When Love Bites

3 Brain Things

Brain Things

I slept fitfully and not well. I usually don't when we are apart and this was no exception. I don't know why it bothered me so much that he was sharing a room with Marisa. I knew that nothing would happen, but that didn't stop my brain from concocting incriminating scenarios. After a pretty vivid dream involving one of those scenarios, I got up and went for a run. It was five am and I needed to clear my head. The cool, fresh air helped. I got home, showered, dressed comfortably, and ate. I spied the clock and it was 6:30 am, 8:30 am his time. I tried calling him, but only got his voicemail. "Hey sweetie, it's just me Lizzie. If you get the chance, call me, I miss your voice. If not have a great day and good luck tonight. I love you so much." I hung up and settled on the couch and fell asleep.

I slept like a log I was literally in the same position I fell asleep in when I woke up. I stretched and looked at my phone for an indicator light that I had missed a call or gotten a message. It was still early in California, I caught the time and looked over at the bed where Marisa was supposed to be, she wasn't there. "Oh My God! We're going to be late."

She walked out of the bathroom dressed and ready to go. "No, we are not. Go shower quick and get changed sleeping beauty. The car is on its way."

"Why'd you let me sleep so long?"

"You finally looked peaceful, how could I wake you? Go!" I set my phone down and went to get ready for the day. I had just gotten my shoes on when the car arrived.

After a long nap on the couch, I woke up and checked my phone. There was no text or voice mail. I shrugged it off and decided that I earned a massage and a pedicure and probably some Chinese food. I changed my clothes. Grabbed my purse and phone and headed off to go find those things. I sent a quick text to Avi.

"Out pampering myself for a bit. Hope your day is going well. Love you. <3 Lizzie."

When I was finally given a break I found as secluded a space as I could find and tried to call Lizzie. She had let me know she was out. I wasn't able to call, so I typed a quick message, "Hi, babe. Insane but fun. I slept like a log it was one of those nights where I don't move an inch because I was sleeping so hard. Anyway. Have fun. I love you deeply. I'll record some stuff for you and share it with you when I get home. I'll likely be exhausted tonight, but I'll try to call. Love you. Love & Light, Your Avi" I don't know why I always sign them, it's not like it can be from anyone else. I was laughing at myself when a student found me and started asking me nervous questions. I got instantly uncomfortable and asked to leave the space. I took a picture and skirted around her as I moved back out into the open under the lights with my phone in both my hands.

The massage and pedicure were nice. I met Lisa for Chinese food for lunch and we ended up at the mall. It was nice hanging out with a friend. I arrived home early evening with still no word from Avi. I tried not to be upset, but my imagination started running wild. How was it possible that he didn't get a single break? I fumed silently and went for another run. I was going to be in amazing shape by the time he got home.

The rest of the workshop was wonderful. I talked to the choir director about the student finding me just to let her know and asked that she not confront the student because I was the one that got uncomfortable and I told her just because I felt uncomfortable she needed to know. An ounce of prevention. I recorded several pieces of the performances and Marisa recorded a bunch more. It was well into the evening when I finally got to check my phone messages. "Fuck!"

"What?" Marisa was very alarmed at my exclamation and actually jumped in her seat. The driver's reaction was nearly the same.

"I never hit send, that student interrupted me and I never sent Lizzie the message I wrote her. She hasn't heard from me all day. Fuck! We just got past a huge fight over something like this and a misleading text I sent her instead of Brad. Fuck." I sent the message and immediately called her. I fidgeted waiting for her to answer her phone.

I ate when I got back from my run. I had just gotten out of the shower when the phone rang. I was just going to settle in for bed. I debated answering it, but that wasn't right. I took a deep breath and smiled as I talked. "Hey, stranger."

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be. I sent you a message on my lunch break, well I tried to but some girl interrupted me and I didn't hit send. I just sent it. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I know you are busy." I saw that I had a text waiting for me. "I kept myself busy. I get to see you tomorrow though. Hopefully, I sleep better tonight. Did you have a good day?"

"Yes. I got a bunch of stuff to share with you when I get home. Did you get my flight info?"

"I did. I will be at the airport with bells on. I promise." I smiled. "I can't wait to see it and you."

"I can't wait to see you either. Hopefully more than just those, but maybe just those a little later?"

I giggled. "Maybe. Not sure where I would hang them though." I laid back on the bed. "I miss you so much. It feels weird being in this space without you."

"Oh, I have an idea," I laughed and looked over at Marisa slyly, "I really miss you too. It's only one more sleep. You'll be at the airport with bells on to pick me before we know it." I laughed a little more. "Hey, we are going to pick up a pizza for a late dinner and then call it a night. I am very tired -- again. I can't wait until tomorrow. I want to get plenty of sleep so I'll be well rested when I get home. We're in the car about to the pizza place I think. I should probably get off here."

"Okay." I was so lost in his voice. "Enjoy your pizza. I love you. See you tomorrow."

"I love you too. Good night."

I sighed. "Good night." I disconnected the call and just laid in bed for a minute. One more night. I could do this.