Palindrome

The sun hurt my eyes; sleep had been restless, filled with dreams I couldn’t catch. The contrast to yesterday was palpable, and I just waved at Mrs. Jensen, not bothering to say hello. I had to look in Mum`s cookbook for her recipe for the Goodsleep-tea. I knew it had chamomile, but I was unsure of the rest.

Oscar looked me over when I clocked in but didn’t comment on the blue rings under my eyes. I didn’t get nearly as much tip today, but I didn’t earn it either. The clock on the wall seemed to move as drugged; I was so tired. I had two days off after my shift today to sleep in tomorrow. When my shift was finally over, I made Mary make me some food so I didn’t have to make dinner when I got home; her lasagne was way better than anything I could make for myself. When I got outside, I had to shake my head to see if I was still awake. My bike wasn’t where I parked it. I looked around; maybe Paul had moved it. But it was nowhere to be seen. I walked closer and saw my chain had been cut over. I picked up the remnants and stared at it as if it would make my bike suddenly reappear. As so many times before, I wished magic was like in the movies, so I could wave my wand and create a new bike. I tossed it to the ground and stamped out of the back alley.

I swore for myself under the sun, pulling up my sleeves. Then I had to smile, the walk wasn’t far, but with my wary body, it felt like a marathon. Halfway, I heard a car. It wasn’t the first car on the road, but this didn’t pass. It came closer and closer, I tried not to turn my head, but curiosity won. The sleek Mustang stopped, and the window rolled down. I hesitated. Should I keep on walking, pretending I didn’t see him? My brain said, “Walk,” but my feet stood planted. William`s warm voice poured over me, making me forget all my reservations and promises to Samuel.

“A bit hot for a long walk today.”

I turned slowly; he had his arm on the edge, a smile around his mouth. Ray Bans covered up the eyes.

“It`s a lovely day,” was my short response.

My eyes followed the movement of his fingers, tapping out a slow rhythm against the door. I saw the muscles in his upper arms move.

“Want a ride?”

“I can walk, thank you.”

I tried to will my feet to move, but they didn’t listen.

“Oh, come on. I`m trying to get to know the people in town; help me out some.”

His smirk made my heart flip; his other hand straightened the rear mirror before gliding through his unruly hair. I heard the song on the radio, Ophelia, by the Lumineers. It seemed so normal; I had taken two steps closer to the car before I knew it. I saw him check to see if any cars were coming before he leaned over and opened the passenger door. My heart hammered in my chest, it should have been out of fear, but it wasn’t.

The door closed with a soft thud, and I took a second to study the car inside; it was so smooth. William lifted the left side of his face in a half grin and stomped the gas while looking at me. The pressure pushed me back in the seat, and I involuntarily squealed. I didn’t have the time to yell at him; he slowed down almost instantly.

“Sorry, just showing off.”

I wished I could see his eyes; the way his smile played with me was unsettling. He wasn’t a big guy, but he was packed with muscles. The black t-shirt with a Rolling Stones logo seemed old but fit him well. Since he was sitting, I didn’t know how his dark jeans fit, but I guessed they would look nice.

“Not the best way to warm yourself into the townspeople's hearts.”

I tried my best sarcastic voice, but it got hitched at the end as his smile grew. I saw the tip of his tongue touching the lower lip for a split second.

“How should I go by then?”

I snorted a laugh and regretted it at once. This was like a game, and he just scored a point. “The best would be for you and your family to leave.”

His hand on the wheel tightened, but he didn’t answer the statement. The silence between us was electric, and I adjusted my seating to face him. I saw him look my way a second before returning to the road.

“I heard you met my sister.”

I nodded, “I had the pleasure, yes.” Now it was his turn to laugh, and I felt my smile form at the sound. Some laughed like an angel, others laughed like a devil. His was filled with promises of all things forbidden.

“Then it`s a first. She isn’t the most charming.”

Why was I grinning like a fool? I turned to look out the window; my house wasn’t far away.

“You live alone?”

I hesitated, I could lie, but it didn’t take many questions to others in town to know my history.

“For now, it`s just me. My brother is…on a trip.” Maybe I could make him believe he was due home any time now.

“How is it working on the Sunshine Cafe?”

I frowned at his questions but answered. That one seemed safe.

“I love it; I`ve been working there for five years.” Before he got to ask another, I asked one in return. “What about you? Do you have a job?”

“I`m in the family business.” His hair moved slightly as he nodded to the song playing, and my mind showed me a vision of me leaning over to stroke it back. I had to clench my hands to keep them from following up on the image.

“And what`s that?”

He glimpsed at me behind the glasses. “We`re big in olive oil.”

Not what I was expecting, but I didn’t get to ask anymore; he slowed down the car and drove into the road to my house. The house wasn`t far from the road, but you couldn`t see it before you turned into the driveway. A tiny roundabout was in front of the porch so that you could get out easily. He stopped the car right by the steps and turned his whole upper body towards me, and I could smell him; it was a mix of expensive cologne, leather, and something wild. He lifted his hand and pulled off the sunglasses. His eyes seemed even more blue than I remembered, and my breathing slowed. After a while, it was like time had stopped, and I didn’t know if I was doing it or if it was him. Hallelujah with Jeff Buckley played quietly in the background, adding to the atmosphere. I could see his pulse on his neck, and I felt the urge to kiss the place it pulsated, longing to feel the warmth of his blood under my lips.

The thought woke me up, and I shook myself awake.

“I have to go. Thanks for the lift.”

He blinked a couple of times, and I relaxed at the sight. He too was affected by whatever had happened. I grabbed my bag and opened the door - I had one foot out when William cleared his throat. I eased myself out of the low car and had to lean down to hear what he had to say.

“No problem.” His smirk was back, as were his shades. The window rolled down when I closed the door. He leaned over to the passenger side, and I heard his voice. “Let me know if you need a ride again, or maybe you have a spare broom you can use.”

With that line, he spun out of my courtyard, leaving me with my mouth open as I heard his laughter follow the car down the road.