12 Months • Rafe Cameron

3) Step One

"Everywhere I go,
I know that I don't wanna be.
Part of something I won't ever need.
Your socialized, romanticized life-ife-ife. Floating on my lowkey vibe.
Floating on my lowkey vibe, vibe, vibe"

The sun warmed my face and wind blew through my hair. The radio softly played a song by Beach Weather, which honestly spoke to my soul a little too much.

I had just rented a sleek black convertible Camaro. While Camaro's aren't my typical style, it was the only convertible on the rental lot today. There was just something about driving around the coast that made me want to feel the sun and wind, so a convertible is always a must have to me.

I made a right turn down a long line of large houses, finally stopping at number 1365.

"Welcome to the Sunshine Shores house, Miss Luella." A blonde woman greeted me as I turned off the Camero. "I'm Rose Cameron. It's a pleasure to meet you."

I got out and shook her hand. It was soft and gentle. She had a nice smile. Fake of course, but still nice.

"It's nice to meet you as well," I looked up toward the house. "This house is beautiful..."

It was on Figure 8. Standing 3 stories tall, and lifted about 10-15 feet off the ground by large pillars. It was ocean front and about 3,500sqft. The outside was a light shade of yellow, and had a large metal sun tacked onto the front door. The place did truly live up to its name, but it was too large for me. I was trying to stay more low-key and not attract too much attention to myself.

"And while I do love it, do you have anything a bit smaller? It's only going to be me...and well," I paused, "Between us, I'm trying not to draw too much attention to myself."

She smiled and nodded, "I understand completely. I think I might have the perfect one for you. It's still on Figure 8, but it's very close to the boarder of the Cut. Would that be something you'd be interested in looking at?"

"That sounds good to me. I would love to have a look at it."

"Great. Just follow me then!"

We both got in our cars and headed to the second house. It was a good ways away. And she was right, it was very close to the Cut. But I didn't mind. I have never really understood the whole separation of the island thing. It just seemed so silly and unnecessary.

She took a left turn down a long gravel driveway that was lined with large pecan trees. I followed behind, slowly, trying not to accidentally throw up gravel and dent the Camero.

A house finally came into view and it was the one. I could immediately tell. Honestly I didn't give a damn what the inside looked like, it could be updated anyways. This was definitely my house.

Before Rose even shut her car door I told her I'd take it. She had a confused expression but definitely wasn't going to turn down the sale.

"Well let me at least take you inside before we get the paperwork started?" She suggested and I agreed.

It was a beautiful old Victorian style farmhouse. It was white, but the paint was chipping away. There was a wrap around front porch with the cutest spindles. There was even a turret and a few stain glass windows. Oh and the lawn was a little overgrown, but it had a lot of potential. I mean we basically walked through a small flower garden to get to the front door.

It was all such a dream. My dream house.

Rose unlocked the door and showed me around. It was outdated, but it had good bones. There was all original hardwood floors and built-in's that really sold it even more for me.

After touring the 3 bedrooms and 2 & 1/2 bathrooms, we finally sat down at a table in the dining room to start on paperwork.

Thumbing through pages and signing here and there. We made some small talk.

"So what brings you to OBX?" Her brown eyes glanced up at me from a small pile of papers.

"I wanted a fresh start. I needed a change. I want to make a life for myself, by myself. So here I am." I spoke as I signed another paper, taking time to make sure I signed it correctly. I was so use to signing my real full name. Which was Marlana May Edwards, but she died as soon as I arrived here. Here I was reborn as Lana Luella, taking the surname of Luella from my Grandmother.

Making a whole new identity for myself was surprisingly easy, but then again I've had this whole plan in motion for years. And when you have the money, nothing is impossible.

"Oh and I forgot to ask, how will you be paying for the house? Will you be taking out a mortgage?  Or writing a check? I can recommend an amazing lender to you." She pushed more papers over to me to sign.

"I have cash to pay in full." I swiped my pen across yet another line.

I could've sworn she made a gasping sound, but quickly covered it by clearing her throat. "That's wonderful. Now let me get all these papers together and get the process started."

"Thank you, Rose."