Dare to dream [Book 1]

Chapter 2 - How it all started

Sitting behind the counter at work I'm trying to think of a destination I can go for a holiday, it's been awhile and I really do need a break and to get out of Northern Beach for awhile.

Daydreaming, I picture a nice quiet place, possibly a remote beach somewhere with a cocktail in my hand as I soak in the sun.

Originally I was only contemplating going away for a week maybe two, but after talking with my boss Jarrod about it this morning, he suggested I take longer. I've not really taken any time off work, except for the funeral only to throw myself straight back into work. If I'm honest with myself I know I need it. Jarrod has talked me into considering a month or longer if I need it, besides he wants me down in Edgecliffe to help keep and eye on things. Our sister shop the Music Box is booming with business since we have recently added the option of vocal lessons to our customers, our doorbell hasn't stopped ringing since. Besides he also knows how much I love Lakeside Beach which is only a 10 minute drive away and it will be a good excuse to work on my tan!

The shop is really quiet today and I've completely zoned out and feel relaxed for a change whilst I've been daydreaming about my upcoming holiday and I'm actually starting to feel excited as I've not felt this optimistic about anything in a very long time.

I was caught up in my own little world that I didn't notice her come in and almost got a fright as two hands cover my eyes

"guess who?"

I recognise the voice and immediately spin around in my chair as my best friend Alicia envelopes me in a big hug.

"It's quiet in here and you're timing is perfect, I need to talk to you". I say, whilst she follows me out the kitchen as I make her a coffee.

Alicia pops in almost daily to visit me as I work in her favourite store, the local music shop called Music Time. She comes in to keep me company, but I'm sure it's also to check on me, especially since Rhys' passing. I don't mind though because we talk on a daily basis anyway and today has been really quiet. There's only Jarrod and I working in the store as Ben and Jess have the day off, so I welcome the distraction and besides I need her opinion on my holiday idea.

Alicia Daniels is a professional singer, she has been singing and studying music since a very young age. She has starred in many shows and I'll never forget the first time I heard her sing.  Alicia has the most amazing voice and she has a huge following.  I feel very lucky that she has become one of my best friends as I've met some amazing people through her.

She also works part time as a waitress at our local bar, which is how we originally met as Rhys and I dropped in one night for dinner and a couple of drinks. It also happened to be the same night that they have karaoke. After a few drinks, giving me some liquid courage and alot of coaxing from Rhys I decided to get up and give it a go.

I remember my hands were shaking, I turned to Rhys and said "what if I sing out of key, or they can't hear me?".

He simply smiled and said "babe, you will be fine, now go and have fun".

After the song ended I received a loud applause from the crowd and loud whistles too. Rhys scooped me up into a big hug and said "I'm so proud of you, you were amazing". I think he was just being nice but it was still nice to hear him say it and it was all the encouragement I needed.

I WAS HOOKED!

Within a month I was back at the Rox again and itching for a sing!  Soon after Alicia and I became good friends as she invited me to join her because I would often come to the pub on my own, it was a good distraction when Rhys was away with work.  It soon became a regular thing as singing had become my new hobby and a great way to let off steam. I would go every Wednesday night and it had also become something to do when Rhys was away, although he did enjoy coming down to listen to us sing and even had a couple of attempts himself.  He had quite a lovely singing voice.