First Love's Second Chance

Chapter 2

Jenna

I didn’t expect to see Deacon last night. It’s no secret that we’ve been avoiding each other, so when Mum mentioned he lived in town I half expected him to go away for the weekend. Because that’s how long I’m here for. I think.

When I get downstairs, my mum is in the kitchen, her favourite room in the house as it is mine, making breakfast.

“Mmm, smells good,” I inhale the sweet smell of pancakes, “I was going to make some breakfast muffins, but you’ve beaten me to it.”

“I was up early, so I thought I’d do it,” She hands me a cup of coffee as I sit in one of the chairs at the little table in the corner, “It was nice to see Deacon last night.”

“Was that your plan, Mum?” I pour some sweetener in my coffee, “To reunite us? We’re not best friends anymore.”

“I know that, baby. But you’ve both changed so much. Emma and I thought it was time you saw each other again.”

“That wasn’t your decision to make. I’m with Kip, and I don’t think he’ll appreciate people playing games.”

“Oh, Jen –“

She is interrupted as Kip comes into the kitchen, fully dressed in his suit and ready for work.

“You came all the way here, to stay the night?” My mum questions him, grabbing a cup for coffee.

“No coffee, thank you. I only drink organic. And something has come up at work, Mrs. Rivera, I am sorry.”

“Organic.” Mum snorts, and I can't help but laugh. She places a plate of pancakes on the table for me, covered in maple syrup and bacon. Just how I like it.

“Jenna, baby.”

Not in my mum’s house.

“It’s organic milk, Kip. Haven’t you got to rush?”

Kip looks at his watch, “Actually, yes.”

He kisses me on the cheek, thanks my mum for her hospitality, like she’s running a bed and breakfast. As he leaves. I notice  he’s catching the train back into the city, and he leaves my car outside the house.  I turn to look at my mum and she’s got her hands on her hips and tapping one foot.

“What was that about?”

“Kip likes organic, and he’s a vegetarian. So I don’t eat meat in front of him.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“It’s his lifestyle, Mum. Can you keep the pancakes? I want to go for a run before I eat.”

“Since when do you run?”

I wish everyone would just stop treating me like I’ve come from some foreign planet.

“Since I live near the Thames and it’s relaxing to run.”

Mum shrugs, and drops the subject, something I’ve always been grateful for, and puts my plate in the microwave.

“I love you, Mum.” I jump up, stretching and put my earphones in, “I won't be long.”

I set off along the harbour, past the quay where a few fisherman are unloading their morning catch, and down onto the beach. It’s a quiet and warm Saturday morning, high season hasn’t hit yet, and very few locals get up early on Saturdays. It’s just me, and the beach. And Deacon Reid. Oh god, he runs too? Oh, god. He’s shirtless, and running in my direction. I try my best to pretend not to see him, and I think he’s attempting to do the same, but the beach thins out and there’s no way we can run past each other without feeling awkward.