Chapter one
Rheas Pov
I'm running along the white sandy beach and giggling as I'm chased by my mother. I love playing in the sand, collecting seashells and racing the waves back to shore.
Today my mother and I are looking for pieces of sea glass to make a new wind chime. It doesn't take long for my observant little eyes to find the perfect piece "look mommie I found another one" I say as I place it in my sand bucket. "Great job my little flower, these will make beautiful songs in the wind"! My mother kneels down to place a quick kiss on my brow and says "we should go inside soon it's almost time for lunch". As I start to complain and beg for more play time in the sun I hear a loud knocking sound. I'm looking around but I can't find where the annoying sound is coming from.
Knock Knock Knock I hear the voice of our housekeeper say "young miss you must wake up. Your flight leaves in just a few hours!" I jolt awake sitting upright in my bed feeling my heart pound and beads of sweat on my forehead. " Hurry down for breakfast". "Thank you Mrs Gloria, I'll be down soon" I say as I realize it was just another dream...again. I step down from my queen sized canopy bed and start towards my shower.
As I step under the spray of warm water I take slow even breathes to calm my racing heart and the anxiety that sat in due to the dream I was having. Vivid Dreams and sometimes even nightmares are common for me, so over the years I have learned to cope.
Soon I'm showered dressed and racing down the winding staircase, through the grand foyer, and the Great room to the outside dining area where we are served breakfast when the weather is nice. Today as Mrs Gloria serves me fresh fruit, juice and blueberry muffins still warm from the oven I can't help but look around at this marvelous mansion I call home. I have been living here with my godmother Lady Nora since I was a small child. My father is a very busy man and is often away so I live here most of the time only visiting my family a few times a year. Today is one of those times.
"What time is your flight dear"? Lady Nora ask as she joins me for breakfast. " 10am Daddy wants me home by the time aunt Bee serves dinner" I say. "Hmm yes, I don't believe Beatrice will be happy to serve family dinner unless the whole family is present." She says while spreading cream cheese on her bagel. " Are you looking forward to spending the week with your family"? She asks. I can't help showing my excitement by smiling ear to ear and saying " yes, I have truly missed everyone and can't wait to see them. Video chatting is nice and all but I want to see everyone desperately"! Lady Nora's expression grows serious as she says " Rhea, dear remember your manners and please behave as a lady should, dont let those boys teach you bad habits"! By boys she means my father, two uncles, and four cousins. Besides my Aunt Beatrice who we all call Bee I am the only girl. " Of course My Lady" I answer before devouring my fruit knowing that while I'm with my father and family I'm treated much differently.
You see, my father Commander Oliver James is very devoted to his military career. He joined the army right after his high school graduation and has lived the life of a solider ever since. He didn't want that life for me however, so when my mother died he brought me here to Clark Gardens where I live with my godmother Lady Nora Clark. Her husband suffered a massive heart attack several years ago and left her with no children of her own.
Lady Nora and my father went to highschool together and were teenage sweethearts. I once asked the commander if he ever thought of marrying Lady Nora back when they were younger. His answer was "A rascal like me could never hope to marry a Lady like Nora."
As I'm finishing my meal I check the time and realize I need to hurry if I'm going to be packed and ready to go by 10am. Traveling in the Clark family jet has its advantages however being late for my father comes with consequences Id rather not face so I quicken my steps and finish readying myself to leave. Gerald our family butler carries my luggage down as I go over my mental check list one last time to make sure Im not forgetting anything. Once I'v finished I exit my room and decend the staircase to see the entire household is lined up in the grand foyer to see me off. Gerald, Mrs Gloria, Rosa our younger housekeeper and friend of mine along with the guards including Oscar my personal guard.
Rosa hugs me tight and wispers in my ear " say hello to Aiden for me, I just love that boys dimples" I roll my eyes and smile. Lady Nora holds out both her hands to mine and proceeds to kiss both my cheeks in turn. " Safe travels my dear, I will miss you"! I know she is speaking the truth she always misses me when I travel. Even though I am only her ward she has always treated my as a daughter. She's been my mother in all but name for as long as I can remember. " I'll miss you as well my lady, and I will see you next week". I don't much like goodbyes they always make me feel awkward so I rush my way out the door with Oscar not far behind.
At 9:20am I'm just climbing into the backseat of a black range over with dark tinted windows when my cell phone rings. I look at the screen to see the handsome smiling face of my boyfriend, Liam Livingston. We have been dating for almost 2 years now since we started our junior year. " Hello beautiful" he says as the call connects. " I wanted to wish you well before you left, I hope you have a good visit with your family". He is always so polite and kind " Thank you Liam, I'm really looking forward to this visit". " I will miss you so call often, and send my best to your father" he says. Liam is always a perfect gentleman and greatly respects the commander. " I will, I'll come visit you as soon as I return , by Liam" I end the call just as we drive up to the tarmac where the private jet awaits.
