Chapter 5
5
“Good morning, sleepyhead” were the first words I heard the moment I pried my lids open. It took me a long minute to get my bearings and recall where I was.
“Sleep well? I bet. My shirt is drenched in drool.”
My eyes sprang open.
Joseph.
I pushed away from his shoulder, rolling my jaw back and forth to remove the strain that had settled there while I slept.
Cranking my neck to the side, I looked outside. “What time is it? Is it even legal to wake up at this hour?” I asked through a yawn as I firmed my back and angled myself to watch him.
“Six.” His voice dropped to a whisper “Don’t scream, please. Most people are still out of it. Or a bit groggy without their daily caffeine shot.”
I blinked at his early morning joy. Could this guy ever be moody? Since we met, his smile hadn’t left his lips.
Another yawn escaped me, and I stretched my arms over my head to get rid of the lingering effect of sleep from my body.
“Did you sleep at all?” I asked as Joseph offered me a muffin from the pack he had bought the previous day.
“Yep. I’m an early riser. Love to hit the waves at sunrise in the summer. Or the gym in the winter.”
“Ah, I knew it,” I exclaimed too loud, cupping my mouth with a hand. My gaze traveled all around us. “Sorry,” I whispered. “I should have bet you were a surfer. You have the look.”
Joseph fanned the air in front of him. “Oh Avalon, you’re smart, sweet, and beautiful, but that morning breath is a deal breaker.”
My face flushed. I felt scorching heat taking over my cheeks. Gosh, now was the moment I should dig a hole in the ground and bury myself in it.
I placed a hand before my mouth and blew into it, trying to gauge how deep this grave of mine should be.
Joseph’s laughter added another layer to my let-me-die vow.
“Avalon, you should see your face. I’m just messing with you.”
I pinched my lips together and killed him with my eyes only. In the last week—since I had learned I’d be gone for almost three months—I had mastered this new skill. “You jerk. And what’s with the Avalon?”
He shrugged. “Don’t know. Sounds ethereal. Like you. Dark blonde hair. Soft aqua eyes. Sinful lips.” His focus descended to my mouth for a flash-second before resuming their ascension to my eyes. Electricity traveled through me. And for a reason that escaped me, I loved the way he looked at me. I averted my eyes, the intensity of his gaze burning my skin. “Anyway, for me, you’re Avalon. Believe me, Ava is a beautiful name, but Avalon suits you better.”
“Huh, thanks. That was nice. Everything you said.”
“I’m that person. Selfless, compliment-giving, good-looking Joseph Curry.”
The bus stopped, and the driver’s announcement cut our discussion short. “Breakfast break. Fifteen minutes, folks. Be back in time.”
Joseph caught my hand in his. “Come on, bestie. Let’s get some food.”
Inside, I bought two toothbrushes and a travel-size toothpaste tube because my toiletry kit was in my bag. “Here,” I said, slapping one on my new travel companion’s chest. “Better be clean than sorry.” I put on my fakest smile.
Joseph replied with a disapproving stare.
“Avalon,” he tsk-tsked at me. For a moment, I held my breath, thinking I might have offended him, but in the next second, his intoxicating grin—the one displaying that chin dimple—came back in full force. “Just kiddin’. Thank you. I’m touched to know my hygiene is a concern for you.”
“What are best friends for?” I remarked, sarcasm bleeding from my words.
His palm hit his chest. “Love it when you recognize our bond.”
“Ohmygod, you never stop.”
He emptied the shelves into my arms, and I followed him around as we argued about what we should get. “Are you having a growth spurt?” I asked when he added a box of cereals to the pile.
He winked and led me toward the cashier, carrying two to-go coffee cups. “Like you said, better be fed than sorry.”
Side by side, we boarded the bus.
“What are your plans for the summer?” Joseph asked once we were back on the road. A bag full of snacks, drinks, and gas station knickknacks, which was supposed to keep us busy for the last few hours of this trip, rested at our feet. “You never told me why you are spending time far away from home.”
I sighed, the residual anger of last week resurrecting at the thought of wasting my summer away. Pushing it down, I gave him a simpler explanation. “Long story short. I decided to visit my aunt and uncle for a week. My parents changed my stay to a three-month-long one instead. They thought I should work for my uncle and gain experience. The girl working the front desk left two weeks ago, and they all agreed I should be her replacement this summer. Without consulting me first.”
“I see. Are your parents going through a divorce?”
I popped a piece of croissant into my mouth. “Nah, why?”
“One day, when I was around ten, my parents sent me away to spend a month at my grandparents’. They were divorcing and wanted to deal with it without my witnessing the messiness of the situation. Just sayin’.”
I shook my head. “No. No way. Craig and my mom love each other. They were high school sweethearts. You’re wrong.”
“If you say so.” Joseph tossed a handful of dry cereals into his mouth and chewed before speaking again. “You said Craig and your mom. Why not Mom and Dad?”
I sighed. “My biological dad died. Just after my mom learned she was pregnant with me.”
“Oh fuck. Sorry, Avalon.”
I half-smiled at the term of endearment. “Don’t be. Craig is my father. I usually call him Dad. It’s just—I’m upset at them. And when I am, I tend to call him Craig instead. Don’t read too much into it. It’s childish.”
