3. Chapter 3
Sleep must be my worst enemy because while others would call a good eight hours beauty sleep, it turns me into the monster under the bed.
My bonnet is halfway off my head, and the silk scarf underneath never stood a chance.
You’d think sleeping on a boat would be soothing, like one big rocking chair against the waves, but it’s the exact opposite.
I never wanted to hear ocean sounds less than what I did last night.
I rub at my eyes as I’m already thinking up ways to avoid leaving my suite or possibly slipping away to be alone for the rest of this trip.
Luckily we have another day at sea before our first stop in Florence, so pretending to be sea sick should be a piece of cake.
It’s better than awkwardly standing around while everyone talks and laughs around me like I’m a ghost—or worse, being pitied as Elijah’s sad, second best little sister.
Letting my hands fall to my side, a sharp knock sounds at the door.
A quick glance at the clock next to my bed tells me it’s half past six.
Way too early for it to be housekeeping, and the breakfast I ordered isn’t supposed to arrive until seven.
The knock comes again, louder, as I make my way down the short staircase and peek out into the hallway through the peephole.
My nose scrunches before I finally decide to open the door, and I’m greeted with Carmin’s warm smile.
Her hair is slicked back into the neatest low ponytail, her light pink gloss catches the sunlight that peaks through the small gap in my curtains.
“Good morning,” Carmin sings as she moves past me, not waiting for my permission. “Gosh, you have it so dark in here.”
“It’s early, and I like it this way,” I confirm as she shoves a warm cup of coffee into my hands. Its aroma sends a shiver down my spine as a hint of hazelnut breaches the space between annoyance and soft gratitude. “Thanks, but can I ask why you’re here?”
She lifts a finger to me before taking a slow sip of her coffee. “Wow, that’s surprisingly good,” she says as if revived. “We have to get to work if we’re going to get you out of the ‘friend’s little sister friend zone with Justin.”
“Wait, you were serious?” I ask as my stomach begins to turn. “But I—I can’t—”
She holds her finger up to me once more before resting her hands on my shoulders. “You can, and I’m going to help you like I promised. Think of me as your Fairy Godmother.”
Trying not to roll my eyes, I settle for a small whine.
“Carmin…” My mind flashes to a younger me.
A lonelier me who sits in the corner of the classroom, eavesdropping on everyone’s love life.
Wishing that it were me in those stories instead.
The laughter that swallowed any shred of hope when I dared to have a crush.
My nails pierce my palms. “I really don’t think I can. ”
“Gina, I know we don’t know each other that well, but I truly think this will be good for you.
” Carmin searches my eyes, and I try to steady them as a prickling sensation looms behind them and my pulse quickens.
“Ever since I’ve met you, you’ve been standing up against the wall and keeping your distance, while simultaneously complaining about how you wish those things were different.
We’ve got seven days. If after today I can’t convince you this is worth it, I’ll stop pushing. Deal?”
I glanced around my suite. The hot tub on the balcony that overlooks the vast ocean, as waves clash against each other.
The mini bar and dining room table that I admittedly have no one to sit at with.
I’m positive this suite is larger than Elijah and Melody’s, but it’s a reminder of just how empty my life is.
How many times I’ve stayed in the background, blending in with the walls, never noticing how little light ever comes my way.
Sometimes, it’s comforting. Other times, it’s hard to tell who I really am and where I long to be.
Nodding my head slowly, Carmin practically leaps before she rushes me back into my bedroom where she wastes no time raiding my closet for the perfect outfit. A whisper of excitement snakes up my spine as I let her and allow myself a sliver of hope.