in the morning light [g.r]

two - imola

Abi was sprawled out on the bed when she awoke, sheets wrapped around her torso and neck crooked in a painful position. She groaned to herself and sat up, eyes blinking rapidly to try and help her wake up. Her watch told her it was ten past seven - she had only had three hours of sleep, but she was sure the sleep deprivation wasn't the only thing contributing to her headache.

She stood, heading for the ensuite to shower and use the toilet, the cold water waking her up as she washed her hair and shaved her legs. They had thrown around the idea of heading to Imola for the day, knowing it would lead to a night on the tiles as every trip with her childhood friends did. She would dress appropriately; put on her favourite summer dress and most comfortable sandals so she could feel free when letting the day take its course. She just hoped that looking presentable would help her with the horrific hangover she was experiencing. She didn't even want to think of how many bottles of wine they ended up getting through.

Once clean, she brushed her hair and cleaned her teeth, returning to the bedroom to get ready. She didn't want to wake her guests by using the hairdryer, so wrapped her hair in a towel and tucked it into a turban, then fetching her most worn summer dress and some comfortable yet cute underwear. Concealer and mascara applied, she was ready to take on the day.

She tiptoed downstairs and went through to the kitchen, bracing herself for the mess she was about to witness. To her surprise, the kitchen was as clean and tidy as always, wine glasses lined up by the sink and bottles in the bin. Outside, the table was tidy and ready to be laid for breakfast, Devon sat at the back door and softly barking at her, wanting to be let out for his morning wander. She opened the back door for him and sat down on the bench that was tucked below the kitchen window. It was another beautiful morning, the remnants of the sunrise lingering to her right, a wash of pink and yellow that faded into the blue fog. The beauty of the country she had found herself in still continued to astound her.

Devon was quick to have his morning chase around the garden, then jumping onto Abi's lap and flopping down onto her thighs. Mindlessly, she ran her fingers through his thick fur and smiled to herself. They spent most mornings like this, sitting in the warm, fresh air whilst waiting for the kettle to boil so she could enjoy a cup of coffee before work. She needed the peace and quiet; it was about the only time she had to rest in a day. She did love her new job, however the fast pace and unnecessary stress sent her into overdrive most of the time. In her first year, she had made zero friends within the male dominated, Italian speaking factory, so instead kept her head down and worked as hard as she could for eight hours straight before returning home on her moped and trying to unwind in whatever way she could. Most of the time, she would end up going into town with Devon, or wander through the vineyards with a pencil and pad, sketching as her dog chased birds and investigated the rows of tall vines and never-ripe grapes.

Feet disturbed her morning peace, looking up when the steps came closer to the back door. George stepped out, shirtless and yawning. He stretched, yet to notice his ex sat on the bench, his eyes instead looking out across the garden and hand massaging the back of his neck. She didn't remember where he and Rachel slept, having followed Dani and Rich to bed, snorting when Rich fell over on the landing. She was certain they had all been together on the lounge floor playing cards at some point. Perhaps he fell asleep there.

"Good morning," Abi said, making him jump and then laugh. "Sorry, managed to hide myself pretty well didn't I." She chuckled and George nodded firmly, making his way over and sitting down beside her and Devon.

"Very well," He smiled, resting his arms across the back of the bench as he yawned once more, the noise making Devon stir from where he sat curled on Abi's lap. "How'd you sleep? My head is banging." Devon stood up, making Abi huff, then going over to George and sniffing his arm before flopping down, head placed on his thigh and eyes looking up at him.