Is Home Still Out There?

[DrDMatthews 0]

There was no reason to be awake at 4:00 AM.

 

It had been a busy day for them...a couple of hours on the beach during the morning followed by lunch at one of the nearby resort communities. After that, they'd wandered through the shops until dinner time. They'd chosen to eat at a quaint waterfront restaurant known for its cuisine rather than its ambiance. That was followed by a visit to a nearby club where they danced until the late hours of the evening. By the time they returned to their secluded bungalow Deb felt like she'd run a marathon. All she wanted to do was take a shower and sleep.

 

So why was she wide awake just two hours later?

 

Through the open windows, Deb could hear the muted sound of the waves as they rippled ashore while the simple muslin curtains danced leisurely in the gentle breeze. The temperature was perfect as was the setting. Beside her, Aidan slept soundly which was precisely what she should be doing. But sleep alluded her and she wasn't sure why.

 

She finally decided to get up. Perhaps if she read for awhile she would grow weary enough to fall asleep. Carefully maneuvering out of the bed, she crossed the room in her bare feet, quietly closing the bedroom door behind her. For a minute or two, she stood in the middle of the main room of their small beach house unsure of what to do next. Then she found herself moving toward the door leading to the back porch. It was quite dark outside. She wouldn't be able to read out there but now she wasn't sure that was what she wanted to do. A moment later, she was sitting on the steps leading down to the beach, her arms wrapped around her knees. The waves continued their steady beat while a multitude of night creatures sang their various songs.

 

It was a beautiful place....so quiet....so peaceful....so different from what she was accustomed to. Life on Reaent was rarely so peaceful and quiet.....things were never quiet. She wondered how Gracie was managing with Nephyts. She grinned at the thought of her friend dealing with the spoiled Siamese and doubted Gracie would ever volunteer to cat sit again. Speaking of cats, she hoped things were going well for Merina. Deb didn't expect the Caitian to have any problems with the medical staff but one never knew what might come through the door.

 

Deb couldn't recall what the Reaent's current mission was. She wasn't sure she'd ever known. Not that it mattered. She was pretty sure it was something mundane. Hopefully, it would be as uneventful as the last one.The mission would undoubtedly be over before she and Aidan returned and if it wasn't....they'd find the ship one way or another. In a way, it would be good to see everyone again and to sleep in her own bed.

 

That was when she figured it out. As wonderful as this place was, she missed the Reaent. She wasn't quite ready to return but it was comforting to know her "home" was out there, waiting for her. Or at least, she hoped it was. Her lips formed a slight frown and a little voice from deep within suggested they call "home" tomorrow....just in case.

 

It was probably nothing and she was sure Aidan would laugh at her for even thinking about it. Even she had to admit it seemed ridiculous. Still, she would feel better if she knew how Gracie was making out with Nephyts. That was as good an excuse as any to contact the ship. Yes, that was it. She needed to make sure all was well with Nephyts....and that "home" was still out there waiting for them to return.