Page 6 of The Lake House

I don’t know why to this day I’m still waiting on that one text from Todd telling me he’d been wrong about the decision he made. Not that I’d ever take him back. I’m finally learning to let go. I am no longer crying myself to sleep every night anymore. Sure, sometimes the tears still flow freely when I think about the old life I used to have as a wife, but it’s not like before. It’s no longer every single day.

All I really want is for him to admit that he made a mistake. A terrible mistake. If he never does, it means that giving me up was easy, that it wasn’t a big deal, and that it’s been easy letting me go and living his life without me, like I was no one important to him.

But even so, what good will that do? He’ll still be gone and I’ll still be alone.

I guess I just want to hear that I wasn’t a failure as a wife. Granted, I know I wasn’t. Todd had a problem being faithful. I have no idea when that really started or how long ago he realized it, but still. What made him do it to begin with? Was I not enough of a woman for him?

Shaking the ill thoughts out of my head, I throw my phone to the side and decide to start my day. I have already stored away most of my things. Liv was an enormous help last night. If it wasn’t for her, I’d probably still be trying to figure out where the perfect spot to put everything away was. But because she could really find her way around the house and organize like a pro, she made my job so much easier.

I strip out of the T-shirt and pink panties I had slept in and turn on the water in the shower. Adjusting the temperature, I wait until it’s comfortable and then hop into it. Damn, I needed this shower more than I realized. The calming effect the water has on me as it sweeps down my body relaxes me.

When I’m done showering, I brush my teeth and then walk back into my bedroom. I get dressed in khaki shorts and a blue button-down shirt and run a quick brush through my hair. I add a drop of mousse so that it dries nicely, and then apply just a dab of mascara and lip gloss. I glance at myself in the mirror and smile. I don’t look so bad for having been through such a rough year. Satisfied with my appearance, I head downstairs and waltz into the kitchen. The bright sun shines into the room. I head over to the window and look outside; it’s a beautiful day and I refuse to spend it inside. I’m planning on walking downtown and seeing what I can find. I definitely need some coffee. I also need to pick up a few groceries before I starve to death. I guess I’ll go grocery shopping later on today. I have to bring my car for that so I don’t have to walk back carrying heavy bags. As much as I would love it, I can’t depend on Olivia bringing me Dippin’ Donuts morning, noon, and night.

Walking down the streets, I see a few locals either gardening or sipping on their morning beverages—most likely coffee, lucky them—while sitting on their porches. I smile when we meet eyes and continue on my way. The best thing about Silver Mist is that it is a very friendly, peaceful, quiet town. I love the whole atmosphere here.

A little girl around the age of three or four and her mother are drawing on the sidewalk with blue and purple chalk. She stops and looks up at me as I’m about to pass her by.

“Hi!” she says in her cute little voice. She’s chubby with pink cheeks, wearing a flowery summer dress, and white sandals. She holds up the chalk for me to see.

“Oh, Betsy,” her mother says with a chuckle. Then, looking up at me, she adds, “She’s always saying hello to everyone that walks by.”

I smile back at them both before responding. “She’s polite,” I say to her mother, then turn around to face the little girl. “Good morning. What have you got there?”

She beams. “I-I-I’m making pic-tures!” she stutters.

“They’re so pretty!” I answer, looking down at her chalk-drawn characters on the sidewalk. “I like your dress, too.”

Betsy beams once more. “T-thank you!” She curtseys and runs to hide behind her mom.

“Betsy’s very shy whenever someone gives her a compliment.” Her mother puts a hand behind her back to comfort her daughter.

“She’s adorable. God bless.”

Betsy peeks out her head and waves at me.

“Bye, Betsy,” I say to her. Then I look back up at her mother and bid her adieu as well.

I love kids. I think that’s why I became a teacher. And because Todd and I could never have our own, teaching allowed me to have them.

I continue my walk down the road, seeing more locals going about their business. A handsome man around my age with his golden retriever on their morning jog passes me by. We smile at one another, but neither one of us exchanges a word. Of course not. Not even if I wanted to, would I be able to start something with a complete stranger right now. Or anyone, for that matter. I’m just not there yet, nor do I think I ever will be. That part of my life is done.

Finally, I reach one of the shops on the main road. It’s funny how much things around here have changed since I’ve last been here. When I used to come to Silver Mist during the summers to visit my grandparents, this used to be the bakery. The closest shop back then used to be another three blocks down.

I enter and look around, taking notice of all the items on display. This little store has a bit of everything, which is perfect. I pick up only a few snacks until I can head to the grocery store with my car later on in the day.

I fill up a white styrofoam cup with coffee and bring my items to the cashier. A woman in her late fifties is behind the register. She’s got red auburn hair and a friendly smile, much like the people of this town.

“Find everything you were looking for?” she asks. I know I recognize her, but it’s been so long. And, of course, when I had been with Todd, anything from Silver Mist had always been put in the back of my mind.

“I think so… I need to pick up some groceries later on, but for now, this will do,” I add.

“Twenty-four forty-three.” She smiles at me, but by the look of her scrunching eyebrows, she’s studying me. She places a finger on her chin, then removes it just as quickly as she had placed it there. She puts my items into a brown paper bag.

I smile back nervously, not sure what she’s got on her mind. I hand her the money and wait for my receipt. I know I know her… but who is she? So long ago I would have been able to remember, all before the past year’s events corrupted my brain. Now, she’s just a face I’ve seen before and nothing more.

She places the bag down onto the counter and takes the money from me. Suddenly, she must realize I’ve picked up on her demeanor and says, “I’m sorry… you just look oddly familiar… I just can’t put my finger on it. I mean, sure, I know most folks around here; it’s a small town, but you… I’m just not sure.” She continues bagging my items.

“Yeah, you look very familiar, too. I know I’ve seen you before.” I shake my head and brush a strand of hair out of my eye, then tuck it behind my ear. “Anyway, my grandparents used to own the lake house on Wilmont Drive… I just moved in, but I used to visit—”

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