Megan and Alice were as high as the kites after smoking two strong joints. Giggling in the middle of the grapevine trellis while plucking out grapes. The distant music they heard once had faded away. They were unaware they had gone completely far off from the wedding. “I found a red one,” Megan screamed, jumping and lifting a grape up in the sky to examine it. “Let’s see.” Alice dropped a handful of her grapes and walked to Megan. “I hear horses,” Alice stopped and grinned. “Let’s go ride a horse.” Alice pulled Megan's hand, making her drop her grapes, dragging her to where she heard the horses. They were close to the vineyard's riverbank. Megan gasps, “Let’s go swimming,” she giggled. “You go. I want to ride that horse,” Alice added. “We can set them free. They can run into the river with me.” Megan suggested. Alice nodded, climbing onto the wooden fence with her heels. Megan was gripping the post, shaking it hard with grunts, trying to pull away the wooden plank. "Open. O

Alice buried herself in her work. Her way of avoiding the pain. She didn’t take time to process after her divorce. Peace Lilies Foundation was her new distraction. She was working herself to the bone and not sparing time for anyone. When she first started, it seemed reasonable that she needed to be more involved, but after six months, Alice seemed obsessed. She was barely sleeping or eating enough. She looked underweight.“You are not doing this again,” Megan sighed as she walked into Alice’s large office.“I’m busy, Megan,” Alice responded, typing on her laptop. “I have a fundraiser coming next week. Things have to be perfect.”“Alice,” Megan pushed Alice’s chair back.“No!” Alice shrieked, “Meg, I am working.”“You need to stop. Everyone is waiting for you.”“I have to finish the presentation for tomorrow. I still have a meeting at two.”“Alice, this is your birthday, and you promised you would be done by eleven. It’s fifteen minutes after twelve. Cancel the meeting.”“I can't,” Ali

Alice had been tipsy for a long time to really care about anything. This was her birthday, and she was open to many things. Vincent sweeping her away life a princess to a mysterious castle was making her skin tingle. They were too close and acting very casual. Alice didn't mind at all. She was excited and very curious."Are we there yet?" she asked.The afro beats music she was listening to were groovy, but she wanted to know where she was going. Vincent didn't answer her. Her senses were misfiring because of the way Vincent was holding her. She didn't know where he was taking her, but her stomach was doing somersaults. She wiggles and held Vincent's neck closer. Her heart rate went up."Vincent?" Alice called him.He had been calm before, but now his heart was pounding. Alice felt a shift from him before she was placed on something soft. She was tempted to take the blindfold off, but took a deep breath. She trusted Vincent. It could also be the alcohol giving her the courage to see w

Alice enjoyed dancing to Perfect by Ed Sheeran the most that they danced to the song more than once. It had been perfect to be in his arms and slow dancing like there was no tomorrow. Alice forgot all her worries and only saw their moment. Her heart was pounding, and she was grinning and happy."Who knew you could be such a gentleman?" Alice looked up at Vincent."If you see me as one, that means I did my job right," he murmured, the response making Alice feel mush."Do we really have to go back?" Alice pouted."Your family and friends are waiting for you. I believe they still have more thing in store for you."Alice scoffed. "They want me drunk.""They mean well," Vincent grinned.Alice pouted but swayed around with Vincent, feeling like she was teleported to cloud nine. She was glad Vincent remembered one of her wishful thinking and brought it to life. They had dinner, ate her favorite food in the entire world, and danced together. If Alice was to drop dead now. She would go with a

Alice groaned when someone shook her. She stirred, but the male laughter made her open her eyes. She jerked her body up, revealing her naked upper body. She quickly pulled the sheets over herself and closed her eyes and sighed. “Good morning,” Simon chuckled. “Morning,” Alice yawned, hiding her face behind her hair. “Alice,” Simon moved closer to her, “Why are you hiding?” “Shit,” Alice sprung up, pulling the sheets, “I’m late.” Simon grabbed Alice and pulled her back to his chest. “Are you trying to use this as an escape and run?” “No,” Alice scoffed, “I’m late. I have a meeting.” “It’s Saturday.” “I know, but I have a meeting,” “Hmm,” Simon spun Alice around and pulled her hair away from her face, “Open your eyes,” Alice shook her head, “Look at me, Al.” Simon calling her Al again made Alice look at him. His gray eyes held mischief. “I know the first time we were together you ran away from me?” “I’m not running,” Alice whispered. “Then why are you avoiding my gaze?” h