Growing bored with the squirrel, and too cold to remain sitting on the damp sand, Shay stood, and began her walk back in the direction from where she'd come.
Out of the blue she wondered about her family, and how they were faring. The last time she'd talked to her mom, she was told her dad seemed completely recovered from his bout with cancer. She also later talked to her dad as well, but her mom never sugar coated news about the family, and Shay's dad still tried to protect his little girl, when he could.
Her parents both conveyed their love, and also news that they hoped to visit Shay this Christmas. Having heard so many things about 'Mathias', they both wanted to see him for themselves, to confirm he was everything Shay, and even Tristan had said. Shay wasn't concerned, as she knew Alexi could easily hold his own among her family, and had to admit the news gave her a wonderful feeling about the upcoming holidays.
Tristan seemed to have gotten his life in order, finally, and was now living on his own, and working as a manager for a rather large auto repair chain. He probably still smoked dope - Shay doubted he'd ever give that up completely - but as long as he was being productive, and was happy, she couldn't see the harm in it.
It had been a while since she had spoken to her younger sister and brother, but through her mom had heard they were both fine, along with the other important people in their lives. Shay hoped that her sister and family might also visit some day soon, but with the new baby she understood how that might be difficult. She was lucky her relationship with her siblings was one that never seemed to change, even with the passage of time. The minute they were all together again, it was almost as if the past ten years hadn't done anything. It was a comforting thought.
Kicking the sand as she walked, occasionally Shay would feel a larger shell beneath her toes, and stoop to pick it up. She had three nice specimen in her hand now, that she would set on a shelf somewhere when she got home, and that would help remind her of home. It was odd that the ocean would remind her of home, since she only lived a the beach for a few months, but for whatever reason, it did. And having familiar things around her always added to Shay's sense of peace. That thought progressed further in her mind, until she began thinking about redecorating the master bedroom to reflect a more oceanic theme. She wondered what Alexi would think about the idea, or if he would mind at all.
Yes...walking along the beach was one of Shay's favorite things to do.
Ode To A New Night
The evening breeze blew across Shay's face, as she walked along the beach. The sun was a diminishing sliver off the horizon, and looking out across the water, in the opposite direction, it was already turning pretty dark.
She loved both dusk and dawn, and rarely got a chance to see either these days. Not that she was complaining, but since Alexi had spent the night at Tacharan, she hadn't slept well. It was normal for her to toss and turn without him beside her, and finally she just gave up and crawled out of bed several hours ahead of schedule.
The extra time had been put to good use though, as she made it to the spa for her bi-weekly waxing. A rather lengthy conversation with Lucile confirmed her book was going through the final phases of editing, and should be heading on the shelves in time for Christmas. The release date had to be pushed back a bit, but Lucile said it was worth it, and the publishers were ecstatic about the results. Shay smiled, feeling she really had done a great job on the book, but then frowned. Now that 'Blood on the Moon' was finished, she had to start thinking about where she would go with book number four. Her frown was temporary as her face broke into another smile. She had a few ideas, and there was no need to start getting anxious yet. For now she wanted to enjoy her life, and the rewards this last book were already bringing her.
Startled, Shay looked down and saw she had wandered a bit too far into the surf, as the water lapped around her feet. It was cold, but not intolerably so, and she had removed her shoes, so the only parts of her clothing that got wet were the hems of her capris. She at least had the good sense to wear a light wind breaker over her shirt, and didn't think she'd be forced away from the shore for a little bit longer. Her newly painted toenails peeked through the foam, and she smiled again. Since she hadn't been typing much lately, having turned in the final manuscript a while ago, her fingernails had grown to a decent length, and now matched her toenails perfectly. Spa days could really be decadent, if Shay was able to go the whole nine yards...and today she had. Waxing, massage, manicure, pedicure, skin wrap...here she was walking in a romantic setting, glowing from her days efforts, and totally alone. Tsking to herself she grinned...well, it wasn't like Alexi wouldn't see the final product eventually.
Up on the dunes Shay noticed a squirrel scampering through the tall sea grass, and a few sandpipers running back and forth along the sand. Another reason why she liked this time of day was the lack of people on the shore. The summer season was past, and the only people out about now were those who lived on the beach, or oddballs like Shay. It was a nice time for just vegging, and not thinking, or for the opposite as well - heavy duty thinking. Either way she enjoyed the time.
Deciding to sit for a few, Shay moved up the sand towards the dune where she'd seen the squirrel. After sitting on the still sun-warmed sand the squirrel made his presence known again, and she giggled as she watched him. He seemed to have some interest in a discarded ice cream wrapper nearby, and Shay assumed some melted chocolate must have adhered to the paper. Leaning back on her hands she remained quiet, and stealth like, as she studied his quick, jerky movements.
Shay
18 years ago
Shay
18 years ago
She'd worked up a nice ache in her calves, purposely digging her toes into the sand as she walked. Again she'd fallen off her jogging schedule and her body was telling her she needed to get back on, or deal with the random aches.
Shay knew she had a penchant for being organized, but never really noticed just how much of her life used to be lived on schedules. Since coming to Nachton, and having Alexi move in with her, all semblance of organization, with regard to her time anyway, was shot to hell. Thankfully she didn't mind, and considered the pros to outweigh the cons.
