The Morning After

Amber woke up from her slumber, shorts still drawn down to her ankles. After quickly cleaning up the mess she left on the back seat, she prayed that she had woken up before the others. It felt cool enough to be just before sunrise, she figured. However, there was no way to know for sure with the lack of windows in the garage.

She opened the door, ready to come up with an excuse if need be but the living room was peacefully quiet. Amber tiptoed back into her room and checked her phone — it was 6:07. Thank fuck. With Elizabeth seeming to still be sound asleep, Amber figured she should try to get as much rest as she could with the time she had left before everyone was up. Two hours later, Amber woke up to the sounds of clanking in the kitchen.

Everyone was up but Ezra. While James had his back to Amber as he cooked eggs, Olivia gave her an awkward nod.

“Morning, sleepyhead,” teased Wendell between sips of tea.

“Buzz off, it’s only 8 o’clock,” said Amber.

“What’s your plans for today,” asked James, finally acknowledging Amber’s presence.

“I think I might head to the farmer’s market. Anyone is welcome to join if they’d like, I’m driving. But I’m sure you and Liv have some more cooking to do…” replied Amber with a wry smile.

“Ooh, that sounds interesting,” said Elizabeth.

“I think James and I will sit this one out…like you said, we have some more cooking to do,” said Olivia.

“You’re coming too,” said Amber at Wendell.

“Why me,” asked Wendell. “I didn’t even say I wanted to go.”

“It’s payback for that comment earlier. Plus, what good is going on an adventure without my sidekick,” replied Amber.

“What about Ezra,” asked Wendell.

“He can sleep in like he always does,” said Amber.

“Bu-“

“Give me ten minutes to get ready and we’ll head out.”