Unit IX

During the whole twelve-hour connecting flight from Japan to Crescent Bay, Arabella read the books she had prepared. She studied English and Literary Studies and did a small degree in book editing. She was going to become a book editor at a publishing start-up company at Crescent Bay.

As soon as she landed at the International airport at Crescent Bay she put a call to her mother to let her know she had landed safely. She knew that her mother would be worried and constantly check the time and her phone to ensure her daughter was safe.

"Oh Ara, have you gotten to Crescent Bay?" Ava asked as soon as she put the call to her ears.

"Yes, Mom I am fine and well," Arabella said.

"Have you seen Everly?" Ava asked.

"No Mom, I have not been able to call her to tell her that I arrived. I just called to tell you I have gotten here safe and sound and that I love and miss you" Arabella said.

Ava felt a hot tear roll down her cheek. She still felt uncomfortable letting her little girl out of her sight but she had to do it. Her little girl was not so little anymore.

"Call Everly and let me know when you see each other" Ava said.

She knew if she stayed longer on the call her daughter would be able to tell if she was crying and needed out immediately.

"Okay Mom," Arabella said pulling her phone from her ear and cutting the call.

As soon as she cut the call Everly's call came in before she could put a call through.

"Hello Ara, I heard the arrival announcement for your flight, where are you I will come to pick you up," Everly said as soon as Arabella picked up.

Everly was excited to have Arabella after a while of fourteen years of not seeing her.

"I will wait outside the arrival hall since I can't navigate well myself," Arabella said pulling her luggage with her.

"Okay I will meet you there," Everly said before she cut the call.

Arabella sent a text to both her mom and sister to let them know she had contacted Everly and was currently waiting for her.

Everly came and gave Arabella a good long hug. She was glad to see Arabella and could not hide her excitement.

"It's so nice to have you back here again," Everly said taking her bags from her.

"It is nice to be back here too" Arabella responded.

"Let's go," Everly said leading the way.

"Okay"

They walked to the car park where an SUV was packed. Everly knocked on the boot glass and someone opened the boot from inside. Both ladies pushed all the luggage into the boot and came to sit in the car.

Everly sat up front while Arabella took the seat behind her.

"You remember Kieran don't you?" Everly said looking back at Arabella.

"This is Kieran" Everly added with joy and pride evident in her voice.

"Nice to meet you," Arabella said.

The man turned back to look at her and the familiar lanky blue-eyed boy came back to her memories.

"Welcome to Crescent Bay"