Ungullible

Chapter 13: CONFRONTATION.

The trip had been incredible so far. I may not have participated much in the activities that Abbie and her friend Mabel suggested, but being a spectator had its own charm. This trip allowed me to get to know Jason's cousins and spend time with his adorable little nephew. That boy was everything to his mother, and watching their bond was heart-warming. Everyone was so lively and welcoming, it made it easier for me to forget about everything else.

It helped me push aside the thoughts that had started creeping in when we first arrived. Jason seemed a little worried, but I couldn't let him focus on me and my worries now. Abbie was fully immersed in the trip, diving into every activity. While I may have stepped back from some things, it still felt peaceful.

But my quiet moments came late at night when everyone was asleep. My secret trips to the beach were the highlight of my days. The sound of the waves and the cool breeze reminded me of my mother.

FLASHBACK

"Novcy, darling, come here!" I heard my mother's voice calling, her tone full of warmth. I was only eight, and we were at the beach, sneaking out while Dad wasn't around. It was our little adventure, and it felt magical.

She stood in the water, her arms outstretched, waiting for me. I ran across the sand, my feet kicking up grains as I hurried toward her, and when I reached her, I leaped into her embrace. She spun me around, and our laughter echoed through the air.

She gently set me down and squatted to be at my eye level, her hands resting on my shoulders.

"Baby, do you love coming out here with me?" she asked, her eyes full of affection.

"Yes, mummy, I really do!" I answered, excitement bubbling in my voice.

"And you like the beach?" she asked, and I nodded eagerly.

She smiled, standing tall again. "Then let's learn something together. It'll be our secret dance, okay?"

I watched as she moved gracefully in the water, and I tried to copy her every move.

"This dance was taught to me when I was about your age," she explained, her voice soft. "It was something my mother loved to do. It always reminded me of her."

"So, grandma taught you this?" I asked, struggling to keep up with the steps.

She turned to me and smiled. "Yes, it was our secret dance back then. Now, it's ours."

"Really, mummy?" I asked, my heart soaring with happiness.

"Yes, darling," she said, pulling me into a hug. "Now it's ours."

FLASHBACK OVER

I smiled to myself, reminiscing about the past. Not everything from it had been bad, and I was grateful for the memories that still brought warmth.

It was our last day of the trip, and we were heading to the beach market before leaving tomorrow. Abbie grabbed my hand, pulling me forward with excitement.

"Let's go, the market doesn't stay open all day!" she called out to the group.

As we walked ahead, Abbie's voice softened, a hint of guilt in it. "I'm sorry I didn't spend more time with you on this trip."

"Hey, don't worry about me," I reassured her. "I'm having the best time of my life. Just focus on having fun, okay?"

Her eyes lit up, and she hugged me tightly. "Really? You're the best," she said, and just then, Mabel caught up and interlocked her arm with mine too.

"What are you two talking about?" Mabel asked with a grin.

"Nothing, just convincing Novie here to have more fun," Abbie said, her voice playful.