1. The Plain Girl - Chapter 6: Crash Recovery


    Date: 5/20/2016, Categories: Love Stories, Author: xreynolds, Source: LushStories

    Claire had already been up for more than an hour when Karla wandered through the kitchen doorway. Her hand groping in front of her, she navigated her way toward the table using only one eye. One look at her and Claire couldn’t help but smile, but this was not the tone with which she wanted to start this day. She immediately turned and looked out the window while she rinsed out her coffee cup in the sink. It was very bright outside, with everything still covered by a heavy blanket of snow. The only visible signs of activity were the birds fluttering about in search of food. The sun was breaking through the clouds here and there and each recurring pulse of gold light elevated Claire a little higher. As long as there is sun, there is hope, she thought, even when it doesn’t show itself, we can count on it that it is there. Claire wouldn’t say anything before she heard Karla’s elbows hit the table. She didn’t have to look to envision her holding her head between her palms at her forehead. Her reflection in the glass confirmed it. Karla was as predicable as they come. “That was quite a storm last night,” Claire finally said, still gazing out the window. After a slight delay came the mumbled reply, “I’ll say.” Karla was totally stuck in her throbbing head. Another moment later, like a dropped boot hitting the floor, Claire’s comment finally made impact. “Oh, you mean the snow.” Karla was now almost back in her body. “Either way,” Claire said, turning. This time she couldn’t ...
    ... restrain a smile. “Your hair is not going to improve those eggs any. You want some coffee to go with that? “If you think it will help.” Dejected, Karla slumped back in her chair. She slowly wiped the egg off the tip of her hair and then swept it away from her face. A crease mark ran across the only eye she could really keep open. It didn’t improve her vision much. Its pale red matched the color of the cushion that left it there. And so with her one eye she stared, blinking dismally into her breakfast plate. She began to pick at the scrambled eggs Claire had prepared for her. Claire said nothing and filled her cup. After a few sips of coffee and a considerable pause, Karla finally said, “These eggs are great.” “Nice of you to say that sweetie, but this morning I think we’d better stick to the truth.” Claire was mild in her tone, but absolutely unwavering. There would be no small talk. “What do you suppose he gave me?” Karla finally asked. “Oh, I don’t know,” Claire replied. “You seem fine. It was probably more just the combination of rich champagne, lousy food, and poor quality excitement.” “Look, I’m so sorry I screwed up your evening…” “Let’s not start with that.” Karla was cut off. “This is not about me.” Claire feigned her impatience. “Besides I had a wonderful evening. And except for the 1 or 2 seconds that I actually thought that you really might be in serious trouble, your whole thing wasn’t all that bad. You are going to clean up the bathroom, right?” “But it was just so ...
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