by t. h. snyder
“What gave that away,” I retort in a cocky tone.
“Well, pretty little thing, I work here and live not too far down the road. For one, I’ve never seen the two of you in the bar, not to mention you both look like you’re about to squirm out of your shorts.”
Tristan starts to laugh, and I can’t help but slap him on the arm. He turns his head giving me a look that easily says, ease up.
“Yeah, well, we were just driving through and decided to grab a bite to eat, no harm in that is there?” I spout back to her.
I hate the way I’m reacting, but I’m a pretty good judge of character, and this lady is sending me all the wrong vibes.
“Alright then, I’ll get you those waters and be right back to get your orders,” she says tossing two menus down in front of us.
Tristan rests his hand on my knee as I look to him with pleading eyes.
“Chelby, relax she was just inquisitive, no harm in that.”
Shaking my head, I reach for the menu and start looking over the items.
“Sweet girl, look at me,” he requests.
Turning my head to face him, I do exactly as he asks.
“I’m sorry, Tristan, I just didn’t like how she spoke to us. Yeah, we may be from out of town, but that doesn’t give her the right to treat us like we’re aliens from another planet.”
“Oh, honey,” she says, walking back with our waters. “I’m not one to eavesdrop, but I had no intention of making you feel that way. Here let me start over,” she says, extending her arm out to us. “The name is Stixx and I pretty much live at this bar that is unless I’m at home relaxin’ with the old man. Otherwise, you’ll find me here. So what are you two lovebirds in town for? Oh shit, there I go assuming you’re together. Bad habit I guess,” she chants with a roll of her eyes.
This lady is rambling on like her life depends on it, but I can’t help but find her way of interacting with us as a kind gesture.
I shake her hand and wait while Tristan does the same.
“I’m Chelby, this is my…”
“Her boyfriend, Tristan, it’s nice to meet you. We were on a bit of a road trip and after driving all day decided to stop and stay at the resort up the road. Some of the local people in the main office suggested we come here for a something to eat. So here we are.”
“Well, you came to the right place for some good food. We’re pretty well known for a kick ass burger that is unless you don’t eat meat?”
“No,” I respond with a laugh. “I’m starving so a burger and fries sounds good to me.”
“I’ll have the same and thanks for clearing the air. It’s not always good to be the newcomers to the area not knowing what to expect,” Tristan remarks.
“The resort is a remarkable place and I’m sure you kids will enjoy it. There are quite a few people around your age that work and live there. Make some friends and enjoy yourselves. I’ll catch ya two back in a bit,” she says with a wink before walking off.
The uneasy feeling I was experiencing quickly fades away with the quirkiness of the bartender. If this is how our first night’s stay is starting off I can only imagine what’s in store for us the rest of the week.
For the remainder of the night, Tristan and I enjoy our dinner before heading back to the resort. The day has been long and since taking my medication, I’m soon becoming more and more tired. Upon entering the cabin, Tristan immediately starts to go through his bag setting his things in the appropriate spots within the bedroom and bathroom. As I watch him move through the cabin, I decide to take a few things out and get ready for bed. My mind and body are pretty much exhausted and know as soon as my head hits the pillow I’ll be out for the night.
“Hey, Chelby,” he calls from the bathroom. “I know this may sound weird considering we’ve slept in the same bed for years, but would you rather I take the couch while we stay here?”
I haven’t even considered our sleeping arrangements and as weird as his question may be, I don’t know that I’d be able to sleep in a strange place knowing he’s not right next to me.
He peeks his head from the bathroom awaiting my response.
“No, don’t be silly. You’re more than welcome to stay in the bedroom. It’s not like we haven’t shared a bed before.”
He nods and continues getting himself ready before coming back in the room.
Tucking myself under the covers, I turn off the lamp on the nightstand and rest my head down onto the pillow.
“Good night, sweet girl,” he says as the bed dips with the presence of his body.
“Sweet dreams, Tristan,” I reply while I close my eyes and fall into a restful night’s sleep.
Chapter 9
Tristan
My eyes slowly open to the morning sun shining in through the bedroom blinds. Turning over, I look to see that Chelby’s side of the bed is already empty. Unsure as to what time it is, I decide to get my ass up and see what she’s upto.
Moving through the cabin the space is empty, her bag already unpacked, the key to the cabin missing from the counter and her cell phone laying next to the Rover’s keys.
She must have gone out to explore already.
Deciding to get myself together, I quickly get dressed and ready to find her.
As I open the front door, I’m hit with a cool breeze and smells of late night campfire smoke still drifting through the air. Stepping down off the porch, I walk around the cabin, but still see no sight of Chelby. I’m not one to go into a panic, but knowing she’s out and about in a strange area has me worried. She isn’t the type of person to just go off and do things on her own; she’d much rather have the comfort of someone she knows to guide her in the right direction.
Where the hell is she?
This place is huge; I have no clue where to even start looking for her. With determination bursting through my nerves, I start to walk on the roadside along the lake. My eyes scan every inch of the area as people begin to walk out of their sites and onto the grounds. I can’t help but notice that some of the men and women are quite curious as they stare at me walking by.
