Melanie

Today

I wake up to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the curtains. The room is warm and cozy, and I feel a sense of contentment as I become aware of my surroundings. Evie is still peacefully asleep beside me, her breathing steady and rhythmic. The mattress is unbelievably comfortable, and a fleeting thought crosses my mind—I hope my new mattress is just as good. But even if it's not, it doesn't matter. In a few days, I'll be in my own apartment. Finally.

As I sit up, stretching my arms above my head, I take in the room. The plush armchair in the corner, the soft lighting, and the overall tranquility make it a haven. I hope my new mattress is just as good as this one, but even if it's not, the thought of having my own apartment in a few days is enough to dispel any concerns. Finally, a place to call my own.

A yawn escapes me as I get off the bed, my feet sinking into the plush carpet. I reach for the robe draped over the armchair and slip it on. Glancing at Evie, still lost in dreams, I give her a gentle nudge. "Wake up, sleepyhead," I whisper, leaning closer.

"Mmm," she mumbles, her eyes still closed, as she turns to her side.

"I'll make breakfast," I inform her, and she grumbles something incoherent in response. Smiling, I leave the room and make my way towards the kitchen.

First things first—coffee. I add coffee grounds and water to the coffee maker, savoring the rich aroma that begins to fill the air. As it brews, I prepare pancake mix, the rhythmic whisking providing a calming cadence. I steal a glance outside the huge windows. I'm captivated by the beauty of the surroundings. The lake, serene and still, reflects the morning sunlight. It's a picturesque scene, and for a moment, I'm lost in the peacefulness of it all.

Just as I start making pancakes, I hear the sound of footsteps descending the stairs. I look back, and there's Evie, eyes slightly closed, her expression drowsy. I can't help but chuckle at her disheveled appearance; Evie is definitely not a morning person.

"Good morning, sunshine," I greet her.

"Is the coffee ready?" she grumbles, rubbing her eyes.

"In just a few minutes," I reply, a smile playing on my lips.

Evie lets out a sigh and settles on the kitchen island. I finish making the pancakes, their golden perfection a satisfying sight. I plate them, putting one in front of Evie. I grab some maple syrup and place it on the counter, then pour coffee into two mugs. Handing one mug to Evie, I take a seat next to her at the kitchen island.

The first sip of coffee is pure bliss, warmth spreading through me. "Did you sleep well?" I inquire, breaking the quiet.

Evie takes a sip of coffee, her eyes finally opening a bit more. "Like a log. This place is magical."

I nod in agreement. "It truly is."

We dig into the pancakes, the warmth of the syrup melding with the fluffy texture. Evie takes a bite and looks at me with wide eyes. "These pancakes are amazing, Mel!" she exclaims, her enthusiasm contagious.

I chuckle, appreciating her genuine enjoyment. "Thanks, Evie. Glad you like them."

Evie takes a sip of her coffee and looks at me with a curious gleam in her eyes. "So, what's the plan for today?"

"Well," I begin, contemplating our options, "Mallory mentioned there's a beautiful winery nearby. Alternatively, we could take a hike—whatever you're up for."

Evie considers the options, her eyes narrowing in contemplation. I take another sip of coffee, enjoying the warmth that seeps into my being.

"Do you think we should have called the winery beforehand?" Evie asks.

I chuckle, realizing I hadn't considered that. "Oops, didn't think about it. We can call them and see if they can fit us in today. If not, a hike it is."

Evie nods, satisfied with the plan. "Sounds like a plan indeed."

I take another sip of coffee, the rich flavor lingering on my palate. "Either way, it's bound to be a good day."

Evie glances outside the windows, the view of the lake captivating her attention. "Honestly, I wouldn't mind just staying inside and staring at this view all day."

I follow her gaze, and the tranquility outside beckons. A lazy day by the lake seems increasingly tempting. "You know what? That sounds pretty appealing."

"We might just do that," I suggest with a grin, and we both share a giggle. The idea of simply enjoying the serenity of the lake house, without any elaborate plans, feels like a perfect way to spend the day.

