Chapter 6-3
575 Words
Lacey turned sharply on her heel and headed for the kitchen. She needed a cup of hot tea, a slice of toast and peace and quiet. The last thing she needed was her matchmaking aunt and the spirit of her husband working together. Sean and Topper had always been close, but this was ridiculous.
Grabbing the kettle off the stove top, she walked over to the sink and turned the water on to fill it. She gazed out the large window over the sink. The rugged landscape was dotted with a scattering of Juniper trees and Sage brush. The red-striped hills in the distance disguised the maze of canyons that had been cut through the soil from the torrent of rivers that developed during the rainy season. It was hard to believe from the dry air that the desert environment could come alive with brilliant wildflowers with just a touch of rain.
Glancing down to check the level in the silver kettle, she dropped it into the sink as the sunlight flickered through the window and onto her left arm. Curving patterns in a shimmer of pale blues and silver danced along her skin. Her hand trembled as she reached over to trace it. More patterns glittered as the sun caught the back of her right hand.
Lacey raised both hands so that the sun could touch them. She ignored the water as it overflowed the top of the kettle. Her eyes were enthralled by the dancing shapes moving over her skin.
“What is it?” Sam asked from behind her. “Are you okay?”
“Do you see them?” Lacey breathed, turning her hands and watching as more patterns swirled and turned. “What is it?”
“See what?” Sam asked in concern. She walked over and turned the water off. A puzzled frown crossed her face as she stared at the back of Lacey’s hands. “What do you see, Lacey?”
“Can’t you see them, Sam? The patterns… there are strange markings on my hands and arms. They… it is almost like they are alive,” Lacey whispered, turning her hands and watching as a design, almost like a snowflake, appeared in the palm of her hand. “They are beautiful.”
“Honey, why don’t you sit down and I’ll fix you some tea,” Sam replied with a shake of her head.
Lacey nodded distractedly, staring at her hands as she walked over to the kitchen table and sat in one of the brightly painted chairs. She closed her fingers and opened them again. The patterns weren’t as noticeable when she wasn’t in the sunlight.
A soft whine at her feet drew her attention. She smiled and bent to lift Little Bit into her lap. A flutter of a chuckle escaped her as Little Bit stretched to lick her chin. The soft, warm body of the puppy and unconditional love soothed her ragged soul.
“So, tell me about the other male,” Sam asked casually as she set the kettle on the stove before opening the bread box and pulling out the loaf of whole wheat. “What happened to him?”
Lacey blinked as she pulled herself back to the present. The corner of her lips curved upward as she remembered the look of shock in the other man’s eyes. He would think twice before messing with her again.
“I turned him into a fluffy bunny,” Lacey replied with a grin. “A very fluffy white one.”
Sam paused as she placed the bread in the toaster. Soft laughter burst from her, growing louder at the image. She shook her head and turned her attention back to the toaster.
“Aliens, huh?” Sam asked with a quirky grin. “Theo is really going to love that.”
- Writer
