What a week it had been. Stress seemed a constant companion in her life, and today was no different. Friday was always the best time when she was younger. You were free from the confines of school for a few days, and the partying with friends was always a welcome relief.
Not anymore.
She was more likely to fall asleep in a relaxing warm bubble bath or in her undergarments on the couch watching the news. She just didn't have that burst of energy like she did five or ten years ago. That was rather disturbing to her at that moment.
She felt old.
And she wasn't. She was a youthful 27 in appearance, but what her body belied on the outside gave way to an inner seeping of strength into the eternal darkness of night. She was driven in her week as a therapist, and that was quite rewarding for her, yet at the same time she could not shake this feeling of time overtaking her. She missed the vigor she had for life.
Now she just felt drained.
Nothing was different or exciting or new anymore. She had experienced her share of wild nights with dangerous boys in her day, but that wasn't what she missed. While she arose from the maroon leather couch she had been resting in, she contemplated what it was that she longed for.
What was it, she wondered? Sighing slightly, she knew if she did not stop thinking about it so hard she would give herself a headache.
Off came her white lacy blouse and grey suit skirt as she entered her bedroom and crossed the way to her spacious bathroom. The one thing all of her work had paid off on was that she did delight in some of her childhood dreams. Even some of the more lavish ones. Her bedroom was large and comfortable with an oak wood bedroom set and walk-in closet. Another amenity is that the room opened out onto a balcony overlooking the city below. Many nights she would leave the balcony doors ajar so as to inhale the scenery below.
The bright lights and sounds of vibrant city life echoed up the hillside where her hideaway dwelling was nestled.
Absently she left the balcony entrance open as she did most nights. Ah, just planting her bare feet on the cool marble floor of her custom bathroom was soothing. This was where she spent a lot of quiet time, not in deep thought or meditation, but just to exist. There was nothing like the sensation of resting in a warm bath filled with soft bubbles while burning incense or lighting one of the many scented candles she had situated about the room.
A smile finally emerged from her lips for the first time all day as she splashed cool water in her face.
Relaxation time.
She began running water for a bath, and had planned to take her time and really enjoy herself, but before she could shed the rest of her clothes a shrill noise burst forth into the air disrupting her train of thought. She quickly made her way to the night stand where her cell phone was plugged in charging. The caller ID revealed it was her boyfriend, and again that smile made another appearance.
"What do I owe this honor, I thought you were going to be busy all weekend?" she inquired curiously, teasing him.
He responded in kind, "Never too busy for you, but I have some good news. I'm going to be free..."
Her heart rose swiftly. This was an unexpected surprise, and she began quickly plotting all of the things they would do, what she would wear, when she could be ready, when his voice continued, "on Sunday. I'm looking forward to being with you, sweetheart. I miss you."
The letdown was almost expected, but it crushed her just the same. Foolish of her to hope he would be able to join her in having some semblance of a social life. They talked briefly before she finally hung up. There was slight tension in the air, and both could sense it. She had difficulty masking her disappointment when she was anxious, and this time would be no different. They each got off the phone rather unhappy.