The Flip Side

[Thursday, July 4th]

I wake up when the sun coming through the window hits me in the eyes. Groaning, I roll over because I haven’t had much sleep, but regardless of how tired I still am, I can’t go back to sleep. Slipping out of bed, I pad over to the bathroom, take care of my business, wash my hands and brush my teeth.

As I step into the shower, the hot water begins to slowly relax my tense muscles. Then I hear the door click open and Dan joins me. Turning to look, I tiredly say, “Good morning, love.”

He gives me a short, tender kiss. “Morning, babe. You look tired.”

I smile wryly, thinking, ‘Who’s fault is that?’

I am well aware of just how lusty I am, and I’ve never will deny it. However, last night with Dan was on a completely different level. I definitely enjoyed it, but he left me feeling absolutely overwhelmed and exhausted.

Dan wraps his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder as I wash my hair. “Is everything okay?” he asks, concern lacing his voice.

I sigh and lean back into him. “Yeah, just tense because I didn’t sleep well last night.”

I’m always amazed at how much better this crappy world seems when I’m in his arms.

Lately, it seems like all you hear or see is bad news. The economy is on the brink of collapse, prices keep rising, crime rates are soaring, there are riots and unrest everywhere, and that’s just in America. I've never been one to pay too much attention to national issues, but this is hard to ignore because it’s as in your face as a pissed off bully.

The petty drama of high school seemed like child's play compared to the political theater in Washington. Elected officials, tasked with improving the lives of their constituents, instead choose to dismiss their responsibilities and engage in endless investigations based on fabricated issues. These self-serving actions only further alienate the very people they are supposed to represent, as they continuously prioritize their own agendas over the needs of the public. It's a never-ending cycle of deceit and manipulation, leaving citizens disillusioned and frustrated with the state of their government.

He pulls me a little tighter and kisses the top of my head. “Well, let me help you relax then.”

With that, he starts massaging my shoulders and neck, applying the perfect amount of pressure to release the built-up tension in my muscles. I let out a contented sigh and close my eyes, enjoying Dan’s touch.

Eventually, he manages to relax my tense muscles. I turn around to face him and give him a grateful smile. “Thank you,” I say softly.

He smiles back at me. “Anything for you, babe.” Then he leans down to kiss me deeply, our bodies pressed together under the warm water of the shower. Let’s simply leave it at our kiss quickly turns into Dan picking me up behind my knees, pinning me against the tile, and bringing me to shuddering climax twice before he finally fills me to overflowing. He has to be just as tired as I am, so where he got the energy for it, I haven’t a clue.

As we finish our shower and get dressed for the day, Dan mentions that it’s July 4th and suggests we go watch some fireworks tonight. Here, we have a group that collects donations to add with what the city allocates for the fireworks show, so we always have a huge one.

I hesitate for a moment because of how tired I am before agreeing. It’s been a while since I’ve celebrated Independence Day with anyone other than family and our neighbors, the Roberts’. The Roberts’ usually throws a huge party, and normally attended because my mom and my father, blech~, are friends with him. So, we’ll likely join them again this year, but with the addition of Alla, Nadia, and Dan, possibly Brian as well.

Afterward, we take our time playfully kissing, nipping and such as we wash one another, something I dearly love and it’s part of our daily routine. Anyway, we dry off, he blow dries and brushes out my hair for me, which by the way, needs to be trimmed badly. The ends are getting ragged again. Then we dress for the day. In my case, I grab a simply cropped Camisole, mini skirt, and some slightly heeled sandals. I never have figured out what is so fascinating about watching me dress, but he raptly watches me as I do. Dan just grabs a rather tight fitting T-shirt, which shows off his well toned bod, shorts, and sports shoes.

We head down and find Mom and Nadia talking and cooking breakfast. They tell us good morning and we return the greeting. Then Dan tells me to sit down and he’ll get us a cup of coffee.

When I do, I ask, “Mom can I speak to you for a minute?”

She nods and comes over to sit down. “What’s up?”

I hold up my left hand to display my ring and simply say, “Dan asked me to marry him and I said yes.”

I should’ve already figured she knew because she looks over her shoulder at him and says, “I thought you were going to wait until Andie’s birthday to ask?”

Dan shrugs, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “Someone basically pushed the issue last night so I decided to go ahead and do it.”

Mom's eyes flick back to me, and pulls me into a tight hug. “Baby girl, I’m so happy for you!” She releases me and holds my hand up to examine the ring more closely. “It's beautiful! He did a great job picking it out.”

I can't help but feel a swell of happiness in my chest as I see the joy on my mom's face, but I also say, “Don’t act like you didn’t help him pick it out.” She simply smiles and shrugs indifferently. “Thanks for helping, Mom,” I say, beaming.

Mom's eyes glisten with tears as she pulls me in for another hug. “My baby is getting married,” she says, her voice filled with emotion.

“Mom~,” I whine in exasperation, “I’m not a baby.”

Of course, Nadia just has to chime in. “In our eyes, you and Alla will always be our babies. You’ll feel the same way when you have children of your own.”

Alla comes in then, and the entire scene is replayed, only with a very loud squeal added in.

Nadia begins to set platters on the table as Dan sets my cup of coffee in front of me and I gratefully take a sip. Everyone serves themselves and as we eat, I ask, “Mom, are we going to the Richards’ party this year?”

“They invited us, so at the very least Nadia and I are. If y’all have other plans then go ahead.”

I glance at Dan and he shrugs basically leaving up to me to decide. “No, we’ll go too.”

Mom nods. “They said to come over around 5.”