But somethings...like with the jogging...Shay knew she needed to adhere to, to keep her body working properly. That Alexi didn't need to worry about doing anything special to keep in shape, provoked a small stab of jealousy in Shay. However the irritation was very small, as to accomplish such a thing in her own life would require more than she was capable of giving, at the moment.
Catching herself humming, Shay smiled, and picked up her step some. It was beyond wonderful to have such a feeling of wellbeing filling her to the point where it seemed to exude from her pores. And to know the good feelings weren't a result of any manic episodes, like she had before leaving Nachton for California, confirmed in her mind that she was exactly where she belonged, doing exactly what she was supposed to be doing.
It was very rare now days that thoughts of motherhood even briefly flitted across her mind. She doubted she would ever see an infant, or toddler and not have a hint of disappointment, but no longer was she tormented by the need to mourn. She had come to terms with the facts and had chosen to continue living, and after a while she'd found peace in her decision.
Seeing the girl running on the beach earlier with a large dog had sparked an idea in Shay, and now she wanted to get home to talk to Alexi about getting their own dog. Though she had never been overly fond of animals, she'd never hated dogs and cats. With her lifestyle it just never seemed to conducive to having a pet around all the time. But now that she was pretty settled, even with a crazy mixed up schedule she didn't imagine it would be difficult to take care of a small dog. And while she had come to terms with the fact that she would never bear a child, having a pet could still help fill the need Shay had for nurturing.
Long walks on the beach were good for so many things beyond romance.
But Shay still sighed, and wished Alexi were with her now.
Shay knew she had a penchant for being organized, but never really noticed just how much of her life used to be lived on schedules. Since coming to Nachton, and having Alexi move in with her, all semblance of organization, with regard to her time anyway, was shot to hell. Thankfully she didn't mind, and considered the pros to outweigh the cons.
But somethings...like with the jogging...Shay knew she needed to adhere to, to keep her body working properly. That Alexi didn't need to worry about doing anything special to keep in shape, provoked a small stab of jealousy in Shay. However the irritation was very small, as to accomplish such a thing in her own life would require more than she was capable of giving, at the moment.
Catching herself humming, Shay smiled, and picked up her step some. It was beyond wonderful to have such a feeling of wellbeing filling her to the point where it seemed to exude from her pores. And to know the good feelings weren't a result of any manic episodes, like she had before leaving Nachton for California, confirmed in her mind that she was exactly where she belonged, doing exactly what she was supposed to be doing.
It was very rare now days that thoughts of motherhood even briefly flitted across her mind. She doubted she would ever see an infant, or toddler and not have a hint of disappointment, but no longer was she tormented by the need to mourn. She had come to terms with the facts and had chosen to continue living, and after a while she'd found peace in her decision.
Seeing the girl running on the beach earlier with a large dog had sparked an idea in Shay, and now she wanted to get home to talk to Alexi about getting their own dog. Though she had never been overly fond of animals, she'd never hated dogs and cats. With her lifestyle it just never seemed to conducive to having a pet around all the time. But now that she was pretty settled, even with a crazy mixed up schedule she didn't imagine it would be difficult to take care of a small dog. And while she had come to terms with the fact that she would never bear a child, having a pet could still help fill the need Shay had for nurturing.
Long walks on the beach were good for so many things beyond romance.
But Shay still sighed, and wished Alexi were with her now.
Shay
18 years ago
Nearing the parking lot where she'd parked her car, Shay's idea to get a dog became more than just an idle wish. She was already thinking of where she could put it's bed, and how she could begin training it. Of course it had to be a puppy...she wanted that sense that it depended on her. She wanted to raise it and watch the way it would grow from a small, malleable creature, to one of spirit and attitude.
Surely Alexi wouldn't dismiss such an idea. Shay knew he'd have to be on board, he would be effected by it as well, but something told her he wouldn't refuse her such a request.
Moving more quickly now, when Shay reached the car she brushed her feet off, slipped on the sandals she'd left in the car, and pulling the keys from her pocket, she unlocked it and got in.
Trying to remember if she'd seen a pet shop in the mall, she couldn't remember having seen one anywhere in Nachton. She guessed the best course of action now would be to go home, talk to Alexi, and then check the phone book or internet for local pet shops or breeders. She had a pretty good idea what kind of dogs she was interested in, and hoped she would be able to find one in the area.
Whistling in delight, Shay backed the car out of the lot and turned the car towards home.
(ooc - Shay out - lock please)
Surely Alexi wouldn't dismiss such an idea. Shay knew he'd have to be on board, he would be effected by it as well, but something told her he wouldn't refuse her such a request.
Moving more quickly now, when Shay reached the car she brushed her feet off, slipped on the sandals she'd left in the car, and pulling the keys from her pocket, she unlocked it and got in.
Trying to remember if she'd seen a pet shop in the mall, she couldn't remember having seen one anywhere in Nachton. She guessed the best course of action now would be to go home, talk to Alexi, and then check the phone book or internet for local pet shops or breeders. She had a pretty good idea what kind of dogs she was interested in, and hoped she would be able to find one in the area.
Whistling in delight, Shay backed the car out of the lot and turned the car towards home.
(ooc - Shay out - lock please)