Two weeks earlier
Sam decided that he would venture into Aspen's room for a real conversation. The prior week had been more intent staring and a brief conversation in the hallway. He noticed her clothes were more telling and wondered if she was trying to impress. Cut-off jean shorts disclosed toned legs of which most of his stares were directed. An unbuttoned Paisley blouse served as a layer over a royal-blue fitted tank top that revealed small but proportionate breasts. Her hair was intricately braided with wisps left framing her face. The hallway interaction showed a light touch of makeup that accentuated her large brown eyes.
Aspen divulged a few details of her life: teenage son, teacher for ten years and recent separation with husband. Sam also wondered if that information was for his benefit. He did likewise and relayed his not-so-recent break-up, moving to Idaho and remodeling a cabin. The conversation was a bit awkward, but each felt a spark of chemistry. Sam had thought about Aspen all week and anticipated the weekend and another encounter.
He was certainly disappointed when she did not show up at her usual time. He cleaned every other room saving hers for last in case she eventually showed. Just as he began washing down her students' desks, she appeared in the doorway looking somewhat disheveled. His smile turned to a concerned frown as he noticed her apparent emotional distress.
"What is wrong Aspen?" He waved her over to the green stuffed chair in the corner and had her sit down.
"I don't really know where to begin, and I shouldn't be bothering you with this. I hardly know you," she murmured.
"I understand, I don't mean to pry, but you seem very upset," Sam said with soft concern.
"Before today, I thought I was incapable of this much feeling, but I guess I never had my husband completely betray me before." She closed her eyes and a single tear rolled down her face. Upon opening them, she had gained her composure and a vacant stare replaced the furrowed brow.
"Can I call someone? Do you want me to leave," Sam offered.
"No, I am glad you are here. I was hoping, um, I mean it is nice someone is here. I am trying to process fifteen years of lies, and it is not going so well."
Aspen gave a half smile, and Sam pulled up a chair beside her and waited for her to speak. What proceeded was several hours of Aspen relaying her married life, her inability to feel true emotions, her escape into the fantasy world of Sherlock and her husband's double life right under her nose. The last fact had been revealed to her as they worked out the details of their divorce. She had blamed herself all this time thinking her lack of emotions created the loveless marriage, but all the time he was just as removed and living out an entirely different existence in London.
"You must think I am completely crazy," Aspen said searching his face for the signs of his wanting to bolt from the room. All she got was a warm smile and a soft hand on her own hand.
"I can honestly say that my own life is just as crazy, except for the Sherlock part." With that he gave a guarded laugh.
"Yes, I know, I probably should be committed, or never tell people about that part of my life," Aspen chuckled.
"Well, I can't say that I totally understand fantasy worlds, but I sure do understand escape. I do that when I ride Patches. Um, that is my horse by the way." Sam's face pinked into a slight blush.
"Thank you for listening," Aspen whispered. She leaned over and lightly brushed her lips to his cheek then got up to leave. Sam was unsure of what to do next. He followed her to the door not wanting to complicate matters when she was vulnerable, but he resigned to at least let her know he could be a shoulder to cry on if needed.
"Um, let me give you my number if you need to talk further. No funny business, I promise." Sam quickly scrawled his phone number on a scrap piece of paper hanging from one of the desks. He placed it in Aspen's palm and closed her fingers around the item. She looked at him with appreciation, gave a half smile and walked out of the room. Sam's heart melted. He was not sure about love at first sight, but he definitely believed that, fantasy world or not, he needed to be part of her story line.