As we drive through our town, the wind rushes through my hair. This is so incredible; it feels like a movie scene I watched when I was child.
“You okay back there?” Jack asks.
“Yes I’m fine.” Speechless to be honest, I don’t have a clue of what to say.
“Well, we’re almost there. I’m not taking you far, just wanted you to have a look around your old town!”
The rain stopped a bit but we’re both soaked. It’s been pouring rain the entire time.
Jack pulled up by the corner and stopped the motorcycle.
“Here we are.” Jack said.
It’s a beautiful lake filled with ducks and swans. It’s so romantic and unbelievable. How could I have never experienced this before? The smell of nature. The pitter patter of the rain falls, as it lands in the lake.
“I’ve never been here before, not even when I was a kid. I’m sure I would have remembered a beautiful scenery like this.” I say.
“Oh dear, Carol, you're soaked. Come here take my jacket.”
As we get off the bike Jack holds my hand and runs with me so we can sit under a shed by the lake.
“Here this should keep the rain off of us for now.”
“I think it’s perfect. This place feels like a dream.” I say, while smiling at him.
I sit down and look around. I cannot take my eyes off the lake.
“I thought you’d like it up here. After I saw you crying, I knew you just needed some peace and quiet. It must have been hard to give up everything and move out here?”
“Not entirely, it was kind of my idea to travel. I just didn’t know where to start. My parents suggested I stay at the ranch house so I can be on my own for a while, until I am ready to move somewhere else. I needed to get away. I mean, away from it all. The crowd, the people, my ex-boyfriend. I just wanted to start somewhere new and begin a journey.”
“So, you chose here. The woods? You think you’ll find a career here in the woods?” Jack asks with a smile.
I know he is just saying that to make me laugh. It’s so strange but I feel I’ve known him for ages, like all my life. Not only being a kid, I feel he’s been there all along.
“Come on Jack, you know what I mean. I want to explore. My family is way too rich, and I never got the chance to live a normal life. I want to build a future of my own, have a family someday and all that must be earned. I know it won't happen overnight but that’s my dream Jack.” I say.
“I understand, it’s good to have ambition and goals. Life is all about trying new things. I also want to have a family someday, buy my own house and have kids of my own. I’m so excited for the future, I even have their names all planned out. If I have a girl her name will be Lily, and if it’s a boy, then his name will be Leland!”
“Lovely names, kids are such a huge part of life. I’ve always wanted kids too but finding the right person and settling down is such a challenge.” I say.
“Well, only time can tell; everything happens at the right point in time. Sometimes we can’t predict it. For example, a few months back, did you think you’ll be spending the summer here in Pennsylvania?”
“No. I don’t think I’ve ever envisioned it this way. I had different plans, but all changed once my last relationship ended.”
“I see. He was a jerk for leaving you and treating you the way he did.”
Jack wraps his arms around me, and I realized we’ve been out all afternoon. As I look at the lake, I can see the sunset reflecting off the water.
“Jack, we've been out all day.” I say in a soft voice.
“Well, you’ve earned it after that volcano eruption your sister had this morning.” He says.
“I'm so sorry for the way she acted. You didn’t deserve to be treated that way.”
“It’s all cool here, no hard feelings. Just glad I made you smile again. You do indeed have a lovely, beautiful smile.”
Jack gazes into my eyes. I can’t help but feel the urge to kiss him. He’s been so kind to me ever since I got here. He has gorgeous blue ocean eyes, and his voice makes my heart melt.
“You’re truly beautiful, I’m so happy you came back.” He says.
“Things happen for a reason like you said.” I replied.
Jack leans in to kiss me. I kiss him back. I close my eyes and all I can feel is his soft lips against mine.
It’s literally an iconic moment. I’m in the woods, soaked in water, underneath a shed, kissing the most astonishing guy on the planet.
“I think we better get going. It’s getting late Jack; I think we should head home now.” I say.
“I agree, I don’t want you to catch a cold. Let’s get going princess.” He says smiling at me.
I don’t know what it is, but I’ve had a glow on my face since we kissed, and I can’t seem to change it. I’ve never been this happy in a long time. How is it that this guy changed everything in my life with just one kiss?
