In This Life And Beyond

Ryan arrived fifteen minutes early at the Hold Up, where Sophie had suggested they meet. She honestly had no idea why she agreed to meet her.  There was just too much to be done before her end date.

But what the hell, she thought. It seemed like decades since the last time she hung out with someone. Especially such a beautiful woman like Sophie. Why not have a little fun before.. Ugh, she didn't want to think about the inevitable. "Focus on the now, Ryan." She said out loud.

The longer she waited (which, to be honest, was only going on ten minutes), the more nervous she became. Why? She questioned herself. It was like she was some fan girl waiting to see the celebrity she had been crushing on… No. That can't be true, she thought. We only met once. But there was something..  something about Sophie she couldn't put her finger on.. Perhaps a connection.. maybe. She shook her head. Whatever the case, she kept reminding herself Sophie wouldn’t be around for too long.

Absorbed in her thoughts, Ryan was unaware of Sophie's arrival. Sophie observed Ryan for a few minutes debating with herself through varied facial expressions.  Finally, Sophie decided to get Ryan's attention.

Sophie reached out and touched Ryan on the shoulder. Ryan jumped.

"Girl, you’re trying to give me a heart attack!"

"I'm sorry. I noticed you were lost in your thoughts. I didn't mean to startle you. What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“Everything,” She mutters. “It just seems so overwhelming these days.”  Which was indeed the case. Ryan was only allowed to visit towns three days a week, and here she was, on her second day, hanging out with a woman she barely knew. She had a laundry list of towns she needed to visit before her set date, and time was running out. She felt anxious.  

Sophie took Ryan’s hand, and they began walking toward the restaurant.  “You know I understand. “Looking deep into Ryan's eyes. “I found it helpful not to dwell on it too much.”

Ryan smiles.  “Easier said than done. But I will try.”

They arrived at the restaurant called the Haven. It was a small building by the ocean, offering a stunning view of the waves crashing onto the shore. The salty ocean breeze and the sound of seagulls created the perfect relaxing atmosphere.

“Wow, this really is nice!” Ryan commented before noticing the number of people waiting to be seated.  “That’s a long line.  And in all seriousness. I cannot believe how many people are waiting to... to eat?"

Sophie chuckles. “Old habits, I guess. Come on; you promise to go with the flow and don’t worry about the line. I made reservations.”

Ryan exhales and rolls her eyes.  “Ok, fine.”

They approached the receptionist’s desk. “Hello, my name is Sophie Moore, and we have a reservation.”

 “Yes, Ms. Moore, a waiter will show you your seats.”

The receptionist directed the waiter to escort the ladies to their seats. As the two followed the waiter, they couldn’t help but notice the restaurant’s decor. It was simple yet elegant, with comfortable wooden chairs and tables dressed in crisp white linens.

The waiter arrived at a table with a view of the ocean. They sat down and examined the menu. After several minutes of deciding, Sophie ordered the Olivado Greek-style Lamb, and Ryan ordered the Butternut Squash Risotto with Leeks and Spinach.

“So, Ryan, are you enjoying San Edistor?”

"Yeah, it's nice. Plus, thanks to you, I met Mary, Imani, and found out that Luke will be here next week."

"Do you think you will settle here?"

"It's kind of too early for me to decide."

Sophie nods. "I get it; you want to explore your options."

"Yes"

"Do you have any family here? Brother or Sister?"

Ryan gave Sophie a brief glance. Why is this woman trying to get to know me? Maybe she is making small talk, she thought. “ Not to sound like an asshole, but why get to know me? Why invite me to dinner when you're not going to stick around? Call me suspicious.”

Sophie laughed.  “Call me curious. I have no ulterior motives. I find you interesting and attractive. I want to get to know you while I’m still here. Life is too short, lets just enjoy the moment. ”

Ryan eyed Sophie for a moment. “Fine... No, I don’t have any family here. I did have a brother; his name was Marquis. We were adopted by this amazing woman named Coria. She took us in when I was 15, and Marquis was 17.  The short time we had with Coria was like a dream come true. She was supportive and caring, everything you could want in a mother.

