‘Your mother lied to you. That’s the truth.’
Out of the blue, my white I-phone goes off. It’s a text from my uncle.
I told Trevor I wouldn’t look at my phone while I was here, that I’d check it only when necessary. He hates it when I get side tracked by work. He wants to go dancing with me tonight since I only have a few days before I have to return to work.
Trevor and I have been together for 3 years. We were introduced by friends one evening and we've been dating ever since. Making the long distance relationship work has been tough but he invites me down to his place sometimes. Other times he comes and visits me back in New York. We never run out of things to do.
I open the double doors to the back porch of his bedroom which has a perfect view of the ocean. Florida is beautiful this time of year. Hot during the day and cool at night.
Trevor is lucky enough to own a two story house right on the beach. It’s white with yellow shutters and doors to match. Letting the breeze fill the room I place my red dancing dress on the bed and smooth it out.
I lie down on the bed and stare at my phone. The sound of the ocean is peaceful. The cool breeze kisses my warm tanned skin. I’m puzzled. Why is Uncle telling me this now? I stare at my phone a while longer when I hear Trevor calling me.
“Angela?” He calls. “Are you in here?”
His voice startles me. I drop my phone next to me and head into the kitchen to get a drink. I walk down the hallway and head to the fridge.
“Yes, I’m here. I’m just uh… getting some water.” I call back.
I roll my eyes. I’m the worst liar ever.
I open the fridge and begin to search for a water bottle when I feel familiar hands snake around my waist. Holding me against him with one arm he kisses my cheek before reaching in front of me to grab a water bottle. I blush as I reach up to take it from him hands.
“Thanks.” I say sarcastically.
His brown hair is spiked and his pale blue eyes are relaxed and as clear as the ocean surrounding us.
He smiles cheekily.
“No problem.” He winks before turning heading back out the door.
I lean against the fridge taking sips of water.
The message is still burned in my brain and it won’t go away. What could my mom have possibly been lying to me about?
I push the thought out of my memory. I only have so much time with Trevor and I won’t let this ruin my time with him. I’ll deal with it when I get back home.
I see Trevor’s blue T-shirt sitting on the back of the chair in the living room. I walk over and pull it over my bathing suit. I walk out the back doors to see him sitting on the porch. He’s strumming his guitar softly. The sun is beginning to set and it touches the crystal blue water.
The white sand appears orange under the twilight. I step out of the house and stand quietly behind him. Listening to him finish his song. He looks up and acknowledges me.
“Why, hello there.” He says.
“Hi.” I say smiling.
He puts the guitar at his feet.
“No don’t stop, I love hearing you play.” I place my hands on his shoulders.
“It’s okay, I’d much rather sit with you.” He reaches up and takes my hand guiding me to sit next to him.
I sit down and he places his hand lightly on my knee.
“The water really is beautiful today.” He mutters quietly keeping his eyes fixed ahead.
I place my water bottle next to me.
“It is.” I reply.
I look over at Trevor’s face. He’s emotionless and clearly deep in thought. I know that look well. I move my hand over his.
I ask him, “What’s on your mind?”
The waves have calmed and kiss the shore gently making one of my favourite sounds. A sail boat is in the distance and the families with their children are beginning to pack up and go inside.
He breathes out.
“I was just thinking about how I wish my parents were still around to see this.”
He looks at me.
“My mom would have loved you, and my dad would have treated you like the daughter he never had.”
He pulls me in closer and I rest my head on his shoulder.
Trevor’s parents died when he was young in a car accident. They were driving to work one day after he’d left for school. He doesn’t talk about them much, but I know he misses them a lot.
He kisses my forehead. “I’m really glad you’re here Angela.”
I smile, “Me too.”
