I’m a junkie for spontaneous road trips. We didn’t really have a destination in mind. I had spent the night before packing a last minute suitcase for my boyfriend and I, consisting strictly of 2 outfits, pajamas, and a toothbrush. I ditched the make up bag, tight jeans and docs. Slipped into a pair of comfortable nikes and a sun dress.

“You ready?!”

I hollered from the car with my pillow and luggage in hand. The sun glared off my raybans as I waited impatiently while he made sure to lock up and double check the bags. I always forget something.

As we made our way down the driveway I whipped out my note pad and jotted down a few things I wanted to do on this little excursion. Hit a few hole in the wall bars, like the one I had once seen with a Texas shaped sink. Definitely find a nice place to have dinner. I wanted to take a cliche picture of myself standing in the middle of an open road with nothing but flat, dry land on either side. Pick a wild flower bouquet, soak up some much needed nature and just relax. I assured him I would be awake for the drive but my notorious child-like habit of falling asleep in the car interfered as soon as we hit the highway.

I was woken several hours later by the sudden urge to use the restroom. To my surprise the sun was starting to go down already, the roads turned silent and long. After my nap and bathroom break I was fully charged, ready to stretch my legs and down a few vodka sodas. I looked at the dash, 5:07 caught my eye in little green numbers.

“We need to find somewhere to grab a drink”

I mentioned again in a groggy voice for the third time since waking. He rolled his eyes and hooked a right to the exit. We rolled up to a small town, not too lit up. Drove in a few circles to come to the conclusion the pub we passed on the way in was probably the only option we had. Anxious to get out of the car I threw on my shoes and opened the door before we came to a full stop. I walked ahead as he parked around the corner in an empty lot. I noticed a few other little shops near by. A flickering neon sign hanging in the window of a rustic little building caught my eye. Wasn’t able to make out much but the word ‘antiques’ stood out. I’m a sucker for vintage. It was as if I was being called. I approached the door and caught a better glimpse of the sign “Marilee’s Antiques” I whispered to myself.

“Who you talking to?” A voice whispered from behind me. I jumped.

“You startled me.” I said catching my breath.

“Cars parked. I thought you wanted to get a drink?”

“I do, but look how cute this place is. Do you see anyone in there?” I asked as I smudged my nose against the dingy glass. I cupped my hands around my eyes and peered in, not a soul in sight.

He goes straight for the knob and gives it a twist, bells jingle above.

“You’re in luck, they’re open!” He said sarcastically acting enthused.

“Go grab a drink next door babe, I’ll be right behind you. Just going to do a quick look around. Promise I won’t be long. I giggled.

“Yeah like you promised you wouldn’t fall asleep on the drive?” He muttered under his breath as he walked away.

“Hello? Anyone working? I probably won’t buy anything just really interested in looking around.”

I was basically talking to the clouds of dust and old furniture.

There were some really intricate pieces of costume jewelry behind the glass. A beautiful wool and leather jacket, tons of clocks and glassware I felt I had to have. I then wished that someone would walk back in from a long smoke break or something and let me take a closer look. I shuffled around the store a few moments longer but I’m not one to really window shop, so I decided to head out. Marilee probably forgot to lock the door behind her. Just my luck.

Making my way back to the front I noticed there was light was bouncing off an old mirror in the corner of the room. It was draped with a long white sheet. I’ve been stuck in a car for 4 hours so I decided to freshen myself up a bit before I meet my boyfriend. Who’s probably downing his 3rd beer by now. I yanked the curtain off and leaned in to fix my hair.

“Holy shit! What in the…”

I gasped and nearly bit my tongue. My face felt smooth but looked wrinkled with age. My expression a little more tired than usual. What was I looking at? It was me, but not me.

“Me in the future?”

I felt dizzy. She mimicked my every move. The woman in the mirror said nothing. In fact, when I spoke her lips moved and her mouth opened but I could not hear a word. It was her eyes that told my story. Weary and washed of color. What once was hazel on the outside with a center of amber burning through is now a faded sage. I had been over thrown by waves of emotion and disbelief. Can’t help but fear this is what the future holds for me. A worrisome life, without adventure, heart broken, unfulfilled and unsatisfied. Worst part is wearing it for others to see. If I can see the pain this clear on my face in this mirror, how will anyone ever see anything different? How will they believe me when I say that I’m happy? The woman in the mirror stopped copying my gestures. She looked at me seriously and said

“The only advice I have for you is to believe yourself when you say you’re happy. You should wear your emotions like an accessory you’re proud of. Wear them for you and not for others. Feel everything and you will find that happiness within. And it will show all around.”

The bells jingle at the door and I look over my shoulder. I wake up in the car and look ahead. 5:10 reads the clock in tiny green numbers. I had fallen back asleep.

“Good morning sunshine.” A grumpy voice says from the seat next to me. I rub my eyes and quickly flip down the sun visor to reveal the mirror. My skin looked smooth. My eyes were light. I sighed in relief.

“Is it time to get off the highway and find a place to grab a drink?” He asked.

“No. Let’s just get a good nights sleep. I’m thinking mimosas at brunch sound better.”

Puzzled he replies “Um. Ok.”

“And no antique shopping this time.”