I'm disappointed when, the next morning, I feel no different than the morning before. The excitement of graduating is gone, but I still feel like me. I don't feel older, wiser, more mature. I just feel normal.
Turning over in bed, Damon's spot is empty and cold. I frown, how long has he been up? How long have I been asleep?
Throwing on a robe, my feet lightly patter on the dark hardwood floors of Damon's parents' house. It's a beautiful home. The whole three story home is full of warm tones, multiple fireplaces, blanket and throw pillows on every couch and dark wood furniture. Walking down the staircase, I tie the string around my waist and tighten it. Reaching the landing between the second and third floor, Brandon meets me on the stairs. He scares me at first, the stairs are so unique. It's similar to our apartment building where there are different flights for each floor, but these are much cleaner and, not to mention, nicer.
"Good morning. I didn't mean to scare you."
"Good morning. I'm just not used to these stairs. I love how there is a different set of stairs for each floor instead of having different staircases for each floor."
"When my parents first bought this house, it was set up like that, but Damon and I wanted our own floor and our parents were tired of having to cross the house to say good night to each of us, so they created a new blueprint of the house and a year later it was finished. These steps were always my favorite too."
Reaching the final landing of the first floor, we step off the stairs and follow the voices coming from the open plan kitchen. There are no walls surrounding it, just a white marble island in the middle, and light tan walls to make it cozy. Damon sits on one of the barstools, leaning on the marble. A bowl of fruit sits next to him. Absentmindedly, he takes a piece of strawberry and pops it in his mouth.
"Good morning, sleepyheads. We have a busy day today," Carol says, checking on the bacon. The pieces pop as she moves them around in the pan.
Dave helps her make breakfast, checking on the pancakes. The sight of him helping her make pancakes warms my heart. I want this type of relationship when I get married. My eyes unconsciously drift over to Damon.
Could he really be my future? Is he the one? How do I know?
"Rose. Brandon. Help your mother and set the table. Rose, can you go in the fridge and take out the…"
"... blueberry and maple syrup, orange and pineapple juice, and salted butter?"
"Yes," laughing lightly, he continues, "that's everything."
Grabbing the items from the fridge, I juggle them in my arms. Turning around, Damon scares me.
They really are brothers.
"Let me take something from you."
Willingly, I allow him to empty some of the content from my arms. He holds everything so gracefully, but I'm not surprised. His arms have to be almost double the length from mine and a lot stronger.
Setting everything down on the table, a little ways away from the island, the food is already set up and Brandon finishes distributing the utensils to each seat. Coming over from the stove, Carol and Dave take their seats at the head of the table while Brandon sits across from me and Damon.
Putting food on each of our plates, we begin to eat in silence, only forks clanking on the plates interrupt the silence.
Breaking the silence, Carol swallows her mouthful before calling my name. Swallowing my own food, I look up at her. A kind smile is on her face.
"How do you feel about a girl's day? We could go to this spa I have been dying to go to since they opened a few weeks ago. After that we can go check out the strip mall and get lunch. What do you think?"
The warmth returns full force and envelopes my body. "I would love a girl's day!"
Laughing at my enthusiasm, "after you get ready, we can leave. I made the spa appointment for 12:30."
Checking my invisible watch, I pull on Damon's arm and check his. I'm surprised when both the big and small hands point to 11. I expected it to be much later than that.
"After breakfast, I will take a quick shower and get ready. Can we leave at 12:00 and still get there in time?"
"Yes, that is fine. It's not far away, maybe a ten minute drive at most." Shielding her mouth with her hand, she points to Dave and whispers, "unless he drives, then it takes 20."
"Hey! I heard that."
"Dad, it's true. The old guy next door drives faster than you!"
Everyone laughs at Dave's expense. He eventually laughs along.
Finishing up breakfast, Damon, Brandon and I, clear off the table and put away the few leftovers. There is always so much food, but having two grown boys quickly diminishes the quantity.
"Are you ready to go out with mom?"
Turning around, Damon stands at the entrance of the bathroom. Letting my hair fall from my hand's grasp, it flows down my shoulders, lightly brushing my lower back. I put my hair band on the counter.
"Yes! I have never had girlfriends. This will be so much fun. I mean, hanging out with you is nice and all, but I have never had a girl's day."
"You would rather be with my mom than me?"
"Today? Yes. Besides, you will see me later and you get to talk to your dad and Brandon all day. We could use the time apart."
The comment wasn't meant to be hurtful, but the way his face drops makes my heart drop. Honestly, despite everything, I cannot get his behavior a couple of weeks ago out of my mind, or the guy from graduation yesterday for that matter. Hanging out with Carol is just what I need. A little escape from guys. All guys.
"Rose!" Carol calls for me from the stairs.
Spritzing on perfume and applying deodorant, I kiss Damon's cheek and walk out of the bathroom. This is just what we need.
"Ready to go?"
"More than ready."
Pulling up in front of the spa, my jaw drops. It's- it's a hotel. Carol steps out of the car and I follow her lead.
"Are you sure we are in the right place?"
"Yes, Dear. Isn't it beautiful? I heard that they had a heated pool with minerals in the water to improve skin radiation."
This sounds expensive.
I frown at the thought. I don't know why that popped in my mind. I make money, I have money, but I would rather save it instead of spending it on something luxurious like a spa.
"Are you alright?"
Focusing back on reality I realize that I just graduated. I deserve to do something for myself. I deserve it. I have worked so hard and for so long. Today is dedicated to relaxation.
"Better than alright. I can't wait to be pampered for an hour or two."
Walking into the spa, my eyes dart to all the lavish decor filling the brightly lit space. The sun's rays gently hit the chandelier making the rainbow colored reflection dance on the ceiling. The walls are painted a light lavender color which instantly calls my body. Black and green accents fill the room.
A woman at the desk smiles as she greets us. Her pearly white teeth are perfectly straight and not a strand of her hair is out of place. She is beautiful and is exactly who I would expect to work in a place like this.
"What name is the reservation under?" She doesn't look at me, eyes focused on Carol.
"Carol and Rose."
"Okay, great. Let me check the book." She scans the pages and another smile showcases her teeth. "Alright, looks like you two have the Rewards Package. Let me show you to your rooms. Inside your robes and flip flops are waiting. Feel free to change into them, but please keep your undergarments on or your bathing suit."
Walking around the desk, her high heels click on the pristine white tiled floor, the sound echoes around the room.
Following her, we walk down a hallway that has framed pictures with different color flowers on each. They bring vibrancy into the room with their bright colors, and, somehow, they bring a sense of peace as if we are outside and in a secluded area, like Damon's cabin.
"Rose, this is your room. Carol, your room is right next door. As soon as you're ready," she pauses, her arm pointing in the direction she wants us to go, "head down this hallway where you can enjoy the heated pool area first before coming back to take a shower so we can start with the next part of the itinerary. Let me know if you have any questions."
"Thank you," Carol and I say in unison.
Smiling one more time, she walks away.
"Ready for some relaxation?"
"I am definitely ready."
"Good, me too. Knock on my door when you are all changed and we can walk over together."
"Okay."
Walking into my room, I let out a quiet squeal before getting undressed. This is just what I need.