December 20th, 1999 - 9 AM
I turned on the faucet to the tub, memorized by the simplicity of the instantaneously hot water filling the rub. I tossed my clothing aside and settled in to soak. Mornings like this still seem strange to me. It was hard to believe how much my life had changed in the last few months. Ever since Kai had put an end to my father's foolishness things around here had really changed. They called a Doctor in from the city and he's been tending to my mother's injuries, she was unconscious for almost a week. Jeff barely left her side during that time, not sure if I'm missing something... Dad's on the run, Major Thomas appointed Harris as a citizen deputy in hopes that he can locate my father. I've whispers amongst the carpenters at the bar that he's been roaming the lost woods, but no one has sited him yet.
Adam and his wife started bringing by delicious dairy products, Lillia and Popuri brought by tea leaves and fresh vegetables. Oh! I was also recently accepted into the University of Michigan, starting winter of next year. Rick even came by to our house and installed plumbing free of charge. He and I have been awful close in the last month and I've been struggling with my feelings a lot. He'll be going on-and-on talking, like he does and I'll find myself getting lost in his features. His ruddy red hair and passionate banter and caring protective nature.
Sometimes I think I might have feelings for him, Kai only further complicates things for me. Since he saved my mother I haven't been able to look at him straight anymore without my heart beating like crazy out of my chest. Sometimes I'm afraid I'll faint if I just look at him too long.
And he's always around, he's been tending to our vines and wine with the same tenderness that my grandmother once had for our vineyard. I'm not sure if I'm more afraid of him or attacked to him, with his raw animal strength he was able to tear beat down my father, sometimes when he's working in the field just the sight of him flexing to pull up weeds or pound in posts is enough to flood my mind with memories of that night and send my heart beating up a frenzy.
Popuri gave me some rose scented bathing products, I rub the floral shampoo into my hair thoughtfully. It doesn't really matter whether I have feelings for any of them though, I'll be leaving soon for university and my dancing needs my full attention. I rinsed my hair in the warm water, savoring the comfort of it all.
Today I dance, not to forget, or remember, but just to be.
Authors note: Felt like I should probably just tie this story up since it's been siting around for awhile.