Have you ever reached the stars?

Chapter 4

Hope

"You are never going to work again. I'll make sure of that. How did you believe you would become head of the department when you couldn't even keep a man faithful to you? You are a pathetic loser. Poor Hope, you thought that you could become someone one day, that you could reach the stars. Guess what. You will never be anything. You didn't deserve any of the things you earned in life and now it's the time for you to pay. Go, run like a coward and never come back again."

I wake up covered in sweat, my whole body burning and my mind on alert. Nick's words from the awful nightmare still echoing in my head as well as the laughter and stares from everyone at the office. How many hours have I been sleeping? I don't know if it's day or night. I make my way to the window and I see the bright sun illuminating the neglected backyard. An odd difference to the rest of the house. That's a thought for another day. I am nowhere near sane to make plans for a renovation right now.

I slept for fourteen hours and although I should be feeling fresh and rested, the peculiar dream has managed to trouble me. Shaking the stupid thoughts off my head, I get ready for my real first day here. That's right; I decided to call yesterday a trial day of sorts, so that makes today my official first day in Redwood Shores. I just wish I could have woken up in a better mood.

I choose my new black bikini, a white beach dress and a very lovely classic straw hat with Bitch please written in black letters, a gift from Sandra obviously. She is always so silly in her gifts. She knows what makes me uncomfortable and she makes sure to buy me exactly that. So, I have ended up with countless items of clothing, bags even souvenirs with curse words or an offensive verse. I love her for her free spirit, her uninhibited attitude and the way she handles every difficulty that comes her way. She always makes sure to remind me not to give a fuck about anything and smile. I wish I could be more like her.

Although my regular choices of clothing have always been more conservative, in the spirit of change, I let Sandra help me pick my outfits this time and of course she made me pack all the T-shirts she has bought for me over the years. I am not one to judge what people wear but when it comes to me, I am always scared that I might attract attention and I definitely don't want that.

My straw beach bag is ready. I grab one bottle of water from the fridge, make sure I locked everything and head out. I have to find a quiet place with few people where I can relax and read my book in peace. The ocean soothes the soul, they say. So I am about to test that theory and see if I can completely empty my mind just by taking a look at the vast blue in front of me.

My perfect plan is ruined when I hear my name being called.

"Are you Hope?" nodding, I take a look at the unknown woman in front of me. Long, red hair, beautiful face and a body to die for. I suddenly feel a little bad for my white, see-through dress and think about going inside and change.

"Hi. I'm Luanne. Jim's daughter. I live across the street. My father told me you were coming. Sorry I didn't reach out yesterday. I was out of town. Welcome, Hope." She went on explaining how she remembered me from the last time I was here. I felt a little embarrassed that I had no recollection of us meeting twenty years ago so I just smiled and let her reminisce.

"So, if you want me to, I will be happy to show you around, keep you some company. I was told you are here alone. I would have loved to see your parents again. You know when I was younger; I wanted to be a war correspondent like your mum. But I guess I was too coward to actually follow that path. I did study to be a reporter but I ended up writing a column on the local newspaper instead. I swear this town sucks you in and doesn't allow you to shine." She sure is a talker and I just stand here listening to her without being able to even form a word.