Right Here Waiting For You [Published]

Chapter 1

~ Nicole ~

It feels as the drive along the coastline was endless as we head towards Canary Bay. I gaze out of the window of my father's car, enjoying the feeling of the wind in my face. I wished we were there already, but it was at least another fifteen minutes until we reached our destination. Every year Dad and I travel to the bay just after New Year's, where we spend the rest of January at the beach house he own. The house is right by the beach, which is one of my favourite things about it. I can visit the beach every day I'm here.

Another reason I love coming here is that Dad and I get some alone time, just the two of us. My mother died during childbirth. We rarely talk about my mother, even though I would like to. I often wonder what she was like, but my father doesn't like to talk about her. I have often caught him close to tears, or crying and doing his best to hide it from me. Hearing her name can cause him the pain I often see in those eyes, but since it is my middle name, we cannot escape it. I don't use it or say it often.

The last time we talked about my mother was the day I turned thirteen. He gave me her anklet, with a heart charm engraved with the words '4ever'. I have never taken it off since that day. Handing me the anklet in a small box, my Dad told me a few things about my Mum, some made me cry, others made me laugh. I felt closer to her when he told me about her dreams, and how she wanted to travel the world. She loved learning new languages, and was able to speak three. I saw the pain in his eyes as he told me these things about the woman who had given me life. I wished I had the chance to have met her and gotten to know her. Dad said she was a kind happy person who everyone admired, and he even says I remind him of her. I inherited her blonde hair, blue eyes, and her personality.

I am taken from my thoughts as the car comes to a stop and I realise we are there. The excitement I feel I'm sure can be seen on my face. I jump out of the car onto the gravel driveway, not waiting to collect my bags. I stand and face the sea, allowing the warm breeze to blow over me. I can taste the salt in the air, and that is something about this place that I love. I should offer to help dad, but I'm transfixed by the ocean. I close my eyes, picturing myself lying on the beach for the summer. I hear my father open the boot of his Ford Territory, and removed the luggage I'm supposed to be helping him with. I spin around when he calls my name.

"How do you feel about unpacking and then I'll fix us lunch?"

I smile, and nod. "Sounds great, Dad."

Dad returns my smile. I grab my suitcase and head towards the stairs of the veranda. I place one foot on the bottom step when I hear a second car pulling into the driveway. I stop in mid step, too afraid to turn around, but have to, to know who has joined us. I have a feeling I know, and my heart sinks as I realise I am right. The black BMW pulls up behind my Dad's car. The doors swing open and I watch Jayden climb out of his parents' car. I want to scream and tell them to leave, that this vacation is about us, not time to spend with my so-called boyfriend. I was looking forward to this vacation being just Dad and me.

I remain rooted to the spot as they greet one another. I wish my father had warned me. I could have had time to prepare, but what I did not get was why the Masons were here at all. I was sure they had plans for the summer. I was so happy when we graduated from high school. It meant I didn't have to see Jayden every day. I tried my best to avoid him, but as our families did so many activities together, it was hard.

I was glad when our families had different plans over the Christmas break. I got to enjoy the holiday without having to worry about seeing him since he spent Christmas with his family in the mountains. I looked forward to the remainder of the holidays without them, but they were here now. I guess their plans changed.