29 What a Jolly Morning

...Summer POV...

I am standing in the middle of a field, and a storm starts to form around me. I feel scared and alone; then, suddenly, I feel someone putting their hands around my waist from behind me. At first, I struggle to get out of his grip, but then I smell his softwood lace with spice filling my senses, and I know that this is not a man that is going to hurt me, but he is here to protect me. I put my hands on top of his, and he entwines my fingers with his. He puts his head on my shoulder, and I feel his breathing against my neck.

Everything stands still at that moment, and I know that I am safe. I know that nothing can harm me and that no storm can touch me. I feel his lips softly kissing me on my neck, and then I see thunder coming down from heaven, and it is coming right at me, with one loud bang…I wake up. My eyes are wide open, and I know this was all just a dream. I slow my breathing down and fall back on my pillow.

The morning of the Christmas party finally arrives. The thoughts of last night about Catalina and my dad are still fresh in my mind. I am trying to remember my childhood to try and find out where this affair took place, but nothing suspicious comes to mind. All I remember is that my dad was and is still very protective of her. This, of course, makes a lot of sense to me now, why he always did that.

This morning is also very much, unlike all the other mornings. This morning you can hear the people downstairs busy decorating the house and the move the furniture so it can be perfect for the already perfect house. If they would put on any more decorations, it would look like Santa's workshop in here. I sit upright in my bed and hear a knock on my door.

"Yes?"

"Senorita, can I come in?"

"Yes, of course."

Catalina opens the door and brings me a cup of coffee. I remember how she would bring me a coffee in the mornings when she wanted some kind of favor.

"Out with it?"

"With what, senorita?"

"Catalina, I know you better than what you give me credit for. What do you want me to do for you?"

"Senorita, I really do not need anything. I just…"

"Yes??"

"…I just want to know if you are going to tell anyone about our conversation last night?"

"No, I will not. I told you I promise to keep it a secret, and you know I keep my promises."

"Thank you, senorita. A thousand thank yous."

"Catalina!!!" The pain of my mother's voice still hurts severely in my ears.

"It's your mother; I need to go, she is in a bad mood today. Thank you again. Coming, mam!!"

I just shake my head at the slave that she has become to my mother. If I were Catalina, I would have left this place and rather live on the streets. Then again, I am probably also doing the same thing as she does. Just staying here for the money. I really hope that she also has a dream to get out of here someday.

I look at the clock next to my bed, and then I find that I still have time to escape the madness and have a cup of hot cocoa before the craziness begins. I get dressed and crawl out of my window, hoping that my mother would not catch me on the way down. Many times my mother has caught me climbing out of my window, but I think she might be too busy ordering everyone around.

I get into town, and I am just about to go into the shop when I see Eddie. I really do not want to deal with him right now, but luckily he seems to have found himself another girl to give his attention to, my sister. I am fairly sure that Ted would have joined us at the Christmas party tonight, but it does look like Tina is really enjoying Eddie's company. Did I miss something, or did she break things off with Ted?

I decided to investigate. I walk straight up to them, and when they see me, they both turn white as ghosts.

"Hello Tina"

"S-Summer…what, what are you doing out on town. I thought you would be at home getting ready?"

"I could say the same to you? Are you and Eddie friends now?"

"Oh…uhm…no, we just run into each other and started talking. You know?"

"Sure, Tina. Sure"

I turn around and walk into the shop. I really do not have the energy to even figure out what is going on with them, but I have a fairly good idea. She is obviously seeing Eddie behind Ted's back only to prove to my mother that she can have a longer relationship than three months. Which she clearly can not do. I do feel sad for her that she just can not live the life that she chooses to live.

I take a seat at the counter, and I see Sam's friendly face.

"I am sorry, honey."

I frown at his question.

"What are you sorry for?"

"Your bad boy was not here today."

I laugh as I feel a rush of redness creeping up onto my cheeks. Just the mention of him makes the sleeping unspoken desire inside my core wake up.

"What are you even talking about? I am here purely here for a cup of your best. You know there is no other man but you in my life?"

He only laughs. He knows me well enough to know that I have fallen head over heels for this cowboy and that there is no place for any other man in my life. We sit and chat and laugh for a while. I casually look at my watch and then realize that I am late. I jump up and thank Sam for a lovely time. I make my way back home and quickly get into the shower. I feel my heartbeat rapidly increase at the thought that I might see my cowboy tonight. But then a thought of doubt starts to grow inside my mind. What if Austin does not pitch tonight?

I feel my heart sunk into my shoes, and now I know I need Austin more than I thought I do. I put on my black silk dress with silver slits and look into the mirror. I think to myself; I am going to knock Austin's shoes off with my look tonight. I put on my favorite perfume, and then I hear the doorbell ring. That will be the first guests to arrive; I have made it just in time. I open my door and look downstairs. My heart drops, and then I remember who my date will be for the night. I take a deep breath.

"Hello, Raymond"