the night sky

Alexis #1

Alexis woke to her alarm going off on her phone. she let out a groan of disapproval as she rolled out of bed. " I don't want to wake up," she looked at the time again just to be sure. 5 am. the life on the farm. she always woke early to get her chores done. she was a good girl beautiful curly hair that hung past her shoulders. her olive sun kissed skin slightly sun burnt nose. she grabbed her hair tie by her bed and slowly pulled her hair up into a messy bun. " I hate mornings " she pulled on her pants as she slowly started moving. the animals weren't going to feed themselves and she knew that. She moved slowly as she made her way down the stairs.

her sister was already up. Emilia was always so happy to be up in the morning. Alexis was opposite. she would chose to sleep in if she were ever allowed to. " someday I'm out of here." she sighed as she moved past her sister. " let's go Emilia. I want to take a shower before heading into town." Emilia smiled brightly at Alexis. " how are you always so happy in the morning? it makes me sick." she groaned. Her sister was bright and bubbly and Alexis thought it was a sickness for her sister to be so cheerful this early.

Emilia laughed and waved her sister out the door. " you know for being my older sister you aren't giving a good example!" They both shut the door walking out onto the front porch. the cold air biting at Alexis face. " it's getting colder. summer is definitely over."

" ugh another cold winter in the books. I'm almost 20 and I'm still here. at least this will be my last semester then I get to move on to bigger things!" Alexis bounded down the steps heading for the barn. after about 2 hours of feeding and cleaning pens Alexis and Emilia were finally done. the girls trekked back to the house to clean up. " get ready Emilia and I will drop you off at school. " Alexis turned the water on and let the warmth cascade down her sore body. washing away the morning as she scrubbed herself clean. there was a knock on the door letting her know to hurry up.

" Alexis dear I was hoping to have time to talk before you drop Emilia off." her mother looked much like Emilia. short brown hair with jewel brown eyes. Alexis looked more like a mix of her father and mother. taking on features of them both. Alexis let out a groan as she turned the water off.

" coming mom!" this can't be good if she wanted to sit and talk. usually she had done something wrong or her mother needed to lay down a new rule. " one more semester," she whispered to herself. she wrapped the towel around her body as she made her way to her bedroom. it wasn't that she wouldn't miss her home and her family, she just wanted more than a simple farm life. more than a small town could provide. her heart just wasn't here. like a bird she wanted to fly her nest breaking free. she slowly made her way downstairs to the kitchen. she glanced at her phone. 7:45 just enough time to get her lecture and take her sister to school. " hey mom, what's up?" she watched her mom move about the kitchen effortlessly. she was always so graceful and feminine. Alexis admired her mother. she weathered life and brushed off the bad like it meant nothing. she made life look so easy. life on the farm wasn't always easy and Alexis knew it. her mother shouldered the stress and still came out looking beautiful.

" lexi, I wanted to tell you that there will be someone coming to stay for a while. he is going to be renting one of the guest houses on the property. he is going to school and will be here for a while. I was just wanting to let you girls know so you don't freak out about a stranger. he may pop in from time to time but I don't see it being a big deal. " she smiled at Alexis as she spoke. bringing her coffee cup to her lips and blowing gently. " he is actually going to be here in a few minutes to grab a cup of coffee and meet you girls before heading out."

" ummmm, ok mom." she looked at her phone again. " hopefully he hurries I have to get Emilia off to school today before I head into town." her mom nodded at her daughter. knowing all to well how impatient Alexis could be. a small knock on the door rang out. " I'll get it mom. drink your coffee. it's probably your new guest." Alexis winked at her mom as she went to the front door. she pulled the door open as she brought her eyes up to a pair of the bluest eyes she had ever met. he was gorgeous. his eyes like a deep blue sea. his muscles were defined even under the shirt he wore. her mouth went dry as she stared into his eyes.

" hi ma'am, I'm Connor, " his hand came out to shake hers as he spoke. " Mrs. Durant said to come by." his mouth pulled into the warmest smile she had ever seen. she was mesmerized by this stranger.

she shook her head as she smiled and reached for his hand. " umm, sorry my mom is in the kitchen. I'm Alexis. I hear you are going to be renting out one of the places on the farm. " she tried pulling herself together before she made a bigger i***t of herself by staring at him. " please come in." she waved him in as she watched him from behind. " Emilia!!! let's go!" she called out to her sister. right on cue Emilia came bounding down the stairs grabbing her bag and some toast as she went.

" I'm coming! I swear you are such a grump in the morning!" she stopped as she noticed the stranger in the kitchen. a smile appeared on her lips. " whose the hunk?" her mother shook her head as Emilia moved like a hurricane grabbing her things. Connor smiled and let out a small laugh at her words.

" ma'am I'm Connor I'm renting one of the places here while in school. "

" cool! I'm Emilia and you are a nice piece of candy!" Alexis looked at Emilia horrified by her sisters comments.

" oh my! it's time to go!" she rushed her sister towards the door and turned to Connor. " I'm so sorry about her. she never learned manners as a baby!" he smiled at her as she rushed out. " Emilia what the hell was that!"

" what he is freaking hot. he needed to know!" she shrugged as she threw her bag in the back seat and climbed into the car.

" you are only 17 he is off limits young lady!" she shook her head and started up the car. " besides mom would not approve and you know it. "

Emilia gave a devilish grin, " yeah but a girl can drool that's for sure. " after a short drive Alexis pulled up in front of the high school. Emilia jumped out waving at her sister. " see ya after school. " Alexis watched as her sister disappeared into the doors.

" that girl is gonna be the death of me." Alexis shook her head and headed towards the coffee shop. she hopped out of her car heading in when she bumped into a rock. she fell backwards as an arm wrapped around her waste bracing her and helping her steady her balance. when she looked up at who grabbed her a pair of sea blue eyes looked down at her. " Connor," she had run right into her mother's renter. " I'm sorry! I wasn't paying attention. " his arm still rested on her and he made no move to pull it away. Alexis stole a moment to appreciate the closeness and warmth he provided.

" it's fine!" he looked at her still not moving, " can i- can I get you a coffee? I have a little time before I have to get to class." her cheeks were beginning to blush as he held her close to him. she pushed back a little from his grasp and he smiled shyly as he realized he was still wrapped up in her. " sorry- i-i didn't mean to...," he trailed off as she stared at him.

" I would love some coffee. " she reached for the door handle but he reached out and held it open for her. " oh and thank you for saving me from a nasty fall." Alexis walked in the warmth of the coffee shop hitting her immediately. right away people watched as the two walked up to the counter together. " small town prying eyes. pretty soon everyone in town will be calling my mom asking if we are married. in small town terms me being almost 20 means I'm gonna be an old cat lady since I'm not married with a baby already." Connor laughed .

" an old spinster already huh?" He looked up at the woman behind the counter. " hello ma'am can I get a latte and one of those chocolate muffins there and then whatever the lady would like." he paused as he waited for Alexis to order.

" the same please." she quickly glanced at her phone as it buzzed. ignoring the message she smiled as he paid. her phone buzzed a few more times before going quiet. Connor not even pretending to notice it.