Sea Glass (WAYHAUGHT)

Smarties

Note: Waverly mentions the song 'Brown Eyes' by Keeley Elise.

Alone on the path, the return from Colona had her singing out loud. "And that soft warm hazel when they hit the light. Or when you turn your face toward the sun just right. Nothing beats the feeling of brown eyes."

The song was a favourite before kissing Nicole. Overnight, it had become her forever song. From a distance Nicole's eyes appeared one colour, the shade of roasted coffee beans. Rich and intense and powerful. From only a few inches away, her eyes took on a delicate hazel hue. Radiant and inviting and playful. Keeley Elise was right, nothing beats the feeling of brown eyes when they're staring straight at you, and when their owner is about to kiss you with those soft lips of hers.

A low wall in front of the manor provided a brief resting spot, and another opportunity to look at the new photos on her phone. Nicole in her chef's tunic. Nicole not in her chef's tunic. Nicole trying to balance an ice cream spoon on the end of her nose, she couldn't, reducing them to a fit of giggles. Her jaw ached from smiling at the innocence of it all, the rightness of it all, and the utter joy of it all. This is what she had wanted since forever, never quite able to bring herself to accept this was what she needed to be. Happy.

Nicole's full acceptance of her own sexuality gave the permission she needed. She couldn't imagine being with someone as repressed, or as closeted, or as hidden as herself. Even Nicole had asked in passing, why she'd waited till this moment. Which sent her mind off on another loop. She'd denied Gayverly for so long, and so well, it had taken Nicole, and those brown eyes, and those soft lips, to make her realise what she was missing.

"Let me be good enough for you," she whispered to the world.

A bustling harbour greeted her. The trawlers were long back, fishermen packing up for the day, dumping ropes and buoys, and all manner of equipment into their blue crates as she passed. Ward's boat was still out, most likely taking advantage of the better weather. Her body wanted to return to the outer harbour, to the lee of the lighthouse, and remind herself of the deed done there.

Another wish. Could she have two wishes?

"Willa, if you're listening, I wish for us to kiss there, in front of everyone."

The thought of doing so sent a thrill through her, both exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure.

Her mother called out as she entered the house. "That you love?"

"Only have ten minutes."

"Got the kettle on."

That was her mother's code for could they have a chat. "I'll be late."

"Wynnie's not working today."

Flippin' great. Don't bother telling me. Could have stayed out a bit longer. "Coming."

"Shame about James," her mother said, filling two mugs with boiling water. "Nice lad. Surprised he went for Nedley's daughter."

"She's got a car."

Michelle placed a mug on the coaster in front of her daughter, peppermint steam rising from it. "You alright?"

"Yeah. Saving up for my own."

"Might come back when you get it."

Waverly avoided her mother's eyes, for fear of rolling her own too hard and giving the game away. "He might. Hopefully he'll see sense."

"There's always Joe."

"He's got a van," she replied. And a turned eye.

"Well then."