#rivervale_lodge

Adam must have fallen asleep reading the book. In his dreams he imagined amazon women striding over the land, great hounds by their side. He imagined a winter princess that could lash a man to her chariot like a steed and he'd shudder at the honor. He dreamed of giant spiders that sounded like snake's laughter. He dreamed of raccoon bird things or..something

Another morning where he fights to keep details of his dreams...

Sometimes it's so close to.. more that... argh. It's slipping..but not as far. It's as if the book helps him visualize? But no.. the art and the dreams don't QUITE sync up. So close though

Great. I wake up frustrated.... grumpy, he cleans up, gets breakfast, and goes for a drive.

If his parents are offended by his dine and dash lifestyle , he doesnt' give them time to express it.

He drives around the town, looking for a way to clear his head space. Or maybe not clear? what's the term when you're chasing a dream and don't want it to clear just yet? With no set destination, the entire county is his play ground.

And saturday morning, things are busy around the drive thrus. Good thing he ate at home.

In the Rearview mirror, he sees a middleaged horned man with spectacles placing an order with a young woman at a drive through of a local place.

He looks away, then back. Horns!?!?

As he looks from mirror to using his actual eyes... no..wait he swore. Is he going nuts?

And as he turns his eyes back onto the road in front of him, he realizes he is about to roll into another car if he doesn't hit the brakes.. NOW

*SLAM!!*

The girl in the other car turns says "SHIT" and then..he stops just in time.

They've made a pretty T.

Assuming there is no immediate danger he puts the car in park and sits back, shaken. He scrubs his face with his hands.

She pulls the car over and strides out... "HEy what the hell? "

It's Siv...

is it his imagination, or is she taller?

He scrambles out and unconsciously tries to be taller, himself. "Siv, right?"

"Yer damn right it's Siv I.." She pauses "Oh.. wait, you're ..Adam right?" the surprise of meeting him again cools her a little, but just a little, "The hell man?"

"Yeah. Yeah. I, uh..." He is definitely rattled. "Thought I saw something."

The fact he's already rattled takes a bit more of her ire "Saw what?" She says. "It better have been something good. I get enough grief from my parents about the dangers of driving without getting side swiped."

"Nevermind. You ok?"

He goes to look where the cars almost touch, for damage.

"Yeah, you almost clobbered my second favorite vehicle in the world but..looks like you missed by an inch. Look, did you 'take' anything before driving? Don't worry, if you did I won't narc, but I will help you get a ride home and we can get your car later"

"Nah, I'm straight." Absently as he satisfies himself no one and nothing is damaged. "You?"

"I'm high on life" Wrly then "No. I'm good. Thanks." She looks him over, "You seem a bit shaken. Need a drink."

He gives her an incredulous look.

"Coffee"

She clarifies

"I don't think I need anything to make me more jittery." He points out.

"Point. Juice then?"

He seems more under control now, and the look he gives her is generally appraising. Oh. He's checking her out.

"Yeah. Ok. My treat."

"mmph" She's more mollified still.

She's pretty. And that t shirt "Tall Glass of Water- Delivered'

He gives her a cocky grin and they moves the cars to the juice/smoothy place. "What do you like?"

"Orange juice is fine." she says, and she says "And... you?"

"Let me get an Orange sunrise smoothie and a banana peanut butter smoothie, thanks." He orders, and answers her question.

She smiles "Thanks. " WHen the smoothie is ready she takes hers and finds a seat with him, "So how are you fitting in?"

"Good. Got a job, met some guys. And you." Cute grin. "Twice."

"Well, yes. But don't think if it happens three times you get a prize" She grins a touch

"Then what do I get?" Teasing.

"A punch in the nose if the next time is another near hit with my car" Her grin widens.

He blinks in surprise. "Well, I'll try not to do that, then. What about if I just, you know, a non vehicular run-in?"

A sip, then "I've noticed that guys enjoy bumping into girls. Must be our padding."

A slow, broad, wide smile. He takes in her 'padding' "Definitely." It is a compliment.

She rolls her eyes, then "That said, I'm not one to hold a grudge for an honest accident."

"Good...." heartfelt if slightly distracted.

She sips slowly, her lips forming a cute cupid's bow. Her shirt..is worth re-reading as the inhale does things to it. Then she says "So who are these guys you met?"