Am I supposed to stop and strike up a conversation with every person I meet?
I’m in a hurry people, get off my case.
Concern becomes overwhelming—there’s so much ground to cover. Maybe I should just relax and head back; she couldn’t have gone too far and will probably return soon.
Turning around, I decide to agree with my inner thoughts and head back toward our cabin. Along the short trip, I notice a man standing on the other side of the road looking out onto the lake.
“It’s a great morning wouldn’t you say?” he asks.
“Yeah, great,” I reply in a snarky tone.
I’m in no mood or frame of mind for chit chat. I have to get back to the cabin.
“Where you off to this morning, son?” he questions me yet again.
Son of a bitch, I can’t ignore the fact that this man wants to strike up a conversation. That would just be rude of me.
Perhaps he’s seen Chelby walking around.
With long strides, I cross the road, standing a few feet away from my new found stranger.
“Sorry, I’m a bit out of my element here. My girlfriend and I just drove in last night, and I’m not quite sure where she’s roamed off to so early this morning.”
Taking a sip of the steaming mug of coffee in his hand, he looks to me like the wheels in his head are spinning. For a few moments, the silence between us becomes unbearable.
Seriously, I don’t have time for this shit.
“Have you seen a petite blonde out and about?” I ask cutting through the awkwardness.
“Yeah, take your pick, there’s over a dozen of those staying here right about now. So where you from and why would you let your girlfriend roam the resort on her own? Gotta keep a close eye out on some of the men around here though, they can smell fresh blood for miles,” he remarks with a hearty laugh.
Not so funny, dip shit.
�
��Thanks for the brutal warning,” I cut out in a spiteful tone.
“So what gives?” he asks before enjoying another sip of his coffee.
Running my hand through my hair, I can’t help but want to scream. I just want to know where Chelby ran off to and that she’s okay. We’re in the middle of nowhere, a place neither of us have ever been and surrounding by complete strangers. Trying to regain my composure and not be a complete asshole, I take a deep breath and focus on the task at hand.
“My name’s Tristan,” I say extending my hand out to his. “My girl, Chelby, and I are on what’s supposed to be a vacation, yet she seems to have wandered off. I just want to find her so that we can begin our day of exploring the resort.”
“You two will find each other again and have a wonderful time here at Happy Endings Resort. There have been quite a few blossoming relationships that have started here, no doubt the two of you will love every minute. Now I’m not gonna lie, there are a few folks that seem a bit off their rockers, but for the most part everyone is kind and welcoming.”
Great, now he’s full of wisdom, a lot of good it’s doing me right about now.
“I didn’t catch your name,” I say shoving my hands into my pockets.
“I’m Ross,” he replies.
“Nice to meet you, Ross, do you live here or is this a vacation spot for you too?”
“This is my home now,” he says looking around the area extending his arms out to his sides. “I’m retired LAPD, got shot up in the leg and decided I needed a change of scenery. So here I am, working security for the resort. Every morning I come on out here, drink my coffee and then get ready to start the day.”
A cop, no wonder he was able to read me so well. I guess the two of us are more alike that I thought.
“Well, don’t let me keep you from doing your thing. I’m sure I’ll see ya around.”
“Sure will. Don’t let the stress of life get to you, kid. If things are meant to be, they will be. Now go find your girl and enjoy your vacation.”
Chelby
I couldn’t sleep a wink last night. After what felt like hours of tossing and turning, I decide to get up and check out what this place has to offer.
The view is breathtaking as the sun begins to rise slowly over the horizon. Every inch of this place is something I want to explore. From the short distance I’ve walked, the lake is surrounded by lavish colors of the turning leaves, cabins, trailers and dozens of campsites.
I could seriously get swept away here.
This resort is peaceful and the perfect place to let my mind escape away from my norm. After a few moments, I turn to spot our cabin, only to realize that I’ve walked a lot further than I thought. Unsure of where exactly I am, I decide to spin around and find my way back.
The sun has definitely risen, and people are starting to come out of their vacation homes. While walking I’m met with a few interesting expressions, some welcoming whereas others are quite intimidating. Feeling a bit out of the mix, I quicken my pace as a golf cart comes up the road from a distance.
Two women sit side by side, smiles on both of their faces. My feet instantly stop as they slam on the brakes mere inches away from me.
“You lost?” One asks.
Shaking my head, I swallow the huge lump starting to form in my throat.
“It’s kinda early and you don’t look familiar. You okay?” The other one questions.
Looking around, I try to focus on something, anything other than the anxiety beginning to cluster in my chest.
Relax, Chelby, you can do this.
“I’m sorry if we caught you off guard; we were just doing some morning rounds and saw you walking all by yourself. Not that it’s a bad thing to be out here alone, I was just sayin’,” the woman behind the wheel remarks.
“Izzy, shh, stop before you scare this poor girl away,” the other says stepping out of the golf cart and by my side. “Hi, I’m Rory and this here is Izzy.”
“Umm hi, I’m Chelby,” I reply still trying to regain my sanity in the moment.
