Dream - Chapter 3

She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and begins to reflect.

How is any of this possible and how does Ken know so much about my family? This entire experience feels like something out of a storybook. Why me? Why now?

Keegan yawns and decides to get up before she falls asleep missing dinner. After all, she is very hungry. She peers around the room paying attention to every detail. So many warm red and orange tones. The hardwood floors, walls and exposed beams above all have the same cherry finish as the rest of the inn – at least from what she’s seen so far. The bedspread was a beautiful red color with swirling patterns of yellow and orange.

Hm. It almost looks like it’s on fire. She thinks to herself.

The curtains draped on either side of the large bay window are sheer red, yellow and orange as well. So different, yet beautiful at the same time.

She walks to the bathroom to freshen up a bit and is taken aback by the size of the claw foot tub and walk in shower. This suite is making her apartment feel like a tent. She runs some water and washes her face then steps out of the bathroom and towards the closet.

There couldn’t actually be a full wardrobe in my size, could there? She wonders.

Keegan decides to see for herself. She finds a cream colored camisole, red blouse, and a pair of jeans to try. Slipping them on, she cannot believe it, they fit perfectly. Remembering the emerald necklace, she strode over to the bed to fetch it out of her bag. She places it around her neck and glanced into a nearby mirror. She approves of her current state and turns back towards the bed – only her reflection doesn't move with her - does it? She blinks hard, rubs her eyes, then looks back at the mirror. She leans to one side and her reflection does the same.

I must be really tired from the trip. Maybe I should rest until Ken comes back. She muses.

And that’s exactly what she does.

The bed is so soft and comfortable that she falls asleep in a matter of seconds.

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Standing so close she could feel his cool breath on her cheek, Keegan looks up into his brown eyes mesmerized. He reaches for her warm hand with his; she feels cool tingles beginning at her finger tips that travel up her arm. With his other hand, he brushes her hair out of her face cupping her cheek with his palm lovingly. Leaning closer he whispers “Keegan…” “yes?” she answers breathlessly awaiting his lips to meet hers.

Tap…tap…tap “Keegan” Ken calls from the hallway.

Her eyelashes flutter open.

“Hm…who’s there?” she states trying to shake off that dream?

What was that? Who was that? She wonders. Ken. Oh my goodness. That was me and Ken. I cannot look at him right now.

“It’s Ken silly.” He chuckles.

“Right! Uh - just a minute!” Keegan says and she rushes to the bathroom to splash some cold water on her bright red face.

Taking a deep breath she walks out of the bathroom and to the suite door - openings it gingerly.

"Ah. There you ar-" Ken stops short seeing Keegan in her red blouse and emerald necklace. Clearing his throat and composing himself he starts again "there you are. Hungry?"

"I am!" Keegan squeaks almost too excitedly as she still hasn't quite recovered from the intensity of her dream.

Ken leads her back down the hall and past the front desk into a vast dining room with several tables.

"No way I would have imagined the inside being this large from the view from the road." Keegan shares her amazement.

"It’s almost - magical, isn't it?" Ken chuckles.

"That’s one way to put it." Keegan replies.

The two sit down at a small round table set for three. Before she could ask who would be joining them, a jovial older women comes bouncing out from a door that Keegan imagines leads to the kitchen with a tray full of food.

"You must be Keegan! It's so nice to see you! I've prepared my special stew for this evening's supper in honor of your arrival." Laura says with a smile as she begins placing their bowls on the table in front of each of them.

"Thank you ma'am-" "Laura dear, you can call me Laura."

"Thank you Laura. It's very nice to meet you. Everything looks and smells wonderful." Keegan says as she takes her first bite. "hmm. Absolutely divine."

The three of them sit around the table discussing Keegan's last couple days while enjoying their meal. Keegan learns that Laura also lives at the inn and serves as the cook and housekeeper.

That seems Iike so much work for one person. Keegan thinks.

"Now, I don't want to overwhelm you with too much in one day, so I was thinking that I could take you on a tour of the grounds and castle after breakfast tomorrow?" Ken shares.

"So there really is a castle? Is it in ruins? Why didn't I see it from the road or is it the one I passed on the way in?" Keegan questions.

"There really is a castle; it's in pristine condition and perfect working order. There have even been some modern improvements added like indoor plumbing and electricity too. As far as not being able to see it from the road - the forest serves as a visual barrier. Not many people alive today realize it still stands." He replies.

"I'd love to take a tour after breakfast tomorrow. This is all still so much to take in." Talking excitedly with her hands she starts to place them back on the table and ends up placing one on top of Ken's hand instead. Once again the two feel sparks only this time the pair do not jump away, but lock eyes instead. The shared look is no longer shock, dismay, or worry. This is something else entirely. Some energetic connection that requires no words at all.

Noticing this moment, Laura slips away quietly leaving the two of them gazing longingly into one another's eyes, hand over hand.

Keegan's green eyes are nearly swimming with tears as she begins to feel something intense towards this man that she met less than two hours ago. She begins to think that staying in this moment will bring her all the answers her heart desires.