The Seaside Retreat

Chapter 32

Seth’s POV

I woke up to the sun blaring down on my face. I groaned, putting my pillow over my face and trying to fall back asleep. Suddenly remembering my plans for the day, I jumped up out of bed so quickly I almost gave myself whiplash. I stretched, and made my way to the closet. After I had chosen my clothes for the day, I walked over to the bathroom. While taking a quick shower, I thought about what I had planned.

 Today I was going to take Violet out on a REAL date. Going to the restaurant a couple of days ago didn’t count as a real date because Mason had shown up so unexpectedly. This would be our first date together; I just hoped Violet wouldn’t be too busy and could come.

I got out of the shower, putting on my clothes and drying my hair. I always dried it off with a towel. After brushing my teeth, I walked back into my room. After retrieving my iPhone and credit card off the side table, I opened my door. Making sure the door was locked I started to walk down towards the eating area. I knew I had to hurry or I would miss the lunch deadline. Lunch was my important meal of the day; I didn’t want to miss it.

 I was about to round the corner to reach the stairs when I almost ran into someone; Remmy. I did a double take, not quite believing she was standing right in front of me. However, when I looked back, she was still standing there, her presence undeniable.

 For a second, neither one of us said a word. The silence was unnerving, like the quiet before a storm. I stared at her, at her deep green eyes, and saw shock and uncertainty in them. I refused to allow myself to think too much about our past together; I knew it would still be too painful. The hurt she caused me last year still pulsed through my veins, genuine and true. I still had a hard time believing and accepting that she had used me. And with this thought she spoke for the first time.

 “Seth?” Her voice was soft, unsure. “What-what are you doing here?” she asked me, curiosity evident in her voice. When I didn’t respond, because I was still feeling a little unforgiving, she tried again. “I mean, seriously, what are the odds of both of us being here, across the country, at the same hotel?” She grinned and laughed a little, but when she found she was the only one laughing, she stopped. Blushing, she looked down at her fingers.

 "Look,” she said her voice soft. She wouldn’t make eye contact with me. “I know I didn’t give you a nearly good enough explanation last school year. I hurt you, and when I saw how sad it made you, I felt terrible. Terrible.” She finally looked up, and I saw that her eyes were fierce and passionate. “You have to believe me when I say I felt completely rotten for what I did to you. I know I’m the worst person in the world for hurting a guy as sweet as you are, and I’ll never forgive myself.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “I know I don’t deserve your apology for what I did, because what I did to you was unforgivable, but I just had to let you know how I felt. I wanted you to know that I didn’t just walk away from what we had and live happily ever after. It hurt me inside to see you hurt.” She stopped talking, daring me to respond.

 I figured now was as a good a time as any to finally speak. I thought about what I should say. Although it would be hard to let it go, I knew it was the right thing to do. And suddenly, I knew that what I was about to say was true. I smiled at her. “Let’s just put it behind us. It was last year, and when school comes around again this fall, it’ll be a fresh start. No more grudges. A clean slate. What do you say?”

 She looked at me, gaping before a huge grin lit up her face. “Really?” She asked, relief and happiness in her voice. I nodded my head. “Thank you so much!”