As we drive up to the house. I give Jack his helmet and coat back and kiss him goodbye.
“I had a wonderful time today.” He says.
“Me too. I loved every moment I was with you!”
I cannot stop smiling. I ran up the porch stairs and into the house.
I watched Jack drive off. Then locked the door behind me as I walked inside. I look around and see Hannah fast asleep on the couch.
Hannah is still asleep on the couch. I haven’t heard her apology yet. Aside from it all, I’m trying to make dinner for the both of us. It’s my special green bean casserole. It’s mom’s recipe. The amount of time I’ve spent helping her in the kitchen, I feel that I've mastered some of her iconic dinner recipes.
I pick up the dish filled with the casserole and place it in the oven. Then, I pop some popcorn and make my way over to the couch.
“She left the TV on.” I whispered.
I can’t believe she would watch TV after the fight we had this morning.
Hannah slowly starts to wake up. She jumps up and looks around.
“Carol! Thank god you’re home and you're okay.” She said, running up to hug me.
“Yea. I’m fine.” I replied.
“I’m sorry, I know I was a real jerk this morning. I should’ve made Jack a little more comfortable, but instead I acted completely foolish!”
“You think? Hannah, you need to be more polite. Mom and dad sent you here with me so we would take care of each other but if you're going to be rude to Jack or anyone for that matter, then it’s not going to work.” I say.
“I know. I know Carol, it’s not easy for me either. But I’m trying, I mean look, we don't even have a maid anymore.”
“Hannah! Can you hear yourself? It's so much more than giving up our maid.”
“Well, I know that now, after the outrageous exit you made with Jack this morning, it was raining too! I promise I will change, it’s okay to make mistakes. I mean that’s what you’ve always told me. Where did you both even go?”
“Just out for a ride around town. He took me to this lake by the creek, it was the most beautiful experience I’ve ever had. The lake was filled with ducks and swans just swimming around.”
“Huh. I knew it. He’s being all lovey dovey with you because he likes you.”
“Well, I don’t think it’s only him, Hannah. I like him too. I think. It’s weird. I feel I’ve known him all my life, not just from the past two days!”
“Well, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you with a glow on your face.”
“It’s that obvious?” I say with a smile.
“Yes, I can only see your pink, rosy cheeks bright up your face!”
“I kissed him too.”
“You kissed him? Omg how was it?”
“Magical. It was raining so much, so we tried sitting under a shed to stay dry. Then, he wrapped his arms around me and looked into my eyes. Then, we just kissed!”
“Sounds like a movie scene. I’m so happy for you sis. You deserve someone to make you happy after all the damage that your ex caused you. That bastard. I really wanted to beat him up.”
“Everything happens for a reason. I made dinner too. Mom's famous green bean casserole.” I say.
“Casserole! My favorite!” She says.
“Yep. I think it’s done. I left it in the oven thirty minutes ago. Let me go check.”
I walk over to the kitchen and open the oven.
“It’s done Hannah.”
“Yay!”
I take out the casserole from the oven and start cutting it into squares.
“Carol, there's something I need to tell you.”
“Sure. What is it?”
“When you were gone, you rushed out and left your phone. Tanner called and I answered.”
“Tanner called!” My eyes open wide. “Well, how is he? Did he mention anything about camp?”
“Yea. He did. He doesn’t know what you said to mom, but she finally came around and changed her mind. She’s sending him to LA. He’s leaving this weekend!”
“Wow! That’s so wonderful. He must be so thrilled. He wanted to go so bad! Hannah he’s talented, I know we can both agree there. I can just envision him singing on stage and playing his guitar.”
“I know. He wanted to tell you the good news.”
“Okay. I’ll give him a call later sis. Now, let's enjoy dinner.” I say.
Hannah gives me a warm hug.
“I’m really sorry again for all that happened.”
“I know you are. Let’s put it behind us now and going forward, let’s not make dumb mistakes again!”
“Deal!” She says.
“Then, we got ourselves a deal!”
Hannah and I finally finish dinner and then I end up calling Tanner before bed.
“Hello.” Tanner answers.
“Hi little one! Hannah told me the exciting news.”