“What happened,” Sophie inquired.

“On my eighteenth birthday, Coria had a heart attack and died.”

“And your brother. You said you had..”

“Yeah, Marquis was killed in a car accident two years after Coria’s death. He was only 22.”

“Oh, Ryan, I’m so sorry to hear that. I assume this was before –”

“Yes, long before.”

Ryan thought about her big brother Marquis and how devastated she was when she lost him. That pain of losing a sibling still lingers to this day.

Ryan gazed up at Sophie, pushing through the ache that still existed from losing her brother. "What about you? Do you have any siblings?"

“Yes, I had a sister. Jordan. She was the light of my life.  Constantly supportive and aiding others. She traveled to Africa to assist with building a community outreach center in Zambia.  She contracted Malaria and passed away.”

“Oh my God, Sophie, I’m so sorry for your loss. I assume it was before –”

Sophie cuts Ryan off. “No, it was during, but her death was sudden. It took me years to come to grips with her death. Honestly, I never got over it. I still miss my little sister.”

"I know the feeling." Ryan empathized.

“Is that why you won’t become a resident?”

“Yes.”

The two sat in silence, staring at each other, thinking about their siblings they lost until the waiter brought their food out.

“Well, that was quick.” Looking at Sophie.

“What did you expect?”

“Is there anything else I can get both of you?” The waiter asked.

Both Sophie and Ryan shake their heads.

Sophie looks at Ryan.  “Remember.. open mind.” She takes a small piece of the lamb on her fork and puts it in her mouth.

“Hmm. Oh my God, this is really good.”

“Right!” Ryan agrees while sampling her dish.  “I can’t seem to wrap my brain around this.”

Sophie reaches across the table and touches Ryan on her arm.  “Hey, don’t.. just enjoy.”

They ate in silence, stealing glances at each other. Once finished, Sophie asks Ryan if she would like to go for a stroll around the town.  Ryan readily agreed, and the two walked out of the restaurant.

Sophie suggested they head to Church Street Station. Every Wednesday night, local residents would close off the streets and have street vendors and live music playing.

They found themselves laughing and joking as they walked around the area, feeling a growing sense of connection and attraction. They felt at ease in each other’s company.

But deep down, Ryan dreaded this feeling. With only two days of knowing Sophie, she knew nothing good would come from Sophie’s ongoing presence.  She already liked her. This connection to an individual had never happened before.. well at least not so suddenly. Ryan thought.

“Hey, it’s getting close to midnight, but before we go, I want to see you again,” Sophie stated.

Ryan stops walking. “Sophie, I have a lot of towns I need to explore before making my choice.  I enjoyed tonight, but I don’t have time to hang out with you anymore. Well, at least until after I cross over.”

Sophie nods. “I understand.” She stares at Ryan for a moment. A smile forms on her face.

“What?”

“Why don’t I come with you? I’ve been to most of the towns. I could be your own personal tour guide.”

Ryan shakes her head. “I don’t know. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not? … Come on, Ryan..” Sophie takes a step towards Ryan teetering on invading her personal space.

Ryan immediately felt her body getting warm with Sophie’s closeness. Ugh, this is a bad idea, she thought. But having a personal tour guide would definitely help. Plus, it’s Sophie.. it might be fun. She had never been to any of the towns on her list. So, it would make sense to let Sophie accompany her.

Her mind started to play tug-of-war. She couldn’t tell if it was her heart or her brain trying to convince herself that having Sophie tag along was a good idea.

“Ryan?”

“Huh? Shaking her head, trying to silence the noise in her mind. “Fine! You can come.. “

Sophie jumps up and down like some kid in a candy shop.

Ryan rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but smile. “Ok.. Ok.. what’s your schedule?”

“Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday,” Sophie responded.

“Same here. Meet me at the welcome center in San Hermosa on Saturday at noon.”

“Great! It’s a date.” The words came spilling out before Sophie could stop them. “Shit.. I mean, I can’t wait… to .. to show you the town.”