Page 72 of More Than Water
A muffled sound vibrates across my eardrums as my body is swayed, nudged, and poked repeatedly. I swat at the annoyance, like a pesky fly at a picnic, hoping it will go away.
“EJ,” a warm voice whispers in my ear. “EJ…”
“What?” I lazily huff, shifting my shoulder toward the warmth at my side.
“You fell asleep,” he says quietly, grasping me by the arm. “The movie’s over.”
Inhaling deeply, I attempt to pull myself out of my slumber. It’s no use.
“C’mon,” Foster’s voice says, soft and gentle. “Let’s get you to bed.”
Before I’m aware of all that’s happening or can even object, I’m in Foster’s arms and being lifted from the sofa. Peeking through my lids, I focus on his jawline as he carries me down the short hallway toward my room.
“My knight in shining armor,” I mumble, nuzzling closer into his chest, too sleepy to protest about being coddled in such a way.
“Yes. I’m saving you from a dreaded sore neck in the morning by not letting you sleep on the couch.” He stops in the middle of the hall. “Which one is yours?”
“The last door.”
He continues down the hallway and enters my room with me in his arms. Setting me on the bed, Foster takes off my shoes and then reaches for the button on my pants.
“Are you trying to take advantage of me in my state of delirium?” I ask, teasing him.
“You would like that too much,” he replies, sliding my jeans down my thighs. Tossing them aside, he then pulls back the covers and guides my legs underneath. “I’ll let myself out. Get some sleep.”
I’m not sure why, but I reach out and grab his forearm as he’s turning to leave.
“Don’t go,” I say, a hint of desperation in my voice. “Stay.”
His silhouette relaxes as he stares down at me in my half-awake and half-asleep state. The seconds of silence lurk and expand in the air as my request lingers into the hazily dim light of my room. Taking his non-reply as an answer or realizing that I might be so tired that I’m making up conversations in my head, I roll over, burrowing down into my pillow.
I allow my mind to float to the subconscious, the impending deep slumber, when the bed sinks behind me. An arm slinks around my waist, a man’s heat warming my back, and I fall fast asleep, like it’s nothing more than a dream.
~~~~~~
A soft wind blows along the treetops, rustling their newly green leaves into a harmonic opus. Glorious and beaming, the sun shines through the cottony clouds above, magnifying the bold-colored flowers lining the arbor ahead where a man with auburn hair waits next to an officiate on this momentous day. Classical music strums through the air, lulling the guests into a state of pristine joy.
The tune shifts into processional music, inviting bridesmaids outfitted in fine luxury gowns down the aisle. Each one with perfect coifs, makeup, and stature walk like obediently trained specimens along the white runner and take their designated space near the arbor. When all six are aligned and smiling, like the props they are meant to be, the melody morphs into the “Wedding March.”
On cue, the guests stand in honor of the bride.
I rise with them, facing the aisle.
A woman in soft white fabric, escorted by a gentleman with silver hair, makes her way toward the groom. She glows brightly under the veil of tulle and lace, tears streaming down her cheeks, and she ascends the steps to meet her soon-to-be husband. When she’s at his side, Gerard turns to face her, and his entire aura lights up so bright that the sun above is nothing in comparison.
We all sit in awe of the splendor about to take place between these two people. A few words are said, the bride’s father gives her hand to Gerard, and the ceremony commences.
As the father of the bride takes his seat, a blonde woman at my side exhales heavily.
My mother.
A chill runs up my spine, turning the cordiality of the moment into an iceberg of dread.
A low growl rumbles from her chest, announcing her displeasure. She turns her steely cold eyes in my direction. With obvious disgust, her features become hard as she fidgets with the bag on her lap.
She says nothing.
Neither do I, avoiding her awful glare.