“Yes. Carol. She said yes! I’m going to camp! What the heck did you do? Well, whatever it was, I owe you big time!”
“Sure.” I smile as I talk to him. “Tanner, now you’re going to LA, this is a huge responsibility to take on. Make sure not to follow bad company or many wrong decisions. This is your time to shine.”
“Ahhhhh!” Tanner screams into the phone with joy.
“Dang my ears! How is it possible that you can be this loud even when we’re not living together?”
“Genetic. That’s the answer, most of my traits are like yours!” He says.
“Yea right. You keep thinking that way.” I say while laughing hysterically into the phone.
“I’ve been packing all day. Mom’s helping too. Feels weird that we’re finally getting along.”
“You’re both bonding? I’m so happy to hear that.”
“Bonding? More like, me bribing mom to buy me new clothes for the trip!”
I laugh.
“Smart alec.”
“I guess. Thanks so much Carol. You can come visit me anytime in LA.”
“Chill out, it's only for the summer.” I say.
“Yea. That’s enough time for me to become a famous rockstar!”
“Right. Okay then little one, I had the longest day of my life. I think I’ll just call it a night.”
“Okay. Good night sis!”
“Night night.” I say while yawning.
“Wait, I heard a cow. Do you have a cow? Eww or was it a fart? Carol!”
“No. All clear on my end. You should get some freshener for that room!” I say.
“Ahhh, you're right. Bye carol.”
“Bye little one.”
“Driving down at sunset, ohhhhyea!” I sing in the car.“You got a nice voice kid!” The driver says.“Ha. Thanks! I’m actually doing some vocal exercises, don't mind me.” I say.“So, are you a famous singer here? This area is all about fame! I think Jason Derulo lives here too.”I choke on the water I was drinking. “Really.”“Yes. Indeed.”“Wow, I’m here to start camp for Juilliard. They sent me here on a trip with a few other students, it’s very hard to get into the camp, they’re extremely selective!” I say.“Juilliard! That’s in New York, isn’t it? I heard it’s one of the best music schools in the United States.”“How cliche. I mean it’s a good school and all but there’s so much more opportunities here in LA. Don’t you think so?” I say.“True, people come here to pursue their dreams and passions in life. If singing is something you want to pursue, then you’ve definitely come to the right place!”I look around as the car drives down a road filled with palm trees on both sides. It’s e
“All I want is to fly with you,” I sing. Jack looks at me and continues the song. He starts singing as well. “All I want is to fall with you,” he says. “So just give me all of you,” we sing together.“It feels impossible” “It's not impossible”“Is it impossible?”“Say that it's possible”I stop and look into his eyes. It feels like faith has brought us together. Jack continues on singing the last part.“You know I want youIt's not a secret I try to hideBut I can't have youWe're bound to break, and my hands are tied.”I smile and he smiles back at me. How did we end up here? Where has he been all my life? The bond and connection we have is immaculate.
“Are you finish ordering those cups Jack? We’re a bit low in stock and we need more of them.” Dad says. “Yea. Dad. I ordered a few last Wednesday and more should come in today.” I say.“Business is better now, probably because of the new hotel that recently opened.” I can’t believe summer has officially passed and it’s been two months since I’m dating Carol. I haven’t been this happy for a while.“What are you smiling about over there? I can see you blushing.” Dad says. “Umm. Dad, come on, you know why.”“Is it Carol? Oh, I am so happy she moved to town with her sister. Every morning I see her on her way to work. She’s definitely something special, son.”“I’m so in love with her. I think I have been all my life. I just never realized it until now.”“How about dinner? I haven’t had a proper talk with them since they moved to town. Your mom and I would love to have them over.” “Sure. I’d like that a lot dad and I’m sure she’ll say yes.”Once my shift has been over at the cafe, I wal
