The breeze was a nice contrast to the warmth of the sun on my face. My body ached, and barely responded when I tried to sit up. A gentle hand pressed me back down, and that was when I noticed the smell of grass and the tang of the sea in the air. A finger traced along my brow, and I was able to force my eyes open.
"Did you enjoy your nap?"
"I seldom nap." I managed to reply more gruffly than I intended.
The brunette leaning over me smiled wryly.
"You just were. Wait here, I'll get you a lemonade."
She lifted my head from her lap, setting it down gently, and with a parting smile that gave a shine to her blue eyes, dashed away before I could get another word out.
I'm not much of a lemonade guy. Not that I'd turn one down from a pretty gal, though I normally liked to be introduced first. Towards that end, I closed my eyes and started tensing muscle groups, getting some feeling back in my limbs. A minute later and I was able to sit up.
I haven't been to a picnic in the park since I was a kid. Not counting that outing with that green eye'd lass over a year ago. You'd think I'd learn one of these days. Then again, nothing ventured...
There were other blankets spread out among the vast lawn, most occupied by families with a few couples scattered about. A game of soccer was in session down towards the tree line. A walkway led from there up to the top of the hill I was seated on. The hill that my mysterious companion dashed over.
I got to my feet and stretched, my jaw cracking from a yawn. Looking around, I didn't see any vendors or a snack bar. None were in evidence at the too of the hill either. Just a row of houses, beyond which lay the beach. The houses were separated from the park by a wide cobblestone street with bike lanes stretching out to the horizon.
There was something familiar about this park. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I felt certain it didn't exist on the Southern California coast. If not there, then where could I have seen it?
Movement from one of the houses caught my eye, as did the red shorts she had on. The white blouse she wore hung loosely on her frame, but not quite looking oversized. She closed the sliding glass door behind her and pranced across the cobblestones on her red canvas shoes. She somehow managed not to spill the drink she carried in her hand. She stopped right before me, held up the cup, and dropped two straws into it with a coy smile.
She took my hand, leading me to a bench along the path. I sat next to her, taking a sip when she offered, and wondering where to start my questioning. Then she started singing.
I listened a moment or two. Then I joined in. I didn't figure her for a Lostprophets fan at first glance, but she knew one of my favorite songs. I felt a little melancholy upon hearing it, but we sang until the end.
She reached for my hand, giving my fingers a squeeze before rising from the bench. I heard my name, but after a glance around, saw no one else and started after her. I heard it again, more clearly this time. I reached out to her, but felt myself being drawn away from my body.
I opened my eyes to darkness. And my little brother once again plagued by stomach issues and a panic attack. The doctor says it's nothing, but he doesn't have to live with it.
I briefly consider making plans for an outing for the beach this weekend. However the new place isn't quite finished just yet, and a bit further away from everything than I would like.
But there's still tomorrow, forget the sorrow...
