Chapter 8 Another Lifetime

Elena woke before her alarm. She rolled over and watched Liz. She was dreaming. Her arm twitched, and an angry expression creased her normally relaxed brow. Elena knew Liz had occasional nightmares, especially after the divorce. She took it hard and became distant for a time. Elena stayed strong for them both and supported Liz in any decision she made.

Liz twiched again and muttered in her sleep. Elena lightly moved a few strands of hair from her face and made calming noises, hoping to bring her out of whatever dream she was experiencing softly. Liz jerked awake, sucking in a deep breath and pulling away from the unexpected touch.

"It's ok," she cooed, "You were dreaming."

Liz looked around, her eyes wide, sleepy confusion washing over her.

"Where am I? Where is she?" Liz asked abruptly.

"Where is who?"

"I-I don't know," Liz studdered. She looked to the bed where Kris used to lay. "Did I wake you? I'm sorry. That dream was so bizarre."

"It's ok. Do you want to talk about it?"

"It's was about Kris. Fuck. I hadn't dreamt about her in months," she started.

Liz sat up in bed, looking around, half expecting to see Kris around the corner. Or was it hope she felt. That familiar pang struck her in the chest. The longing for someone who left unexpectedly. The scar was ripped open anew, and her heart bled for Kris.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she continued, "I was in an open field, and I felt a storm coming in. So I walked to it and into our old house. I stepped through the door and into the set of a film I did last year. During one of the scenes, Kris appeared. She was angry and started trying to fight with Emily. You remember Emily, right? She was my co-star in the Western film. Well, we got kicked off set, and that's when I woke up."

"That sounds intense," Elena replied. "I had a dream about Kris last night, too. I was getting a tattoo, and in the end, it got very heated. Not fighting, but, you know."

"Ah," Liz' eyebrows raised. "Was it good, at least?"

Elena blushed, remembering every detail.

"Yeah," she replied.

"Do you still miss her?" Liz asked.

"I do."

"I do, too," Liz agreed.

The day was uneventful. Elena left for work. Liz stayed home, cleaning the house, and wrote more on her new book. This one was different from the rest. It was about pirates and a love triangle. Elena requested it, so Liz was more than happy to write it.

At lunch, Liz flipped open her phone. She scrolled some videos and ran across a trot reading. The tarot reader talked about a past and distant relationship coming back slowly in the form of reconciliation. Liz scoffed. She heard that type of reading before. It never came true. She opened her massaging app and shot a message to her friend, Eva.

'Let's get lunch tomorrow,' it read.

Waiting for a reply, she scrolled through her messages. Her eyes were drawn to one that showed active. Kris. She was almost positive she was blocked and couldn't see her status before. Clicking on it, she navigated to her social media page. Unblocked.

***

Kris got dressed. She had no interest in hanging around the house today. Grabbing her tablet and bag, she decided to go to the tattoo studio.

'Maybe someone will want a tattoo today and take my mind off things.'

She hadn't heard anyone leave this morning, but the house was empty.

'Just as well,' she thought. She was in no mood to talk to anyone today or tip toed around unnecessary drama.

Picking up her phone, she messaged her best friend.

'Want a tattoo today? lol.' it read.

Her friend was active, and after a few moments, she responded.

'Not today. I'm exhausted from work.'

Sighing, she walked to her car, replying with a simple ok. The studio was a half-hour drive, so Kris cranked the radio and sang along to every song that played, not caring who heard.

No one came into the studio, but she finished the tattoo in her dreams. She posted it on her social media page asking if anyone wants this on them today for a discounted rate. She hated reducing her rates, but in a small town, that was the best way to get customers anymore. A few people showed interest in a tattoo, but no one could book for this week. After a few more hours, she packed up and left, dreading going home. It used to be peaceful there, but the last few months, everyone was on edge. She thought about asking her girlfriend to marry her at one point. Instinctively, Kris reached into her pocket and pulled out her wallet, where the ring was tucked away. Next to it was Liz' wedding ring. Kris smiled, turning the ring over in her palm. Without thinking, she slipped it on her finger. It was a perfect fit. she recalled the day vividly.

Their wedding day was magical and chaotic. A hurricane pushed through, knocking the decorations over, but everyone had a good time and pitched in to fix everything. When she saw Liz in her wedding dress, tears welled in her eyes, and her breath caught in her throat. She shook the images from her mind and put the ring back in her wallet.

'That was a lifetime ago. It's over. Stop holding on.' A tear gathered in the corner of her eye. She wiped it away quickly, berating herself for shedding even one for that failed marriage.