order". Chase always has to have his input no matter what.

"Well, actually I am." I'm glad Alison has a way of putting Chase in his place. She then turns to me and adds, "I just want you to meet him first".

"Meet who?" I ask.

"My husband!" Alison pipes up.

     I guess that was a dumb question. I'm just confused-- why haven't I met Alison's husband before? I don't even know his name. Surely, o should have met him before Chase. Alison and I are best friends for God's sake!

"Alison, why haven't I met him before? I don't even know his name." I place my menu down and stare into her big eyes of ocean blue with confidence. "Chase was able to meet him, yet you and I are best friends. Isn't that something best friends share? Shouldn't I--"

"Stop." Chase places his hand on mine so quickly, sending a chill up my spine. He clenches my hand with his without even looking in my direction. I glance over at him as he stares straight ahead and continues. "Stop. Asking. Questions. Alison brought him here today."

     I suppose he's right-- I'm making much ado out of nothing. There's just so much I don't know. I look at Alison with her white blouse against her tanned, sun-kissed skin, her voluminous curls, her pink, heart shaped lips. I can't help but wonder-- how did she become this confident. It's as if the world is in her hands. There's nothing that can make Alison waver from grace.

"He's here!" she exclaims.

Alison rises from our table and makes a bee line to the front door. In walks the owner of RR; her husband. My doctor. Alison's husband is Wren Kingston