Rainbow at Midnight

Somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted. Nothing like solitude. She stretched out in a lounger on the deck, feeling the warm summer’s night breeze dance across her skin. The house was quiet, now that her young cousin had gone home. She would have a chance to slip back into her writing mode. Inspiration was what she needed. What would it be this time? Another sequel to her already successful series? Those familiar characters still called to her, begging to be continued. Perhaps one with mystery in it. The idea of fantasy had been playing in her mind lately. Best to leave that one to the professionals.

A cool wind whistled through the trees, blowing her hair into her face. She shivered as she brushed it away. The sky suddenly went dark. Strange, but there were no storms in the forecast. She looked heavenwards, seeing the moon break through with the most unusual sight ever. A rainbow in the night sky. She had never seen anything so breathtaking before. Closing her eyes, she imprinted that image to memory. No one would ever believe it.

She heard footsteps on the steps leading to the deck. Opening her eyes, she saw a man standing there. He looked at her, then began to walk toward her. Everything logical told her she should get away as fast as she could. But, somehow, she knew he wouldn’t hurt her.

“Amber?” He asked. “Amber Sue?”

“Yes,” she answered.

He moved closer, the night light on the house allowing her to see him better. His dark hair hung in waves.

“My God,” he said, reaching out a hand to her. “What have you done to your hair?”

He ran his fingers through her long, curly locks.

Feeling too comfortable with him that close, she gently pushed him away.

“You have the advantage on me, I’m afraid,” she told him. “Who are you? How do you know me?”

“Amber Sue,” he said, looking at her, confusion written on his face. “You know who I am. Wait, this is one of your games, right? I’ll play along.”

He knelt beside her chair, placing a warm hand on her bare arm.

“I am Howard Dorough. I know you because you have shared my bed for the past two years. You are my girlfriend. No wait,” he changed his mind. His voice became low, “You are my fiancée.”

“I have no idea who you are, Mister Howard Dorough. But I can guarantee you one thing,” she said, surprised to hear her own voice so husky, “I am not who you think I am.”