Chapter ONE ~ Let’s Start At The Beginning
My life has always differed from ordinary. Growing up in a tourist hot spot has always had its trials. Living near a popular beach can be exciting, but dull at the same time. In the summertime, my hometown is full of tourists coming from all around just to see what the fuss is about. The sand, sun and waves drawing in those people who want to get away. Exploring the many shops along the main strip. Enjoying mini golf, ice cream, popular bars, boating, flea markets and delicious food of all types. Then comes the colder months, and it’s a ghost town with just us regular folks. Not a tourist in sight as I drive down the main strip or visit the boat docks.
I live with my parents on the outskirts of the tourist town of Waters Edge. Just on the major highway that leads into the tourist town. The main highway is packed with vehicles wanting to get into town in the summer months and then dead in the colder months. My mom stays at home while my dad works. He’s always had many jobs until he found his passion for roofing. Creating his own successful business as he worked long hours in a day. My mom always seems lonely or lost when he’s not around. Wandering the house and keeping herself busy with the housework. Everything has to be so clean or spotless everywhere she goes.
I look up towards my family home as the trees surround it. The sun is shining through and the skies bright blue. It’s summer here and busy as usual. I look behind me at the long lineup of vehicles heading towards Waters Edge. Cars, trucks, minivans, motorcycles and trailers. All lined up just to reach the busy hot spot. I sighed as I looked back up at my family home. Feeling I just want to get away, but knowing I can’t as I walked up towards the front door. Being a teenager in high school and looking forward to graduation this year, but feeling different from most teenagers. I feel stuck where I am and all I want to do is break free.
I enter and am greeted by the same scene every day. A spotless home and my mom not there to greet me. I take off my shoes as I drop my backpack down to the floor and lean it just right up against the wall. If I don’t, my mom will scold me and fix it for herself. I head for the stairs and take each step one by one as I travel up towards the brightly lit kitchen. There I found my mom scrubbing away at the kitchen sink.
“Mom, you just cleaned that this morning. I think it’s okay. Just leave it be.” I said as I frowned in her direction.
“No, Carolyn. Your father made a mess just after you left for school, and it needs to be spotless.” Bazel said as she scrubbed harder. Creating a white foam of bubbles as she went. Her knuckles turned white as she pressed.
I go to the cupboard to grab a glass and head towards the fridge to get some cold lemonade. I can feel the coolness of the carton in my grasp as I poured myself a glass. Taking a sip as I watch my mom go to the cupboard and fix the glasses I had pushed out of place. Placing them back just right, just the way she wanted.
“You know how much I hate it when you do that, Carolyn.” Bazel sighed in frustration as she fixed the glasses just the way she liked them.
“I’m sorry, mom. I will try to be careful next time.” I sighed as I rolled my eyes. I don’t understand her and why everything needs to be just right. I haven’t even been home, not even five minutes, and I already want to leave. “Well, I’m going next door and will be back before dark. I love you, mom.”
“Okay, sweetheart. I love you too.” Bazel said as she didn't look up from her task at hand. Her brown curls waved back and forth as she scrubbed forcefully. She can’t even take the time to look at me and smile before I leave. It makes my heart ache with sadness as I turn to leave.
My body slumps as I walk out the front door. Kicking dirt up off the ground as I go. My mind wanders as I go. Wondering what it would be like to have a mother who would love to hold me, kiss me or acknowledge me the way I deserve. I know my life isn’t normal, and it’s odd to everyone else, but me. It feels normal to me because I live it every day, but knowing it’s not as I’ve seen a normal life.
I continue to walk next door towards my best friend’s house. My body feels straighter, and a smile comes over my face as I near. My best friend Stacey has everything I want. She has a home life that I wished I had. She doesn’t have a mother, but her adoptive father is the kindest man I’ve ever met. As I walk up the steps and towards the front door I feel at home.
I don’t even have to knock as that’s the number one rule for me. I’m always welcomed there, and the feeling just warmed my heart. I walked through the front door as if I’ve lived there my entire life. I took off my shoes and headed towards the kitchen.
“Hey, girl! You made it.” Stacey said as she smiled. “Are you going to go take that shower now?”
“Yes, I need one after today. This heat wave has been the worst.” I said as I smelled myself and Stacey laughed.
“Well, you know where it is. Dad’s just preparing supper.” Stacey said as she turned and looked at her father.
“You’re more than welcomed to stay, Carolyn.” Albert said as he turned slightly from the stove and smiled. His balder head glistened from the kitchen light and his kind eyes twinkled.
“That sounds great, Albert. Thanks so much for always having me.” I said as I smiled and turned towards the bathroom down the hallway.
I walk towards the bathroom with an extra skip in my step. I always feel happy and so welcomed every time I’m here. It could put anyone in a grand mood. I’m humming as I go and lost in my thoughts. I near the bathroom door and open it. My mouth drops open and my mouth waters at the sight before my eyes.
There in front of me, just inches away, is Stacey’s older brother. His skin glistens with water beads as they trace his flesh. His upper body fully exposed as my gaze dropped lower to the towel draped loosely over his hips. I look back up as my eyes roam from his chiseled chest and up higher to his face. His dark brown eyes look back at me with a wicked smile on his gorgeous face. My body tingles from his stare and I swallow hard. Unable to speak as he leaned against the doorframe with his arm draped over his head and he looked down upon me. I suddenly feel so small under his gaze.
“Well, hello there, Carolyn.” Fran said as he ran a hand through his dark shoulder length hair and all I want to do is touch it. “Fancy meeting you here.”
