The girl next door

Chapter 12 - Heather

The warm rays of sunlight that penetrate my window pane slowly take me out of the world of dreams. Slowly I open my eyes and blink several times as the glistening light begins to dazzle me.

I feel around on my desk looking for my mobile phone. But I don't find what I'm looking for and so I rise slowly. Just as I was standing up, a strong sting suddenly spreads in my head and a fraction of memory fragments returns. I curse "crap" and let myself sink back into the pillows. It was clear to me that I had a little too many drinks yesterday, but it's only now that I realize that I exaggerated.

Fortunately, I can now see why I discovered my mobile phone and my handbag on the windowsill. I can't say exactly how both objects got there. But I don't remember leaving the bar anymore. Not even one week and already I have some memory gaps. But at least there is no stranger naked in bed next to me, which gives me a feeling of relief.

Slowly push the blanket to the side and lift me up. Fortunately I am free today. Otherwise I would really be in trouble. I go to the windowsill and reach for my mobile phone before I make my way to the living room. Now I need a coffee. That doesn't help against my hangover, but otherwise I won't wake up in the morning.

I'm about to switch on the coffee machine, and my phone rings all of a sudden. I turn it around so that I can look at the display and see a number I don't know, as well as the name 'Ava'. When I get a call from 'Unknown' or from numbers I don't know, I almost never answer, but the fact that I seem to have stored the caller in my contacts confuses me.

Nevertheless, after a few seconds I decide to talk to the person at the other end and accept the call. A little uncertain I ask: "Hello? Who's there?" "Hey, it's Ava," a female voice sounded from the loudspeaker: "We met yesterday in the bar. Do you remember me?"

It takes a few seconds, but then my memory clears up a bit and the picture of a blonde woman with friendly eyes appears in front of my inner eye: "Yes, I think so." "That's a good sign," I can literally imagine her grinning at those words. "Meanwhile my coffee was ready and I reached for the cup's handle to lift it to my lips: "Well, Ava, what's up?"

"I know that this may be funny because we haven't known each other for long, but I wanted to ask you if you might feel like going out for coffee with me around noon today", now there was an uncertain undertone in her voice, as if she wasn't sure if she should really ask me that.

However, I am pleased with the question. After all, I went out yesterday to make new contacts and this is clearly a sign that I managed more or less well. "Sure, I love it", the joy is clear to me: "What time did you have in mind?" "Sometime around noon. I sip the hot drink thoughtfully, and I would have burned my tongue by a hair's breadth. Before that I have to take a shower, because I don't feel clean at the moment. Especially since I'm still wearing the dress I wore yesterday. And a little something to have breakfast wouldn't be a bad idea. So I quickly look at the clock and tell Ava my suggestion: "How about one o'clock? "That means we'll meet in two hours," she goes back to make sure she really understood me. I nod, although I know that she can't see it - that just developed into an automatism at some point - and confirm her thesis: "Exactly, can you do that?"

It doesn't take three seconds for her answer to follow: "I can do it." "Okay, do you have a particular café in mind?" I drill, because I don't know much about this and can't make any real suggestions.

She thinks briefly, but then gives me an address and I google briefly how far away the café is from my location. It's not necessarily around the corner, but not so far away that you can't walk. "Okay, then I'll see you there at one," I agree with her and then say goodbye to her in a cheerful voice. She also says goodbye and then hangs up without much fuss.

Meanwhile I have emptied my cup and put it in the dishwasher before I pick out my clothes for today from the cupboard. In the end I choose a light blue T-shirt and a slightly darker pair of shorts. Today it is surprisingly warm, which is why I deliberately choose airier clothing.

Then I peel myself out of my dress, hang it over one of the chair backs and go to the bathroom, where I take a shower. Ten minutes later I stand in front of the mirror and blow-dry my hair. Normally I would let them dry in the air, but right now I have a little time pressure and can't afford to get sick. Unfortunately I need quite a long time for my long hair, but I pull it through and then start to change.

When I take a look at the watch, I realize that it didn't take me that long. In fact, I have twenty-five minutes left. That's why I apply mascara and lip gloss on my face before I make a quick sandwich and take a moment for breakfast.

Then I get ready to leave the apartment. I slip into an airy jacket and put on sneakers before I leave the apartment. To be honest, I'm really excited about our meeting. After all, we hardly know each other, but I liked her from the very first moment. So it can only be good, can it?