Unknown Places

Chapter 2

      When I woke up I didn't remember where I was. After a few moments his face formed in my head. Hansen White. After he popped up everything else followed. Me finally leaving, the thirteen hour drive, and the cottage. I had stayed but not because White told me to. I stayed because I did need sleep and real food.

      I looked at the clock and saw that I had ten minutes before lunch was served. I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror before jumping into the shower. What do you see when you look in the mirror? That was the most asked question. I see my reflection. I would always say. But what do you see? They would ask. I see a shorter than average height woman. I see my light blonde hair and dull green eyes. I see a small nose, high cheekbones, and small pale lips. I see a petite body that is mostly bones. That was my answer, always. I took a quick five minute shower before I got dressed and brushed my teeth and hair. I threw my hair into a messy bun and grabbed my key. I walked out of the room and locked the door before sliding the key into my pocket. It was exactly one when I reached the double doors. The doors were made from the same type of wood that the front door was made from. When I opened the doors, I let out a quiet gasp. I didn't know what I was expecting but it wasn't this. The view was spectacular.

      I saw past the people and food and tables and rails. All I saw was the land, the mountains, and the lake. The mountains reached all the way into the clouds. The lake had little streams running to and from it. I saw the bright green grass and the prairie houses. I saw white picket fences and big brown ones. I saw cows, horses, chickens, goats, and anything else I could think of. I saw little kids playing in the grass while the adults sat under a tree. I noticed the small wildflowers growing everywhere. As I took in this view, I knew I'd have to do something with it, but I never noticed the people on the deck looking at me.

      As my surrounding came back into view, I realized that they were staring at me. I was still in the door way and had yet to move an inch. I didn't know what to do, so I made my way to the table. I heard the whispers all around me as people started wondering who I was. As I took my seat a pair of eyes caught my attention. Hansen White. He was sitting across from me, staring. I quickly looked away. I noticed a woman heading my way. She was smiling and talking to all of the guest. Her red hair reminded me of fire and her deep blue eyes reminded me of the sea. Her skin was a light milky color with light brown freckles all over it. When she saw me her smile grew. She made her way towards me and sat down. She looked approachable but I didn't say anything. After a few moments of silence, she turned to me.

      "Hello my name is Carey Baker. I own, or partially own, this bed and breakfast. You must be the guest that arrived early this morning. I hope you got some rest. Rosanna told me about the conversation between you and Hansen." The lady, Carey Baker, said. All I could do was stare at her. I didn't know what to say. I didn't want to be rude or anything but just thinking of White got the hairs on my neck rising.

      I quickly turned away from her so I wasn't staring at her. My eyes immediately locked with White's and he didn't look happy. I turned back to the lady with a small smile on my face. "Miss Baker I'm assuming you and Mr. White aren't married because y'all don't have the same last name. With that being said I also don't know y'alls relationship, but what I do know is that Mr. White doesn't want you talking to me. You see he's sitting directly across from me and he's staring over here wondering what you're doing." I said as gently as I could. I didn't know this woman but I couldn't help but feel like she was I kind woman.

     Miss Baker just smiled at me for a moment before glancing at White. Her smile grew when she saw that he was indeed staring at us. She let out a small giggle before talking. "Oh dear! My apologies. Hansen's just overprotective of my sister and I. You see we grew up together and Hansen is like our older overprotective brother. We love him but he scares a lot of people off. And please call me Carey, Miss."

      "Kaye. Thank you for explaining that Carey. You see there's more to the story of how me and Mr. White met and to why I'm still here."

      "Oh! Please do tell." Carey stated just as lunch was being served. I told her everything from the beginning, leaving out why I was driving in the first place. We talked while we ate. After lunch was finished I decided to stay at the cottage for a couple of days.

      Carey walked with me when we finished eating. She asked me what I did and I told her that I was an artist. She asked me what kind and I told her any.

      We talked about small things while we walked in the field directly behind the cottage. I heard something moving behind us. I turned around and saw White following us. "Looks like we have a follower." Carey said. I just stared ahead. "Why don't you join us, Hansen?" Carey called out to him.

     When White caught up with us, his cheeks had a hint of red in them. "What are you doing?" White asked Carey. I just started stared straight ahead, walking in sync with Carey.

      Before she could answer, I turned to her. "I should get back. I need to talk to Rosanna before going back to my room." I quickly walked away. I wasn't quite far enough away to not hear Hansen asked what just happened and for Carey to laugh.