“Where are you staying? I’ll be in Medora Beach. That’s where the waves are the best. It’s a small town along the coast. Dad manages a surf school on the beach. And he and his wife own a restaurant by the pier. If you’re staying close, maybe we could see each other again. I know a few people in town, but it could be fun to have my best friend around.” Joseph tilted his lips, expectation filling his eyes.
“Maybe,” I said, my gaze turning somber, not wanting to commit.
He shook his head in dramatic fashion. “Avalon, girl. You’re hurting me. I thought we were already best friends forever, you and I. After all, we agreed. We even shared music and a shoulder last night. How much closer than that can it get?”
“I’ll be in Feather Lake. Seems like a boring, small town surrounded by thick forest and lakes.”
“Therefore, you should visit the beach on your days off. Because you have a reason to come.” He pointed to his chest with his thumb. “Wouldn’t want you to miss me too much.”
“Okay.”
“Okay? Can you, for once, look happy?” he asked.
I fake-grinned, showing way too many teeth, and added an unconvincing “Yay.”
Joseph shifted on his seat and closed his arms around me. “Friend, we have a deal.” He pulled back and extended his hand. “To the start of a great summer. And our new friendship”
I shook his palm and couldn’t hold back my smile this time. “To being friends.”
He took his phone out and draped an arm around my shoulders. “I’m making this relationship official.” He snapped a picture of us. “Now gimme your number so I don’t have to search the entire state for you once we both go our separate ways.”
He winked, and I punched my number into his phone, feeling a bit better about the next three months of my summer vacation slash prison sentence, now that I had an ally.
A few hours later, we climbed out of the bus. The bright sunrays burned my flesh. Joseph handed me my backpack and helped me grab my suitcase from the compartment underneath the vehicle.
Uncle Mason waited for me with my name written on a cardboard sign in black ink and a bag of pink cotton candy. My lips stretched of their own accord, and my heart did a happy dance in my chest because he remembered I would kill for the sugary treat.
“Hey kiddo,” he greeted me with the biggest smile. Even though I was upset with my parents, none of this was his fault. We hadn’t seen each other in four years, and right now, he looked so much like my dad, a bit older with grayed temples.
Abandoning my baggage on the ground, I nestled against his chest, his loving arms enveloping me.
“Look at you. You’ve grown so tall.” At five-foot-eight, I had reached a respectable height. He leaned back to study me, twirling a strand of my dark blonde hair around his finger. “I’m sure Craig must be chasing those boys away with a baseball bat. Because I know I would. You look so much like your mama. I’m so glad you’re here, kiddo.”
I nodded as we broke apart.
“Thanks for having me. I hope it wasn’t too much trouble for you.”
“You’re kidding, right? I’m so excited you’re here. Melinda is ecstatic to have another woman in the house. C’mon, Ava, let’s go home and get you settled. Are you hungry?”
“A little.”
“We’ll stop by The French Toast first to grab a bite.” His arm circled my shoulders. “We’ve missed you. As long as you live here, our home is your home, okay?”
I nodded. Unlike my parents, at least Uncle Mason and Aunt Melinda really sounded like they cared to have me around this summer.
We reached his pickup truck, and Uncle Mason slid behind the wheel after placing my luggage on the backseat.
Joseph called my name before I could haul myself into the passenger seat.
“Hey Avalon, wait up.” He jogged my way, the smile I now recognized as his personal trademark illuminating his face. “Let’s meet up again. Dusty’s.” His hand rested on the frame of my open door. “One week from now. It’s where all the locals go. Our favorite hangout spot. Drinks are cheap, and chicken wings are tasty. I’ll text you the address. You better show up, or I’ll come and find you.”
“Okay.”
“Love it when we have overenthusiastic conversations,” he said with a wink. He hesitated for a short instant before leaning forward and kissing my cheek. “It’s a date, best friend.”
He closed the door after I climbed into the idling truck. Cold air hit me, and I relished how it cooled my sweaty self. Getting used to the warm and humid temperature of the South would take some time.
“Who was that?” Uncle Mason asked with one raised brow.
I offered him a non-committal shrug. “A friend.”
He cleared his throat. “A friend? Mind being more specific?”
I felt my cheeks heating up. “Joseph. We traveled together. He’s moving here. We agreed to meet again. Nothing super exciting.”
“Let’s talk about that later.” He gave his head a tiny shake. “You’ve been in town for five minutes, and I’m already sensing boy troubles.”
“Nothing like that. I promise.”
“Yeah, we’ll see.”
Iris texted me just after I exited the shower and was about to empty my suitcase in the room Aunt Melinda decorated for me. Whitewashed walls—with touches of purple dotting the space, from pillows to picture frames—white comforter, a white chest of drawers with a rectangular mirror above. A seashell wind chime hung in the window that was framed by silk curtains. The room connected to a three-piece en-suite bathroom, which I really enjoyed. I never had a chance to not share a bathroom before. The room also included a private entrance, accessible from the front of the house. Somehow, it was like having my own apartment, and I loved that the room afforded privacy.