We finish our breakfast, and with contented sighs, we clear the plates, placing them in the dishwasher. Pouring another mug of coffee each, we head to the living room. The plush couches invite us to sink into their comfort, and we oblige, lying down and cradling our mugs with both hands.

I gaze out the window, captivated by the tranquil scenery. The lake's reflection dances on the water, and the surrounding nature paints a picture of serenity. In this moment, I feel a sense of relaxation that has been elusive for weeks.

"Did you turn your phone on?" Evie's question interrupts the calm, and suddenly, tension creeps back into my muscles. I glance at her, a hint of apprehension in my eyes.

I meet Evie's gaze, and a conflicted expression crosses my face. "No, not yet," I admit, uncertainty lacing my tone.

She raises an eyebrow, a curious expression on her face. "Planning on turning it on anytime soon?"

I let out a sigh, conflicted about dealing with the messages and calls awaiting me. "I was planning to, but right now, I'm not in the mood to deal with Daniel."

Evie offers a sympathetic smile. "You don't have to answer his calls or read his texts, but you should be reachable to your family. Especially since you don't want to tell anyone that you broke up with Daniel yet. How are you going to explain turning off your phone for three days?"

Her words hit home, and I groan in acknowledgment. Of course, Evie is right. The idea of facing Daniel's persistent attempts to reach me is daunting, but I can't shut myself off entirely. Family matters, and keeping them in the dark about the breakup complicates things further.

Evie, sensing the unresolved tension, gently suggests, "You should text Marcus, you know."

I drop my head back against the couch, letting out a sigh. "Evie, how am I supposed to think clearly if I'm texting Marcus?"

She chuckles softly, "I'm not saying you should spend the entire weekend texting him. Just send a quick message, let him know you're okay, and that you'll meet up after you return from the lake house."

I look at her, considering her words. It's been five days since Marcus and I last spoke. He's been respecting my need for space, and I can't deny the twinge of guilt for leaving him in the dark. Taking a deep breath, I concede, "You're right."

Evie grins. "I'm always right."

I roll my eyes at her playful confidence, and we both burst into giggles. We effortlessly transition into lighter topics, sipping coffee and discussing various things. We discuss our options, contemplating whether to explore a nearby winery or embark on a hike. Eventually, we settle on a more laid-back plan—a leisurely walk around the lake followed by a lazy day at the lake house.

After finishing our coffee, we rise from the couches, to prepare for the stroll. Making our way to the bedroom, we opt for warm and cozy attire to shield us from the brisk air. I choose a soft, oversized sweater paired with comfortable leggings and slip into warm socks. Evie dons a cozy hoodie and jeans, a matching ensemble for our casual day ahead.

After getting dressed, I eye my phone resting on the nightstand. Evie asks, "Ready to go?"

I nod, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, just need to get this over with." I walk over to the nightstand, my fingers brushing over the cool surface before picking up the device.

Looking at Evie, I mutter, "Here goes nothing." I sit on the edge of the bed, and she joins me, a supportive presence in this inevitable task. I press the power button, and the screen comes to life.

Within seconds, my phone buzzes with urgency. Dozens of messages flood in—missed calls, texts from Daniel, Mallory, and my parents. The notifications fill the screen, creating a digital cacophony that mirrors the turmoil in my mind.

Evie glances at the phone and raises an eyebrow. "You're in for a wild ride, huh?"

I let out a wry laugh, scrolling through the notifications. "Seems like it."

Taking a deep breath, I decide to tackle one thing at a time. I open Mallory's message first, a mix of concern and curiosity evident in her words. As I type a quick reply, assuring her that I'm okay and will call her later, my thumb hovers over Daniel's name.

Evie watches me, offering a supportive squeeze on my shoulder. "Take your time. You don't have to dive into the deep end all at once."

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to ground myself. Danie's messages are causing me unnecessary stress right now, so I open my eyes and I place my phone back on the nightstand. I don't want to deal with Daniel right now.

Right now, I just want to go for a walk.