Barbados, Here I Come

                                 Chapter 1 

                                  India's POV 

As soon as the plane hit the tarmac, my gaze was all over the surroundings trying to find some elements of change.

It's really weird how a place I once knew all the nooks and crannies now seemed somewhat foreign to me. Grabbing my belongings, I adjusted my shades with hopes of concealing my identity 

Being in the spotlight was great to some people but definitely not to me.

I've already had enough of the meet and greet on the plane.

The last thing I want is a recognition from someone which will lead to another round of awkward conversations even though I knew I was trying to avoid the inevitable.

The experience I had on the plane was enough to knock me off my feet.

Usually, my manager handles the storm the press brings but she couldn't join me due to unfinished work.

Being a renowned author with lots of accolades had its perks but it wasn't that comfortable for an introverted introvert who preferred silence over storm, writing romance over living them and communicating using my works over face-to-face conversation 

Craning my neck, I frantically searched for my childhood best friend who was supposed to be here few minutes ago. She made me come all the way down to Barbados for her wedding.

Kelly can never be hidden 

Not with her red hair and enormous forehead that made most people think we were a twin 

I always hated my forehead but Kelly made me feel special about it, telling me that beauty is measured by the forehead.

Her words, not mine.

I spotted her holding up a card with my nickname written on it and something else…

Wait…

Is that a teddy bear??

Kelly always has a weird taste in gifts and she got a pink teddy bear knowing how much I detest the color.

Noticing my figure, she ran with great speed not caring about the looks she was getting from people.

Jumping on me, she dragged me into a bone crushing hug, one I never expected.

She squeezed my shoulder burying her face in the crook of the neck as the hug siphoned my breath, knocking my shades out of the way.

“Jeez Kelly…..” I managed to choke out “I know you miss me that much but it's not enough reason to kill me “ I spoke gasping for breath as she released me, now holding onto my shoulders.

She pecked my cheeks and played with them for a bit while I stroked her soft olive scented hair.

That little action made me go down memory lane recalling how we first met.

It was a kiddies fun fair event at the town park. Mom dropped me off and left, promising to come get me. Unable to socialize with other kids, I wandered around until a boy who looked huge and older than me walked up to me and pinched my cheeks, dragging them as he walked. I let out a shrill cry but no one was really paying attention until Kelly walked up and freed me, giving the bully a dose of his own medicine. Since then, we became friends, her constantly defending me because I lacked the confidence to do so.

“Yuh know I still can't get over the fact that you're now a renowned writer, baby!” She squealed gaining attention as I immediately fixed my shades to avoid any attention 

Kelly relishes in being the center of attention but I detest it.

It's funny how we're so different but manage to keep a friendship for this long.

I guess it's true what they say, opposites attract.

“Still the island tomboy Indy” She called out staring at my converse “Yuck! you still have these old kicks?? Guess New York hasn't really changed you, huh?” She exclaimed 

“How did my fashion choices become your business ‘’cause I don't remember asking you to look out for me “ I pretended to be annoyed 

“Sweetheart you became my business, my responsibility since the second I kicked that boy in the groin for bullying you “ She narrowed her eyes trying to look like a strict mom “Hope he's able to have children “ she muttered like a prayer and I couldn't resist barking out a laugh 

“So” I began as we took a bit of a stroll “ Who's this lovey dovey Chris that managed to sweep our little monstrous Kelly of her feet and she couldn't even find a spell to cast to bewitch him “ I said pretending to ponder in order to create an effect 

“Take that back, I'm not that bad “ She scowled getting inside the waiting car 

Joining her, I fastened my seatbelt while Kelly gave me an all too familiar look 

“Still as uptight as ever, I see” She commented staring outside 

“I'm simply obeying safety rules” I retorted “Now back to my question darlin'” I teased 

  

“Chris is a really nice guy” She began, a red tint spreading over her face as her skin became a red tomato 

Whoever this Chris is, he must certainly be an A level charmer to make the bold and fierce Kelly blush and smile sheepishly like a girl on her first date.

“Just nice? “ I teased “ Doesn't he charm your panties off you “ I continued teasing as her skin flushed out of embarrassment 

“Gosh stop it Indy. He's a good guy with a nice personality , good sense of humor and he smells really good. He's my dream man and though we had a really rocky start, we managed to carve our little piece of heaven outta here and that's what really matters…” Watching the glow shining from every pore of her skin as she talked about him made me a bit jealous. The deep sense of admiration and pride as she talked about her man, choosing the best words to describe him made my empty heart ache knowing that I may never have that with anyone. Other than writing romance, I don't have any other relationship with romance.

“Indy, India, India” I came to reality at the sound of Kelly's voice frantically calling out my name. I blinked back unshed tears that hung in my eyes threatening to fall.

“Damn Indy are you fine?? You scared the shit outta me” She asked searching my moist eyes 

“I'm okay” I managed to croak out ‘’ I'm just…

happy? Or should I say a tad bit overwhelmed. You know one minute we're island girls getting into trouble and finding our way out and the next minute we're here, you getting married and I am still trying to figure out my life as a writer in a foreign land. I'm just so happy that your dream wedding is coming true” I sobbed hugging her as she patted my back, circling it in a comforting manner.

“Puhlease” Kelly stressed out “I was born to wear dresses and put on flowers” she said as I choked out a laugh.

Kelly always managed to put me in the right mood.

“So what about you? Any New Yorker warming your boring bed every night?” She questioned with a mischievous grin in her eyes.

“Kelly” I reprimanded jokingly There's no one, no one at all” I stated staring down at my nails 

“ It doesn't necessarily have to be someone, yuh nuh, maybe just a certain part of the body that starts with the letter P” She teased 

“ Gosh Kelly, yuh so wild. I guh tell tell your creepy aunt for yuh” I spoke trying to make use of my Bajan accent after a long while 

“And here I was thinking you had left our accent for a southern drawl” she cracked out as the car pulled up at her childhood home and we stepped out.

“You know, you haven't really told me how he proposed” I stated.

“Yeah, it was at the beach where we were having a lot of picnic. There were lots of flowers and coconut around and the moment just felt right as he went on one knee and bam! I accepted. Nothing too cheesy” she recounted.

“Wow! I said bringing out my jotter.

“Seriously?? India Seethal wanna use my proposal for her award winning stories? I feel honored” she said dramatically batting her eyelashes as she faked a squeal as I barked out a laugh.

“Since it seems I never live a romance, I guess I'll just tap from people's own” I sighed jotting down stuffs.

“You know, Chris has a lot of hot bachelor friends that could sweep you off your feet! " Kelly exclaimed.

“You know that'll never happen” I deadpanned 

“Never say Never” she sing songed and hopped off while I smiled to myself dragging my stuff upstairs.

“Never say Never” I muttered to myself, a small smile playing on my lips. But…

Is that even possible??