I reach across the bed, expecting to find smooth taut skin, but there is only the coolness of the sheets that have been without human touch for some time. I struggle to open my eyes as I peer over to Alex's side of the bed, visually confirming that my hand did not miss him but that I am indeed alone.
I lift my head slightly and look around the room as the morning light shines brightly through the windows. It's Saturday. We had a long day yesterday, attending court, and an even longer night filled with our new, exciting lovemaking.
I touch the necklace, and hold the double-heart pendant. I smile, recalling Alex finally telling me those three little words that made everything in my world seem to fall into place.
He loves me.
The beautiful morning draws me to the window where I can soak in the smell of the ocean mist and internalize a feeling of renewal. I love greeting the morning. It's been such a long time since I've kept to my morning routine of welcoming the new day with a run.
Then, it hits me. John's locked up. I can go for a run without the worry of my nightmare coming true. Giddy and practically prancing into the closet, I pull on a pair of running shorts, a sports bra, and a tank top. Then, I grab my shoes and head to the kitchen.
Jake is refilling his coffee cup as I enter, and I glance around, looking for Alex.
"Going for a run?" Jake asks with a smile on his face, putting me at ease.
I’m a little apprehensive he will balk at the idea, and my morning glory will be ruined by contention.
"Yes, I am.” I take a quick glance down the hallway towards the gym, thinking Alex might be training. “Where's Alex?"
"He had to run into town for something. He said he'd be back in a bit. Shouldn't be too long." Jake takes a large gulp of coffee.
It's been a while since Alex went anywhere without Jake in tow, thanks to my crazy stalker ex-boyfriend. I shake the thought of John from my head. I will not allow him to invade my happiness for another moment. Today, I start my life anew, blissfully happy with Alex.
"I'm going to head out so I'll be back when he gets home." I open the sliding door.
The sun's warm rays welcome me, and I start a slow pace toward the running path around the periphery of the estate.
Around the first bend, where my dream discovery began, I smile at the clear path ahead, void of bloody body parts. There is such a sense of calm that has filled me. It's partly due to John being in jail. But a bigger part stems from Alex and me finally overcoming our demons and finding love.
I used to roll my eyes when I would hear cliché statements from my friends who were so in love, but now, every stinking one of them applies to me. I want to shout from the rooftops that love conquers all, that we are two hearts that beat as one, that all we need is love.
I smile, humming the last line in my head, knowing it's going to get stuck there, and I will spend the rest of the day with The Beatles serenading me.
Movement in the trees catches my attention from the corner of my eye. I slow my pace. The sound of branches breaking echoes, but it’s gone just as quickly as it filled the air. Nothing is visible among the trees, and I laugh inwardly at my hypersensitivity to a squirrel or rabbit trying to keep up with me on my run.
Picking up my pace again, I round the next corner. A man steps from the trees and stands in the middle of the path. His arms are across his chest, a smirk across his face. I come to an abrupt halt.
Fuck!
John Sysco is larger than life, looking as if he doesn't have a care in the world.
My heart jumps into my throat, and tremors take over my body. I look at him, almost disbelieving he is actually there. It’s just a nightmare. It’s not real. My hands go to my eyes, clearing them of sleep. I pray I will wake up, safely wrapped in Alex's arms.
I force my eyes to blink, to clear this horrendous sight from in front of me, but John remains. And I know this is the beginning of the end for one of us. I take a couple of small steps back, prepared to turn and run like hell toward the house. I'm fast. I can get there before he can. I can at least get halfway and scream. That will alert Jake.
I can do this. I can save myself.