“Well, Chelby,” Izzy quips. “Where you headed to? We can give you a lift,” she states with a smile.
Seeing her expression change from an unknown to a welcoming grin begins to slowly set my nerves at ease.
“I…I mean we just got here last night. With all the excitement of being in a new place I couldn’t sleep so I figured I’d go for a walk.”
They look between each other and then begin to giggle. Now I feel like a complete idiot in front of the two strangers.
“Well, welcome to Happy Endings Resort, Chelby. This place is home to both of us, we live and work here.”
“So you’re like the staff?” I ask.
“Pretty much, I inherited the place a little while back and Izzy here is our lifeguard. If you want and you’re not in a hurry, you can ride around with us for a bit and see the rest of the place. It’s kinda huge so I don’t know that you’ll want to walk the whole grounds.”
A smile pulls from my lips at her invitation.
“Yea, I’d love to, thank you.”
I hop in the golf cart with the girls and for the rest of the ride I’m smitten with the sites of this place. I can only image what it’s like to work and live here. Both Rory and Izzy make a few stops along the way and after meeting so many new people I can’t help but feel a sense of family. Each person that I’ve been introduced to has been friendly and welcoming. There’s been no judgment passed on me and the fear that someone will see what’s hidden behind my walls, not even a concern.
Before I realize it, the sun is high in the clouds above us indicating that it’s already noon. The time has passed so quickly I didn’t even think as to what Tristan is doing until right now.
He has to be so worried. I left with no sign of my return, not even a note that I was stepping out for a bit.
As I look around at all the faces of my new friends, I strongly begin to wonder if what I did was wrong.
Am I a bad person for wanting to stay exactly where I am?
Guilt begins to swell in my chest, yet at the same time I’m enjoying the company of these people.
Knowing very well, deep down in my chest I need to go back to the cabin. I ask the girls to take me, but not before telling them that I will be seeing them again soon.
As we approach our home for the week, my eyes catch sight of Tristan pacing across the front deck of the cabin.
Regret starts to overwhelm me knowing, damn straight, that this poor man has been out of his mind with worry the entire time I was away, yet all I can think about is how soon I can go back to spend time with my new friends.
The resort is a place I can see myself building a future. A new journey of friendship, trust, loyalty and happiness.
Chapter 10
Chelby’s Memories
Never Looking Back: No Regrets
Sitting at the kitchen table, I take a sip of my steaming hot coffee. As I glance out the large bay window, I still think back to the choices I made. Promising myself I’d never regret another decision, I can actually say with one hundred percent certainty that I’ve found my happiness.
Memories flash before my eyes…
I wave to the girls as they take off in the golf cart. As I turn on my heels, I am face to face with a concerned expression falling from Tristan’s face.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize how fast the time went by,” I say trying to get the look on his face to change.
“Not gonna lie, Chelby, I was worried sick. I’m not going to rant and rave; it’s really not worth it. You’re back now, and I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“You’re not mad?” I ask, almost not wanting him to respond at all.
He takes a step closer to me and pulls me into his arms. I don’t know if I should fall into his touch or pull away. My head is so warped with confusion in that very moment I’m not sure what I should do.
“Yes and no. I woke up, and you were gone, I was worried about you. I always worry
about you.”
Letting out a sigh, I take a step back from him and look up into his eyes.
“I went for a walk and lost track of time. While I was out and about, I met Rory and Izzy,” I say with a smile. “This place is filled with people that work and live here. I guess I got lost in all the excitement of meeting some new people. I felt like I was finally a part of something, even after just meeting them. No one knows anything about me here. My past, my depression, my life…none of that matters to them. I was just the new girl, Chelby, who everyone wanted to get to know. Tristan, for a few hours I felt free of everything I’ve wanted to run from.”
His hazel eyes suddenly change as I finish my short ramble. He is hurt; I am hurting him.
“I know you said you wanted this trip to be on your terms, Chelby, and I agreed to that. I guess we just had different ideas as to what this vacation was going to be all about. I’m not going to hold you here or make you spend time with me when you have other things you’d rather be exploring. If doing things on your terms means letting you go off on your own for a week, then so be it.”
With that he steps away from me, moves into the cabin and leaves with his keys in his hand.
“Tristan, where you going?” I ask following his fast-paced footsteps.
“I need a drive, some time to get air. I’ll be back. If you choose to leave again, just take the key with you. I’ll get a replacement.”
He shuts the door of the SUV with such force I jump at the sound. As he pulls away from the cabin, I feel as if I’d completely destroyed his perfect idea of a getaway.
“Chelby, this is Es, she the master of fortune tellers and I promise you she’ll help give you the answers you’re looking for,” Izzy said grinning from ear to ear.
I’d let my guard down and opened up to the girls. I needed someone to talk to, share my story and help me understand what I needed to do. After the third day at the resort, Tristan and I spent less and less time together. It felt as if our worlds were slowly drifting apart and this place was sucking me in. There was no other choice; I had to visit with Es. Both Rory and Izzy swore up and down that she would help me see what I had been missing all along.
