Sanctuary

Chapter Two

Iyla didn't even remember falling asleep. She had showered, changed into some cotton shorts and a t-shirt before crawling under the covers but that was the last thing she could remember before the alarm clock on her phone blared so loud she jolted awake.

"Christ," she muttered to herself as she stretched, pushing her wild dark hair from her face. Laying spread across the bed Iyla stared at the ceiling, her mind clawing desperately from the fog and darkness of sleep. She could remember flashes of the dream....nightmare...whatever it was, but she desperately pushed them away. It would be worse to remember it always was.

Figuring it'd be better to concentrate on something else, Iyla swung her feet over the edge of the bed and stood with a slight groan. A small shiver running down her spine as her her bare feet padded against the hardwood floors. Pulling her duffel bag up onto the bed she pulled out a billowy maxi dress a with three quarter sleeves, the color just slightly darker than lavender. The first few months being on her own, she slowly started introducing color back into her wardrobe. Lance liked her in white, always looking like an angel he said. Iyla figured it was because he was the devil and had a sick twisted sense of humor, but nevertheless. Bringing color back into her life was one of the first steps in becoming herself again. Sliding the dress on over her modest underwear set she tied the small string ribbon at the waist, cinching it slightly.

Combing her hands through her dark hair she flipped it upside down and smoothed it all into one bundle and righted herself. Tying a hair tie in her hair she looped it twice and pulled halfway through the third time creating a bun. Cursing the small baby hairs that escaped around her face and neck she gave up and decided to see the damage her restless night of sleep had caused. In the bathroom, the cold white light bulbs above the mirror made her look pale and her eyes sunken in. Buckling down Iyla applied some concealer and light foundation, a little bush and highlighter, and finally mascara. Content that she looked more human and decent, she slid on some light sandals and collected her things to go down stairs. As she made her way down the creaking wooden steps she could hear Emily's voice.

"Of course Mr. Redding I'll be sure to tell Mary to give you a call," she paused a frustrated look spreading across her face as her lips tightened into a firm line. Iyla slowly stepped up towards the dark wood counter, she wrung her hand anxiously wondering if she was being a burden having Emily show her around the town. But when she turned and sent Iyla a wide smile, placing a cup of coffee on the counter in front of her, she released her hands and smiled nodding her thanks.

"Alright, I will let her know......uh huh. Alright thank you Mr. Redding, have a nice day," Emily rolled her eyes but smiled at Iyla as she clicked the end call button on the landline.
"I'm sorry about that, he likes to call once a month and give us a list of checks and maintenance to do on the place, despite the fact that his son is our handy man and does them already by the time he calls," she explained as she wrote something on a pad of paper and grabbed her own cup of coffee coming around the counter.

"No don't apologize, it's alright! I really appreciate you showing me around," Iyla said with a small flush, smiling lightly. Emily just grinned at her and nodded, taking a sip of her coffee as she moved towards the front door, beckoning Iyla to follow.

"That's a super cute dress by the way, where'd you get it from?" Iyla smiled looking down at herself, pride welling in her chest.
"Oh, I got it from Saks." Emily, who had pulled open the front door stopped and turned to her with wide eyes.

"You mean....Saks Fifth Avenue? Which one?" Iyla just laughed a little with a small smile.
"The one in New York," she said stepping out onto the porch. Emily let out a strangled cry as she moved out the door as well and down the porch steps.

"You're telling me you came all the way from New York to live in the tiny middle of nowhere town of Cap Rock? Why?!" Iyla's smile faltered and scrambled for a vague but truthful answer. She had never liked lying.

"I needed a change of scenery....this seemed to be the perfect place to truly get away." Emily just nodded, smiling at her. In reality questions buzzed through her head, but she tamped them down. Now was definitely not the time to go poking around in her life.

"Well Ms. New York, if your closet is like this don't be surprised if I borrow it. I love fashion, it's my greatest love," she said with a dreamy sigh and Iyla just chuckled. The walk was nice, the soft autumn breeze felt good as she stretched her legs finally. In the morning light the town was even more charming, and welcoming.

Within a half an hour of when they left Iyla had met multiple residents, a few business owners, and had multiple recommendations on places to shop and eat. The realty office was a small store front, with a tall bay window and light blue awning. Yellow painted letters on the glass spelled out Cap Rock Realty in large fancy cursive. Opening the door, Emily motioned for her to step into the office and Iyla's brows raised.

Two white arm chairs sat in front of a white wooden desk, a modern desktop was off to the side and a large cream colored rug covered the dark hardwood floors. She had seen similar decorating styles whenever Lance's important friends invited them to the Hamptons, but this office space, though small was much more inviting than those stuffy houses. Maybe it was because they were occupied by stuffy people, and the blonde typing furiously away on the keyboard behind the desk was nothing of the sort. Her golden locks were bound up in a wild bun and she wore slightly ripped jeans, a bright red sweater with a swooping neckline, and half bit her lip as she squinted at the screen

"Come on in, Welcome to-," the blonde paused as she looked up grinning widely. "Em, thank god come here and take a look at this," she beckoned before glancing over at Iyla.

"Jesus, you're stunning. Hi, I'm Ashley, everyone here just calls me Ash though. You must be Iyla, am I saying that right?" she asked tilting her head. Iyla just nodded, her brows raised slightly. The woman was fast talking and filled with energy, and Emily just mouthed an apology as she moved behind the desk.

"This is that house I was telling you about, but that stupid realty business from out of town is trying to out bid me." Emily just sighed and frowned as she stared at the screen before looking up at Iyla.

"Come in and take a seat, this'll be done in just a second. Ashley's been wanting to buy this house from the bank for almost a year now and they've finally put it up for auction but-"

"Suck it!" Ashley yelled and flopped back in her chair with a cheshire grin, her arms stretched to the ceiling.

"I'm a boss. Finally, my dreams have come true." Emily just snorted and moved to sit next to Iyla in the other white arm chair.

"She's a bit dramatic our Ashley. But we love her and I'm sure you'll love the house she finds for you." Iyla just nodded as she shifted in the seat smiling at both women. A new start to her new life, she thought.

_______________________

Nearing an hour later Ashley was frowning, Emily had her eyebrows raised almost to her hairline, and Iyla was grinning from ear to ear.

"Are you sure babe? That's a huge project to take on by yourself," Ashley said leaning forward in her chair as all three women looked at the computer screen. Iyla just nodded, her eyes sparkling and her chest raised slightly her nostrils flaring with excitement.

"I'm sure. I'll take it."

*Just a short Author's note*

A quick thank you for all the support, and reads! Sanctuary is a wonderful book, and I promise a heartwarming romance, excitement, secrets, lies, and so much more await in the coming chapters! Please vote, like, share, and comment to let me know how you feel about it!

With all my thanks,

Eliza King