“Hannah, are you done yet? We must leave in ten minutes! I'm nervous.” I say. “Almost.”She walks down the stairs, trying to put on hoop earrings. “Nervous? It’s the Jones family, we have known them since we were kids. Don’t be nervous, I’m starving. I remember Jack’s mom was a great cook too!”“Yes, I know. But that was back then Hannah, Jack and I weren’t dating back then.”“Breathe, Carol. Relax, I'm with you. They are going to love you even more now, you're the nicest person I know and you're super smart. Sometimes I’m a little jealous myself, I wish I could be more like you!”“Thanks sis. Okay, I feel a little better now, you’ve given me a bit more courage. Alright let’s go before we’re late.” I say.As we approach the house I can remember playing in the front yard when I was a kid. Tanner and Jack were so close, he should have been here. I hope he’s okay. Okay Carol, chin up, it’s showtime.“Carolina! You’re even more beautiful than when I last saw you. Hannah, you are too. Wo
Stupid parties, I hate going to these things. I should just tell Chase, but our relationship isn’t the same anymore. It’s like he fell out of love with me. Now he’s ditching me to spend time with that Tanner kid. I thought we’re good together. Maybe I’m just not enough for him. “Ready yet!” Chase says walking into the bathroom. “No.” I say.“What’s taking so long?”“Being a woman. Five minutes, please. Now can you go wait outside?” “Fine.” He says, then walks out. As I glide my red lipstick on my lips and look into the mirror, I start wondering. Is it all worth it? Will we even last? Should I just come clean and tell him how I feel? I shake my head a bit to add some volume in my hair. Then, I walk out into the hall to meet Chase. “Done.” I say“Great, now let’s go.” He says, in a deep voice.“Why are you showing me attitude? Seriously Chase?” I say angrily. “Shall we go to the party or stay here and have one of your dumb diva moments?”“There aren’t any diva moments. It’s fine,
“Carol, have you seen my slippers? You know the Burberry one. It’s one of a kind!” Hannah says.“Have you checked behind the couch downstairs?” “Yes. It’s not there.” “Check again. This time move the couch.” I say.It’s been a few months since Jack, and I were dating. It's so ironic how fast time went by. I was only planning to stay here for the summer but now this place feels like home. “You know Jack’s taking you out tonight. That means I can hang out with Max,” she says.“You two are getting pretty close. Aren’t you? Now inviting him over to the house, wow, that’s a step up.” “Yea. He’s smoking hot.” She says.“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear the last part of what you just said.” I have my blush pink dress hanging up on the door of my closet. Jack told me he wants to take me to see a fountain near the same lake we went by when he first kissed me. “Dang it’s hot.” I say.“See I told you.” “Not stupid Max. Eww no. I meant my curling iron. Hannah, can you come help me curl m
I’ve been so exhilarated ever since the proposal. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to call mom and dad to let them know the big news. My parents are beyond picky about who I choose, it’s all about reputation this and reputation that. My ex was quite wealthy, however, his attitude reeked. I guess maybe mom is different now and she’ll understand that I’m happy with Jack. Maybe she'll help me with the wedding. Okay that’s it I need to call mom and tell her the truth. I gulp as the phone starts to ring.“Hello.” Mom says.“Mom hi, how are you doing? I miss you and haven’t spoken to you in a while. Just thought I’d checkup making sure you and dad are okay.”“Carol, sweetie. It’s so good to hear your voice. Your father and I are good, the same as normal.” “Hannah and I were planning to come see you guys for the holidays.” I say. “When? I must check my schedule making sure I’m not booked up with work. Your father has those seminars too, you know! I’ll have to check with him and let yo
“Hey, ho, say hey ho!” Tanner walks into my room singing. “Hey, ho, say hey ho!” I say.“Yo, get up my wifey made breakfast downstairs, she wants to be extra kind to you because you're the soon to be bride thingy.” He says.“You’re never a morning person Tanner, ugh. Go back to bed.”He gets on top of my bed and starts jumping. “Jack and Carolina sitting in a tree, K. I. S. S. I. N. G. First comes love, next comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage.” Tanner sings.“Okay. I’m up. I’m up already.”“Yay.” He speaks.“Chelsea. She seems sweet. How did y’all meet?”“Umm. Long story and can’t tell you that’s confidential. I wouldn’t tell you anyway because you made your last sentence rhyme.”I finally get out of bed and make my way over to the bathroom to rinse my face and brush my teeth. Hannah is right, mom and dad can’tbe telling me how to live my life anymore. This has gone on for way too long, enough is enough. I need to start standing up for what I believe in, it’s m