I could remember I’d been a bit claustrophobic, fighting the impulse to panic in any close confined place– but an underwater cave? That was a first, I thought with a shudder.
I slipped out from under the cat, eliciting a squawk of protest. He rose, stretched, turned about and settled back down with a huff. Over the past few days I’d gotten used to the rhythms of my new home and was a little surprised at how comfortable I was feeling. Charlie became a fixture on my bed and was pretty good company when he wasn’t attacking my toes under the blankets. Like me, Cruz kept to himself, spending a good deal of time holed up in his room, and I found the solitude suited me.
The cool misty mornings also agreed with me, and I spent my days reading, drawing and beach combing. I started to have nightly dreams about swimming, which was odd considering that I could barely stay afloat. My father had tried taking me for lessons but I so despised the smell of chlorine that I whined and begged to skip as many classes as I could possibly get out of.
Dad didn’t seem to mind too much, but constantly warned me to stay away from the water’s edge. I chalked up my dreams to the rumbling sound of the crashing surf I heard each night as I drifted off to sleep.
I couldn’t get the image of the handsome landscaper out of my mind. Every time I pushed open the curtains to reveal the sun shining on the beautiful garden I remembered him there.
Looking out at the gazebo I noticed his shirt was still draped on the chair where he’d left it.
When I mentioned seeing him to Abby she explained that she’d hired a nice young man to plant and maintain her garden.
“He has excellent garden karma,” Abby had explained, saying she got really “good vibes” from him. Apparently my vibes didn’t strike him nearly as favorably, I thought, with a heavy sigh and a small twinge of regret.
Taking this morning’s beautiful weather into account, I flipped through my rack of clothes to look for something summery to wear. Slipping into one my new sundresses I turned to look in the mirror. The pale teal bodice fit perfectly, with narrow straps that crisscrossed across the bare back, and a sash that tied at the waist. The skirt was made up of many sheer layers of transparent fabric in varying shades of aqua which rippled like water when I moved. I chose a pretty pair of silver sandals to go with it.
I had to hand it to Evie, she sure knew how to pick gorgeous things. She liked to dress me in cool colors, saying they complimented my auburn hair and pale skin. I simply wore whatever she brought me; she never steered me wrong. I smoothed my hair and put on a little makeup, twirling around to admire the skirt again. I was in a good mood.
I had plans to visit the farmer’s market with Abby, and she was eager to show me her favorite place to shop. It was a warm sunny day and I was happily looking forward to getting away from the neighborhood for a change.
“Good morning sunshine!” Abby called out cheerfully as I strolled into the kitchen. She was always saying goofy things like that and yet somehow she managed to avoid being annoying.
She smiled brightly, “You look just as pretty as a picture this morning.”
“Thanks Abby,” I smiled back as I poured myself a cup of coffee, “You look beautiful as always.”
She pursed her lips and chuckled, “Maybe after I jump in the shower. Eat some breakfast and I’ll be ready to go in about twenty minutes.” She hurried down the hallway.
I took my cup and wandered out to the garden to sit in the gazebo. He really did have a way with plants, I thought, sipping my coffee. Lush banks of herbs and flowers spilled out over a flagstone path that wound its way to a small patio where Abby liked to practice her yoga. I’d joined in on her morning sun salutations a few times and noticed I was already feeling a bit more flexible. I stretched out my spine, inhaling the fresh sea air perfumed with the delicate scent of the jasmine climbing up the latticework.
I glanced across the table at the shirt on the chair and reached over for it. It was plain white cotton with some dirt and plant