Fading Memories

Chapter 3

Rolling over, I try to shield my face from the light shining through the sheer curtains. I make a mental note to get some blackout ones. During the school year, I'm always up before the sun and it's never bothered me before. Now, the sun is like a floodlight shining into the room when I want darkness. "Ugh, I drank too much wine last night," I say, groaning into my pillow as I roll over in protest. Then I remember the dream I had last night. I haven't had it since I was a child and wonder why it came back last night of all nights.

The dream is always the same: two little dark-haired boys and me, flying kites around on the beach. I always lose mine, and when it happens, one of the boys always hands me his. I can't even see what the kites look like, but I know that's what we're doing. Back when I was younger, this was a reoccurring dream I'd have, but it's been over a decade since it's visited me.

Sliding my robe on, I stumble to the kitchen for coffee, and right now, I'm thankful I'd prepared it before bed. The day looks overcast but with hints that the wind will blow it out. Coffee in hand, I move to the sunroom.

Love mornings like this ... listening to the seagulls while enjoying my coffee. Taking another sip, I look around the room that's on my high-priority list to change. I turn my head to the right and notice Dakota on a stroll up my path and not his. "Really, does this man not know he's got his own and this is mine?" I say out loud. Guess I need to send a memo out or post a sign saying, "Private property, asshole." Maybe then he'll understand. It's not that I'm trying to be rude, I just don't like strangers walking around my house at all times of the day or night—especially him.

He glances up toward my house and then back toward his, as if he's contemplating what to do. He continues toward his deck but stops suddenly. Crap, he's coming this way. I really should just get my ass up and go hide inside. Maybe then he'd get the picture. Yet, I'm too comfortable to lift a single body part.

"Morning, Izzie. How are you?"

"Fine. Thanks for asking."

"Well, are you going to ask me how I'm doing?"

"No, I wasn't planning on it, but since you asked, how are you this morning, Dakota?" Taking my chances, I peek over at him and notice that he's at the screen door now.

"Did you not sleep well?" He chuckles as he questions me. "By the way, I'm good. Thanks for asking."

"I slept fine, just need to get ready for my day." I'm so over this little exchange now, I stand abruptly and turn toward him. "Look, I got to go. See you around," I say with as much aggravation as I can muster.

"Yeah, I'll see you around, Izzie. You going to be home later?" he asks.

Coming to a halt in the doorway, I whip my head around and look at him without a care in the world. "Yes, I should be. Things to do, and people are coming over." Better make sure he knows I'll have someone here, just in case I'm his next victim.

I don't allow him to respond or question anything else as I slide the door closed behind me. Refilling my mug, I look around for my phone and realize it's in the bedroom. It's only seven in the morning and Kelsey is going to be irate if I call, but with Dakota already in my space, she needs to be woken. I shouldn't be the only one up and dealing with stuff today. Kelsey needs to move her butt before I flip out on this guy. On a good day, I'm nice, but something about this man causes the mean, rude side to show its ugly face. He confuses me and totally invades my space. The new me keeps people at a distance. If you haven't been in my circle, you're not getting in now.

Kelsey answers on the third ring. "WHAT?... I'm sleeping and it's too early, Izzie." Yep, pissed.

"Good morning, sunshine! This is your wake-up call; it's time to get a move on. We got shit to do, and I need out of this house."