Keelie started to the sound of her alarm, squinting against the light shining through the creases of the blinds over the long windows around the room. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes trying to focus on the large green letters on the alarm clock sitting on the nightstand next to her bed. With a groan, she dropped her limp hand upon the large button, the alarm instantly falling silent. She fell back against the bed and pulled the blankets over her head as she huddled down into the warmth the large quilt provided.

It was seven thirty in the morning already? She felt as though she had just gone to bed ten minutes ago.

Another groan passed her lips as she threw the covers off, glaring up at the white pastured ceiling. Her bladder felt as if it were going to burst.

Sitting up, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and she stood, the hem of the nightshirt falling back to her knees having been bunched up to her waist while she slept. She raced to the bathroom as fast as her legs would carry her to relieve herself.

When she finished, she covered her hand over her mouth as she yawned. Stepping to the sink, she leaned forward, wrapping her thin pale fingers around the ivory porcelain bowl. She looked at herself in the mirror and cringed. Her hair was in disarray, tresses sticking up in frayed loops, going every which way and the right side flat where she mostly likely slept from her wet hair.

Keelie raised her hands and tried to smooth out her dark hair, combing her fingertips through the knots and tangles. She defiantly needed a shower this morning. Rubbing her cheeks, she glanced at the tub then back to the mirror. For some reason, all she saw in the mirror now was Alex’s face. It was her imagination of course, but she couldn’t get his image out of her thoughts.

She even dreamed of him.

She felt as if she knew him from somewhere but she couldn’t place it. Perhaps he was in one of her college classes. He just looked so familiar, but yet, still a stranger.

She shook her head, clearing her thoughts as she stepped away from the sink, then pulled the large shirt over her head, dropping it on the floor.

"Yes, a shower would do nicely, then I will talk to Roger about tonight’s plans."

*****

Dusk was approaching when Keelie arrived at the art gallery. Roger, leaning his shoulder casually against the building, watched as she drew near, offering her a wide smile. The building was old, but it wasn’t in bad shape. It looked quite nice actually. The cracks that had been in the walls were repaired, fresh paint covering the walls, and new door also replaced the old rotted one.

"Evening Sis."

Keelie chuckled as she stepped up next to him, rummaging through her purse for her keys. "Hey Roger."

Her attire was simple. She wore a long sapphire skirt with tiny silver rosebuds scattering the soft material which hung to her ankles, her top was a loose white button up blouse, tucked neatly in the rim of her skirt.

"Great night, last night, huh?"

Keelie nodded as she pulled the keys from her purse, the metal clinking together as she searched for the key to the building. "It was a wonderful night. I couldn’t believe there were so many people."

Sticking the key through the keyhole, she turned her wrist and unlocked the door. She turned the knob and stepped aside, motioning Roger in with a wide grin.

Roger patted her cheek lightly with his hand on his way past, his boots gently thudding on the hardwood floors. Keelie followed him in, closing the door behind her.

"I’ll get the lights," Roger said as he made his way through the dim room toward the back. Keelie stood in place silently, crossing her arms beneath her breast when the lights flickered on.

"Hey Roger, I have a favor to ask."

Roger raised his head and lofted a thick dark brow at his sister, the corner of his lips twitching in amusement. "Okay, what is it you want today, Keelie?"

Keelie rolled her eyes and waved a thin hand in dismissal as she stepped further into the room. "Oh, just, I was wondering if you would be able to run things tonight for an hour or two. I might, well, someone…"

Her words trailed off hearing the sounds of Rogers low chuckling.

"Keelie, don’t worry. You have a date and it’s about damn time too. Go have fun."

Keelie smiled. They had always been close, even when they were younger. They rarely fought, and when they did, it wasn’t long until they made up. Roger was only a year younger than she was, but he always treated her as an equal and he was always there when she needed him when she felt as if life were over. She has even called him at two in the morning when her ex boyfriend tried to rape her during their date. He was such an understanding person.

"Thanks."

Roger smiled and nodded as he made his way to the back room, calling over his shoulder, "No problem."

Keelie’s eyes roamed about the empty room. It seemed so very eerie when no one was around, crowding the floors. The florescent lights dimly lit the room, flickering every so often, but the corners remained shadowed. Paintings of all sizes covered the walls; some propped up on a stand, sitting on a display table. There was but one window, which was embedded near the door, dark blinds covering the glass to keep others from peeking inside.

A smile touched her lips. She still couldn’t believe this was all happening. She almost felt like pinching herself. Then her thoughts drifted back to Alex. Such a strange man. He acted as if he were back in the nineteenth century, very formal. She didn’t mind it at all. She thought it was quite sweet. But his eyes were what captured her attention for than anything. Such a deep green, she felt as if she would drown in their depths. They held so much emotion, but they lacked happiness. But when he looked at her, a flame seemed to ignite.

"Hey Keelie?" Roger called from the back room, breaking through her thoughts.

"Yeah?"

"Can you come in here? I need your help with something."

"Coming."

Keelie made her way across the room, pushing open the swinging doors.