As the work day drew to a close, I headed to Markus's to meditate. I unlocked the door with my kindly given key, and headed straight to the back porch. I took a familiar position in the hammock and laid down. Alas, meditation was rather difficult with the stress of today. There wasn't much ease in shutting off my brain.
I stood up to close off the attempt for today, and immediately felt light headed. I stumbled back and fell onto the hammock, grabbing onto the strings for any sort of support. My eyes rolled back and I immediately woke up in Amanda's garden. The garden was much nicer than before, and warm with sunlight. All of the plants had dense, but cared for overgrowth.
"Hello?" I called out, not seeing her anywhere.
"No," Her voice boomed back, and immediately I was back to reality, still grasping at the hammock. Soon enough though, I found myself locked in a memory.
~
"I love you," Connor whispered in my ear. His head was on my shoulder and mine was in his chest. The music was low but not uncomfortably. Like a lullaby. The lace on my sleeve got caught in his hair as he backed away. I chuckled as I fumbled to untangle it, and he smiled.
"I love you too," I laughed.
Connor spun me slowly before bringing me into a tight hug. The song became quieter and the moment was quickly over. Connor planted a kiss on my lips and we returned to our seats at the table. Our tiny wedding venue was more like a restaurant's private dining room than a proper bustling reception hall. It was nestled in the woodlands of Ann Arbor, all to plan.
"Well, wasn't that sweet?" Nick said standing up with his glass of champagne. "As the maid of honor, it's my job to keep this party moving. So I would like to just say that was adorable, but oh my god, boring. Let's start popping bottles everyone!"
Nick picked up one of the six bottles in front of everyone and gestured for everyone to do the same. Connor picked up the one next to me and smiled.
"Alright, we're not trying to shoot anybody's eyes out, so point them away from the table, grab the cork and twist. Not yet! We'll do it all the same time. Remember, it's twist and pull back. Okay everyone. Hands on bottles, and twist...and twist. Keep twisting..." Nick announced watching as everyone followed along. A chorus of champagne bottles whizzing open and fizzing everywhere began, one after another until all 6 were opened. Connor's bottle fizzed onto my wedding dress but we couldn't help but giggle. Everyone cheered as Nick excitedly showed off his bottle.
"Perfect, everyone! Cheers to Connor and Charlotte, in perfect union," He smiled before taking a swig directly out of the bottle.
~
Ah...well...at least it wasn't a bad memory. I grasped at the hammock and was finally able to pull myself up.
Just as I did, North came running out.
"I saw you fall from the upstairs window. Are you alright, Charlotte?" she asked, coming over to help me.
"I'm...alright. I'm fine. I saw Amanda though," I answered.
"Really? Markus will be so excited! Did she say anything?"
"She kicked me out immediately."
"But! We're close! She presumably...works a little bit in there," she smiled.
I couldn't help but feel a little twinge of guilt. I know it's mostly for myself but even so, I know how much Jericho is relying on it.
"Did you, by any chance, see any news about my position?" I asked.
"No one registered to run against you...or anyone else against Markus. It's pretty much the same landscape as you left it," North responded, nodding.
"Perfect. I can actually...relax. A little bit," I answered.
"I'll tell Markus what happened. You go home and relax. Don't worry."
"Thanks, North," I smiled, and headed to my car. I drove (was driven?) back to my apartment and saw Connor already walking Blueberry. Of course. I guess I'll talk with my husband another day.
I parked and headed inside. I poured a glass of wine for the both of us...and then drank mine. I then heated up some water for tea, added the bag, and a shot of whiskey. Hot Toddy.
I sipped on it, waiting for Connor to return. He finally did, fed Blueberry, and waited for her to finish before carrying her over to the couch where she laid between us. He leaned over her and put his head on the crevice between my shoulder and neck. I kissed his forehead and he smiled softly.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered.
"For what?"
"I ruined your family," he sighed.
"No, you didn't. I trust you," I explained.
"I did, and I'm so sorry. It doesn't matter if you trust me. I did this, and I'm sorry. There is no good answer for this."
"Connor, I contacted Amanda today. There will be an answer."
His face didn't light up, it settled. He was reserved and looked at peace.
"That's better, I think," He answered.
"It is."