Comatose

Seeing is Believing

Chapter 7

Angelica passed through the doorway lost in her thoughts as she ran everything she saw over and over in her mind. As a teenager she had been so wrapped up inside her own pain that she had been unable to see Trent's as well. If only she had been more aware at the time, if she had only listened to him instead of a two faced friend, if she had tried to push the heartbreak and betrayal away to begin with and truly seen what was going on, if if if. Knowing the truth now left her with building regrets. Would she have ended up with Trent if she had been aware at the time what had happened? Was it possible that she would have married Trent instead of ending up with Kevin? She almost wished that had been the case. Kevin had been so different then Trent, and that was part of his appeal. She knew how bad it had hurt when she thought Trent had betrayed her and she hadn't wanted to go through that kind of pain again. Maybe that's why she had ended up saying yes to Kevin? She had felt needed in the beginning and in a way, she would never give her whole heart over to Kevin as she had Trent. It hadn't seemed to matter before but seeing a reminder of what she once had in a relationship made her realize how much was lacking in her marriage. She had chosen that kind of relationship in the end because it was safer wasn't it?

Angelica was so lost in her own thoughts that she hadn't realized that instead of entering the hallways of her old high school she walked into the dance studio and the first memory she had been shown. Looking around she tried to gauge if it was the exact same memory or a different one but as she watched the little ballerina's run around, she knew the instructor should be walking in any moment. It was the first memory she had been shown. She had only just thought about revisiting it and here she was again. Angelica had thought she would have to talk her subconscious into letting her view it again but possibly that wasn't the case. She stood back watching the memory unfold paying close attention to the people around her. Specifically, the dance instructor. It was when the instructor once again tsked in dismay at the little girl's actions and the little vibrantly colored ballerina looked away that Angelica saw it.

Once again, she wished that the scene would stop as she hustled her way over trying not to miss it. Before she got there the memory came to a stand still once again leaving her the only one moving inside of the frozen scene. Angelica pushed the disconcerting feeling away as she concentrated on the task at hand. She wasn't sure how long the scene would hold for, but she wanted to get her fill while it did. Coming to stand face to face with the teacher she was amazed at what she saw. Angelica had expected to see a look of disapproval but to her surprise she saw something else entirely. Instead of the pinched lips the instructor usually had when dealing with the girl the corners of her thin mouth were turned up slightly in the corners. It appeared she was amused by the little girl. Angelica looked at her eyes thinking that maybe she was looking at something else. That was not the case however as her gaze landed solely on the little dancing girl at the bar. Her eyes were crinkled at the corners slightly showing merriment. What really blew Angelica away though was the look of admiration that shone in her eyes. Shocked she took a step back to take in the full picture of student and teacher. It reminded her of a Norman Rockwell painting really. It was all too surreal, and she looked on in wonder as she circled the pair as best as she could.

Smiling in awe Angelica walked away from the memory trying to digest all that she had discovered between the two memories she had been in. Reaching the door to the studio she stretched out slowly fearing the barrier was back. To her disbelief it was no longer barring her way. Smiling slightly, she stepped through the door no real destination in mind. The next place she found herself in was her own kitchen. Frowning she looked around wondering what she was doing there. She stood back and watched as Cooper came trotting into the kitchen wagging his tail as he made his way around the center island. Laughter could be heard as Angelica chastised him for interrupting her while she was making breakfast. Sauntering out into the room carrying a plate of eggs and bacon she looked around listening for any noise before putting some in Cooper's bowl as a little treat. Cooper woofed his happiness as she shooshed him, so she didn't  get into trouble. He happily gobbled up his treats along with his regular food as she moved away going back to what she had been doing.

Angelica stood off to the side watching the memory play in front of her eyes. Seeing her younger years play out like a movie hadn't bothered her all that much, but to see herself as she was now was a little disconcerting. It gave her an uncomfortable feeling like heart burn that just wouldn't stop. She looked over at Cooper sadly missing her german shepherd terribly. Was it odd to miss one's dog more than she missed her own husband? Probably but Angelica didn't care. She could really go for some cuddles from him right about now. Soon Kevin came down the stairs making his way over to the chair at the head of the dinning table. Sitting his briefcase down beside his chair he opened the paper and sipped at his coffee. He never looked up once as Angelica brought him his hot breakfast over and sat it on the table in front of him. There were no looks her way no words of gratitude that she had just spent the last hour cooking in the kitchen to make him a hot meal. Angelica scowled as she watched herself come back to the table with her own plate sitting down quietly so as not to bother Kevin as he read the morning paper, which she had also brought in and made sure was at his place before he came down. The pair ate in silence until the kids came thumping down the stairs. It was the start of summer break and they were both home from college. They each had brought a friend home as well to stay for a week or so.

Angelica watched as the kids filed into the kitchen coming out with heaping plates of food. Her son thanked her for breakfast while giving her a kiss on the cheek. His friend followed suit with telling her thank you then took his seat next to her son. Tiffany and her friend came back into the room gabbing loudly and giggling between themselves. Tiffany stopped and gave her mom a kiss good morning before sitting next to her friend to eat. Kevin, getting annoyed by the noise folded his paper back up and proceeded to get up from the table to leave for the day. He nodded in acknowledgement when the kids all said good morning and then he left. Walked right out the door without so much as a glance in his wife's direction. Angelica stood there watching the whole thing her scowl deepening in disapproval. How had she not noticed that her husband was such a jackass?