Starting Over

chapter two

Scarlett

So I told Ryan how it was at dinner the other night and I haven't really seen him much all week since.

It's now Friday afternoon and I'm so eager to finish work and get on the road to Whitedale. Charlotte has been sending me pictures all week of the barn that is getting one hell of a makeover to become the location of their engagement party.

I've already packed my bags and they are stuffed into my little white Fiat so I can set straight off when I finish. I want to set off as soon as possible even though the drive to Whitedale is only a couple of hours, traffic depending, but the quicker I get there the more time I have to spend with Charlotte.

One thing I am looking forward to visiting my hometown again is the beach. I've always loved the waves and the sunsets and just the overall feeling of peace and calmness that surrounds me when I'm there. Living in the city now that's the one thing I truly miss.

While I'm back in Whitedale, Charlotte is kindly letting me stay in her annex behind her and Justin's house.

"You have plans this weekend Scarlett?"

I jump in my seat, unaware of Linda's sudden presence behind me.

"Sorry dear, I didn't mean to startle you."

I chuckle, standing to switch my computer off as I reply. "Yeah, I'm driving back to my hometown for my best friend's engagement party actually."

"Oh wow, well I hope you have a great time and I'll see you Monday?"

"Yeah, see you next week."

Waving Linda off as she heads back upstairs to her office, I smile to myself gathering my jacket and bag.

When I settle myself into the drivers seat, I pull my phone out and send Charlotte a quick text letting her know I'm setting off.

The further I drive away from London I feel my body relaxing more into the leather seat. My mind isn't full of questions or thoughts and I can literally feel the tension in my neck and shoulders disappearing by the minute.

I take a few deep breaths as I drive past the 'Welcome to Whitedale' sign. A smile appearing on my lips.

I grew up in a house not too far from the beach with my parents. They decided to sell it and move to Spain when I moved to London. I don't speak to them too often but I know they are enjoying their retirement in the sun drinking lots of Sangria from all the pictures they send me.

My parents have been in love since high school, a kind of love I can only dream about having. They married at twenty years old and my Mom never thought she could have kids. However, in their late thirties they fell pregnant with me, their miracle baby.

I approach Charlotte's driveway and park my car next to Justin's truck. Climbing out of my seat I gather my bags from the back and place them beside me, locking my car up before walking along the drive towards the front door.

Before I have chance to knock, the door swings open and Charlotte appears before me.

"Ahhhhh! Your here!" She yells at me while pulling me into a tight hug. I hold her back while struggling to keep a hold of all my bags.

"Hey Char." I smile at her as she starts pulling me into the hallway.

"You made it here quicker than I thought, was the traffic alright?" She asks tucking her long blonde hair behind her ears.

"Yeah no traffic at all really."

The smell of home cooked food hits my nose instantly, making my stomach rumble. I haven't eaten anything since my cheese sandwich at lunch so the divine smell coming out of Charlotte's kitchen is literally making my mouth water right now.