Mine was the only bedroom on the main level of the bungalow with a steel-blue exterior. Outside, white trims outlined the windows, and white columns over brick pillars supported the wrap-around porch. The lawn was green and freshly cut, its scent permeating the air. The kitchen was at the back of the house and had a door leading to the garden, a garage, and a backyard. Uncle Mason told me they usually used that entrance to come and go since they had more parking spaces at the back of the house.
Grayish-teal walls and maple wooden floors gave the entire house a peaceful ocean-vibe charm. Handcrafted wood furniture, black and soft pink accents made it look country-chic. The room adjacent to mine was an office with a murphy bed to transform the space into a guest room when needed. Upstairs were two more bedrooms, the master and a smaller one, which had been converted into a little sanctuary with a variety of plants, a reading corner, and rows of family photos occupying the length of one wall.
The bungalow wasn’t big, but I already felt at home the moment I stepped in. After Uncle Mason gave me the grand tour earlier, it consolidated the feeling.
Even though Feather Lake wasn’t a coastal town and was mostly set in acres of wood, my bedroom had a fresh and soothing atmosphere. And I loved everything about it. It enveloped me with warmth. And calm.
Iris
Hey A, are you there yet? You sent me a one-line message hours ago and then nothing. Are you okay?
Me
Yep. Just a sec.
I took a picture of my new bedroom and sent it to my friend.
Iris
Wow, I love the decor. It’s super you. Still upset?
Me
Yes. But met this guy on the bus. Joseph. Funny guy. For a moment, he made me forget about my parents casting me away. With a friend in town, maybe things won’t suck too much.
Iris
Joseph? You met someone? Already? You didn’t lose any time. Perhaps you’ll still be able to go wild this summer. Who knows. Is he cute?
I checked my other messages and realized he hadn’t sent the picture of us yet.
Me
I’ll send you a pic. Once I get the one he took. He has a chin dimple and a surfer boy look. He’s a bit too cheerful. But hey, it balanced with my current gray mood. All fine, I guess.
What about you? Anything new in the last thirty-something hours?
Iris
I wish. I got the job at the gift shop. I’m starting on Monday.
Oh, gotta go. Mother is calling my name. And she sounds mad. Text me tomorrow once you’re settled. Love you x
Me
Love you too xx
A soft knock on my door snapped me out of my train of thought. The ones about my life, plans, and dreams I’d left behind. My anger had somehow evolved since I left my hometown. Here, I had no one to complain to. Even though I had family around, people who loved me and, from what it seemed, were glad to have me here, I had no idea how I’d survive this summer on my own. Without Iris.
“Come on in,” I called out, hanging the last piece of clothing in the closet.
Aunt Melinda’s head peeked through the door. “Hey honey. Dinner is ready.” She padded into the room and sat on the edge of my bed. “Do you miss anything?”
I glanced around and shook my head. “I’m fine.” I paused before joining her. My aunt had long brown hair and turquoise eyes, almost the same shade as mine on a sunny day. Except for the hair color, people who didn’t know any better always thought we were related by blood since we looked very much alike. Growing up, she had always been my favorite relative. She had a calmness about her and an assurance nobody else I knew possessed. And I’d always loved how it rubbed off on me. “Thanks for the room. It's beautiful. You didn’t have to do that.”
She brushed my hair behind my ear with her fingers. “Honey, it’s my pleasure. I consider you a daughter, and I couldn’t wait to transform this room into something beautiful. Just like you.”
“I-I love what you did in the bedroom upstairs,” I said.
Our eyes locked. We both knew it must have been hard for her and Uncle Mason to erase all traces of the past from those walls. She squeezed my hand, and I bowed my head in understanding.
“Ava, you’re gonna spend a lot of time here this summer. I know it isn’t what you had planned and you’re upset about it. Believe me, I would be too if my parents had uprooted me without a warning, but I hope you’ll still enjoy your time with us. And I also know I’m not your mama, but you and I have always been close in the past. Just keep in mind that I’m here. Whenever you need me. Friends, shopping, work, hair, boys. If you need someone to listen to you without judging, one who’s the very best at keeping confidences, I’m your woman. I know things haven’t always been easy for you in the last few years, and living with us can trigger memories, but just know we’re here for you. I hope you’ll make the most of your stay.” She moved to stand. “Need a hand with anything before we go and eat that lasagna I made?”
“Nope, I’m done. Did you?—”
“Yes, honey. I added bacon the way you like it. Uncle Mason says it’s disgusting, but you and I, we are the only ones with real taste in this family. Come on, let’s go. I’m starving, and I’m sure a full night’s sleep will do you good. I bet sleeping on the bus wasn’t comfortable.”
After dinner, I went back to my room, exhausted. As long as adrenaline had coursed in my bloodstream, the fatigue had stayed at bay. But now that I was lying on my bed, listening to music, my eyelids grew heavy, and sleep claimed me before I could even comprehend what was happening.
My dreams were filled with an enthusiastic and handsome blond-haired guy, who a part of me couldn’t wait to see again. Because with his light, he chased my dark clouds away.
And the memories about the girl who used to live here. In the bedroom upstairs.