Bliss

𝓣𝔀𝓸

✾ × ✾ × ✾ × ✾ × ✾ × ✾ × ✾

BEYOND ACQUAINTANCES

✾ × ✾ × ✾ × ✾ × ✾ × ✾ × ✾

             I found myself staring up at the popcorn ceiling for a period of time before I could even think about getting out of bed. Eventually, I mustered up the courage to stand on my own two feet and leave the comfort of my mattress. I rifled through my dresser drawers in search of something suitable to wear. I finally settled on a pair of black capri leggings. They were so worn that the waistband was beginning to sulk. To go with it; I selected a baggy t-shirt with the coca-cola logo printed smack dab in the middle. I usually began the day in comfortable clothes, switching to my uniform when it was time to work.

"Good morning, Lani!" I greeted as I bounded down the creaky wooden steps. Lani sat happily in her rocking chair and offered me a smile in return. Today, Rose dressed her in her favourite bright yellow top with images of daisies printed all over it. For bottoms, Lani wore her usual flowy black pants with an elastic at the waist.

"Rose bring sandwich for you," she informed me with a tired smile. I nodded, providing assurance that I heard her.

It was almost eight o'clock in the morning and the sun was shining brightly. It cast a soft reflection onto the ocean water below it. The sun's rays caused the water to glisten as it moved. I was admiring the view of the beach when Rose caught my attention.

"Hurry up and eat, the guests will be awaking soon!" Rose walked up to me and shoved the brown-bagged sandwich into my hand. I knew for a fact that our only guest was Gabriel, and I was in no rush to deal with Rose and Lani's ruthless teasing. I took another moment to appreciate the view before scarfing down the ham and cheese sandwich that Rose all but stuffed into my mouth.

It was another two hours before Gabriel showed his face, but I heard his voice long before that. He was shouting at somebody on the phone for twenty minutes. It was loud enough that we could hear him from every corner of the inn.

"Men," Rose scoffed, "so inconsiderate."
I raised my eyebrows but didn't say anything. Instead, I resumed my task of dusting the nick-knacks Lani scattered around the lobby. Over the years I concluded that when Rose was aggravated she was best left unbothered. Of course, I had to learn this the hard way. During the first few months of working at the inn, I made a grave mistake. I double-booked a room at the only inn in town. I proceeded to apologize to Rose for my mistake, and after the tenth "I'm sorry" she grabbed my shoulders and shook my body violently whilst telling me to shut up. It's safe to say I never made that mistake again.

"Are you busy?" Someone inquired from behind me.

I whipped around at the sound of Gabriel's voice, stubbing my toe on the corner of the front desk.

"Fu–" I bit my lip to prevent the entire word from escaping my mouth. I balanced on one foot while wincing in pain. "No!" I squeaked, "Not busy."

Gabriel flashed me a sympathetic smile and waited for me to regain my composure.

"What can I do for you?" I asked politely. I noticed that his hair was swept to the side, but a single curl kept falling in front of his eyes. Eventually, he pushed all of his hair back and the curl rejoined the others.

"I was hoping to see a bit more of the town. Do you know of any tours going on?" He inquired, tapping his finger lightly against the wooden desk.