Have you ever reached the stars?

Chapter 5

Hope

I've never been one to gossip but Luanne's facial expression when she saw Jax leaving, made me curious. I asked the obvious first, if they were a couple in the past and didn't end up well perhaps. She made a disgusted face as if this would be something absurd. I mean, hasn't she seen him? He is definitely someone swoon worthy and perfect material for dirty fantasies.

Not wanting to sound rude or press the matter further, I accepted her vague response. 'He is responsible for something that changed my life and I'm not willing to forgive him ever.' are her exact words and I am left speechless with her serious tone.

An awkward silence is stretching for over half an hour and although I would welcome it under different circumstances, I can't help but feel a little bad for her. I am a little used by her cheerfulness by now. This new, gloomy Luanne is no fun at all.

"So, I was thinking about going hiking tomorrow. I've read about the trails and the amazing view from the top. Can you help me with any details? How can I get there? What should I bring with?" her smile returns slowly and I am glad my question is able to lift the heaviness from the air.

After a lengthy description of what I must absolutely do and what I must avoid at all costs, we decide to leave. Luanne seems to have forgotten about the date with the beach guy from earlier when she asks me what I want to do tonight.

Feigning tiredness and still suffering from jetlag, I encourage her to have a nice date and get ready for a peaceful night alone. She drops me off and after asking for my number, she makes me promise that I will call her if I need anything.

After a relaxing shower and the much needed after sun skin care, I settle down with a glass of wine and the delicious meal I picked up from the beach bar. I have never tasted such quality food outside an actual restaurant kitchen. This place keeps surprising me in a good way so far.

Watching something on TV seems trickier than I thought. I have been so busy the last few years that I haven't had time to watch anything. It always seemed like a waste of my precious time. A few films here and there but no favorite TV program or show. As much as I enjoy listening to music, I find it hard to concentrate on a show. The only things that caught my attention were the commercials. For research purposes obviously. Why didn't I think of that first? How did we lose this huge client? Who made this rubbish? Those are my usual comments accompanying my watching TV.

Another glass and after I give up trying to find something decent to watch, my phone rings. A little hesitant at first, because my mind goes straight to Luanne changing her mind and trying to get me out of the house, I pick up with a smile when I see Sandra's name flashing on the screen.

"Hey, you. Are you missing me already?" her cheerful tone manages to make me smile as well. I wish she could come with me. I don't have any problem being alone but I am pretty sure she could fit in perfectly here.

After sharing our news and filling her in about my new acquaintances, she sounds shocked that I actually let myself loose and went to the beach with someone I don't know. She's being overdramatic. I am not that antisocial and this is a different country, a different time where I have nothing else to do so why not try to be a little more open-minded, right?

"You sound impressed Sandra." I joke refilling my glass and starting to feel the effects of the wine I found on the fridge, courtesy of Jim. I take a mental note to buy them all thank you presents before I leave. Their help has been invaluable. Sandra goes on reminding me how awful my social skills have been for years and of course doesn't miss the chance to blame Oliver for his contribution of my isolation.

I swallow hard on the mention of his name. I still try to figure out what went wrong and although things weren't ideal, it is hard to accept that my plans for a future with him flew out of the window. I remain silent as I listen to her telling me that I deserve more and great things are ahead of me. I just need to open my eyes, stop over thinking and enjoy everything that comes my way.