As we finish breakfast, Mom starts clearing the table while Nadia helps her with dishes. Dan and I offer to help but they both shoo us away, insisting that they’ve got it covered.

“Well,” Dan says as he stands up from his seat at the table. “I’m going out for a little run before it gets too hot outside.”

“Sounds like fun,” I say sarcastically.

He chuckles as he walks towards the door. “You can come along if you want.”

I roll my eyes and decline, choosing to go strip my bed and change the sheets. Me doing so leads to cleaning the room and bathroom.

　◇  ◆  ◇  ◆  ◇  ◆  ◇

The smell of smoked meat, grilling steaks, and hamburgers, along with the sound of music reach us on the gentle breeze as Mom and Nadia lead the us up the Roberts’ drive way. The sound of too loud laughter and conversation fills the backyard as we round the house. The sun was shining brightly overhead, casting a warm glow on everyone's face.

Mom catches Dan and me, and tells us, “I don’t care if you drink just don’t get drunk, okay?”

Dan nods and I state, “Mom, you know I don’t drink much and usually only with you.”

“I realize that, but in my opinion, if you’re adult enough to be engaged, then you’re adult enough to have a few drinks in public, just keep it within reason, that’s all.”

Dan lightly squeezes my hand and I look in his direction as he says, “We’ll be careful.”

Mom says, “Good. Have fun,” and disappears into the crowd.

Nadia and Alla walk over to us. "Smells amazing," Alla says, her eyes glued to where Mr. Roberts is working the grill.

"Best part of summer," Nadia agrees, grinning as she takes a sip of her drink.

"Hey there, Andie!" Mrs. Roberts called out from the porch, waving them over. "Come on up here and give me a hug!"

I smile and lead Dan over to her. As we step up on the porch, I can’t help but notice Mrs. Roberts' eyes drift down to to my left hand, lingering on the ring that now adorns my finger. I feel a blush redden my cheeks but I’m unable to suppress the smile that spread across my face.

"Is that what I think it is?" Mrs. Roberts asks, her voice full of excitement. "Andie, is that an engagement ring?"

"Yep!" I reply, holding out my hand for Mrs. Roberts to get a better look. "Dan asked me to marry him, and I said yes."

She looks at Dan. “And I take it that you’re Dan?”

“That I am,” he states simply.

"Well, congratulations, you two!" Mrs. Roberts exclaims, her eyes sparkling as she admired the ring. "This must have set you back quite a bit, Dan," she added with a knowing smile.

"Anything for Andie," Dan says, wrapping his arm around my waist and giving me a light squeeze.

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Roberts," I reply as I smile gratefully.

"Couldn't be happier for you both," Mrs. Roberts replied warmly, clasping her hands together. "Now, let's celebrate your engagement and our nation's independence! Grab a drink and join the party!"

Dan and I walk over to the makeshift bar they set up every year, and I ask, “Beer for you, or something stronger?”

“White ale?”

I look through the ice chests and shake my head. “They have a Porter, though.”

“That’ll work,” he replies. I grab one for him, open it and hand it to him as make myself a Screwdriver. I’m not much for the taste of beer or ale. In my opinion, a good wine is much preferable, but Screwdrivers are my favorite.

We wander around and talk to the neighbors I know, but I can’t miss Chris’s dirty look he sends in Dan’s direction when he sees me showing off my ring to several of them. With or without Dan in my life, I’d have never, ever gone out with Chris. If you remember, he’s a bit of a playboy and changes girlfriends like most do underwear. Chris is cute, but like I told him a long time ago, I’m just not interested in being another notch in his belt.

Then Dan and I make our way to the buffet table and make us something to eat, find a couple of empty seats and eat while we watch the kids run around playing.

A few drinks later, the sun dips lower in the sky, Dan is leaning against a railing as I lean against his chest. I can’t help but smile as I watch everyone having such a great time. Alla interrupts my idling musing when she calls out, “Hey, Andie! Get your butt over here and dance with us!”

I roll my eyes and loudly reply, “Coming!” I look over my shoulder and ask, “Are you gonna dance with me?”

“I’m a bit too full for dancing, but go ahead, have fun.”

I peck his lips. “Alright, see you in a bit,” I reply, and head off to the makeshift dancefloor they have on the grass.

The music pulses through the warm summer air, a mix of classic rock and pop hits that everyone can enjoy.

“Congrats again, Andie,” Nadia states, giving me a tight hug. “I'm so happy for you and Dan.”

“Thanks, Nadia,” I reply, feeling a little surge of warmth in my chest at her words. “I really appreciate it.”

As we dance together, I feel a hand slip into mine. I turn to see Dan’s shining eyes. “Mind if I cut in?” he asks, grinning.

“Of course not,” I reply, squeezing his hand as we swayed to the music. I glanced over to see Brian chatting animatedly with Mr. Roberts, both of them nursing cold beers and laughing at something. It’s certainly nice to see everyone enjoying themselves.

“Hey, the fireworks should be starting soon!” Alla exclaims pointing towards the darkening sky. “We should grab a good spot!”

“Great idea,” Dan agrees, leading me by the hand as our friends followed close behind. We all laid out blankets on the soft grass, settling in with drinks in hand as anticipation buzzed through the air.

‘Here’s to love, friendship, and another great Independence Day party,’ I think, taking a sip of my drink just as the first firework explode in the sky.

As the fireworks continued to light up the night, I snuggle closer to Dan, feeling his arm wrap securely around me. I know that no matter what challenges life throws our way, I have him alongside me for the ride.