The Beach, Sunday morning

[montecito-east.livejournal.com]

After another rough night of bad dreams, Mary was up early to take a walk on the beach. She found watching the waves to be soothing and goodness knows that she needed that right now.

The big birthday party was tomorrow and she was still a little nervous. She's planned tons of parties and events before, but this is the first time where she's going to be the guest of honor. She's a little afraid that no one is going to show up just for her.

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[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

Millie wandered down by the beach, wanting to spend some time out by the water before she opened the store at ten. She smiled and waved when she saw Mary.

[montecito-east.livejournal.com]

Mary waved back, feeling a little guilty that she hadn't dropped by the book store yet even though she's meant to do that since the day at the spa.

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

"I'm looking forward to your party tomorrow," Millie said cheerfully.

[montecito-east.livejournal.com]

"It should be a lot of fun," said Mary. "I'm so glad you can make it. I was getting nervous because I've ordered so much food! There won't be anything spicy, I'm afraid, but I told Gunther that we need to try out some of the spicy recipes for you when we're ready to open the restaurant."

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

"Well, I'll definitely be there," Millie assured her. "I can't wait to try out some of Gunther's food!"

[montecito-east.livejournal.com]

"It's definitely worth it," said Mary. "Hopefully a lot of people will come. It's just going to be so weird celebrating my birthday without any of my family around."

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

Millie nodded. "Is your family far away? That must be difficult."

She looked a little wistful. "I don't really have one, so I don't really know what it's like except in books."

[montecito-east.livejournal.com]

"There's only one person I really consider family and that's my best friend Danny. I don't know if he knows how to reach me here, though. I had to leave home in a hurry," said Mary sadly. "My former boss knows how to contact me, though, and still works for him so I'm hoping I'll at least get a phone call. I don't have a lot of other relatives, just some good friends who have always been there for me until recently."

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

Millie nodded. "My best friend, Christopher, is really the closest thing to family I have. He knows where I am, though. In fact, I just got letters from home today," she said brightly. "I'm saving them to read at work."

[stanleykeyworth.livejournal.com]

Stan walked along the beach in what was becoming a custom, out before things got too hot. Barefoot in shorts, pasty legs and all.

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

Millie waved cheerfully at him as well. She didn't think they'd met, but why should that stop her?

[stanleykeyworth.livejournal.com]

Stan waved. She looked familiar. Then again, on an island the size of a soccer field, everyone looks familiar.

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

"Hello," she called out. "Lovely day, isn't it?"

[stanleykeyworth.livejournal.com]

"It is. I love the mornings. So much potential in the day." He walked closer to introduce himself. "Stanley Keyworth," he said, holding out his hand.

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

"Millie," she said with a smile. "Nice to meet you. I own the bookstore in town."

[stanleykeyworth.livejournal.com]

"Ah, I've been in there a few times. Very nice place," he said. "I'm the town shrink," he said with a smile.

[livingasheth.livejournal.com]

Millie blinked at him. "The town... shrink?" She tilted her head. He didn't seem to have shrunk in any way, though she supposed it was entirely possible he was from some sort of race of giants and therefore... well, anyway, she no doubt looked as confused as she felt.

[stanleykeyworth.livejournal.com]

"Psychiatrist. Headshrinker." He tilted his head slightly. "I take it you're not familiar with the term? I... talk people through their problems, with their minds. Specifically, after traumatic events." And that's the last time Stan'll introduce himself as a headshrinker, he swears. And this time he means it.

[montecito-east.livejournal.com]

Mary chuckled when she spotted Stan. Of course she'd find him out at the beach on a Sunday.

[stanleykeyworth.livejournal.com]

Stan waved a greeting to her. Good to have company on walks such as this.

[montecito-east.livejournal.com]

"No fishing today?" asked Mary with a smile.

[stanleykeyworth.livejournal.com]

"Today felt more of a walk than fishing. Besides, then I'd have to cook, and I'm way too lazy this morning to cook just for myself." He stopped, alternating between gazing at the waves and gazing at Mary.

[montecito-east.livejournal.com]

"Beautiful day, isn't it? I'm always happy to see the sun come up, especially after a night like last night," commented Mary. She looked sideways at Stan and wondered if it was time she opened up about the secrets she had been carrying with her.

[stanleykeyworth.livejournal.com]

"Generally, sunrise means the night is over," Stan agrees. She looks a bit tense. He waits to see what she says next.

[montecito-east.livejournal.com]

"I didn't have a really good night. Actually, I haven't had a good night's sleep in a few days," said Mary.