The Seaside Retreat

Chapter 42

"Did you arrange this all by yourself?" I asked Seth, touced by his gesture. I could feel a smile beginning to spread across my face at his thoughtfulness. He gave a grin and nodded his head toward the chair, which I quickly sat in. There were two cups situated on the table in front of us. Upon closer inspection I saw that they were filled with tea. I took a long, much needed drink before putting the cup down. 

For a moment, we were both silent, content to just be in each other's company. I finally broke the silence."Thank you for this. With today being so crazy and all, it's nice to be able to relax." I said, grateful for the sweet gesture. He shrugged, waving it off as if it was no big deal. But it was a big deal. At least for me. "I mean it, Seth." As I said this, I leaned across the table, gently grabbing his hands. His touch sent pleasurable shivers up my arms as I gave his large hand a squeeze. 

I could see a mischevious smile begin to form on his lips. "That's me! Seth, the caring one." I couldn't help but laugh at him. I rolled my eyes at his smug expression, but didn't comment on it. because even though Seth defiently made my night more bearable, he still couldn't make me forget about tomorrow. Leaving my family and friends, living across the country, would be hard in so many ways. I would be leaving everything I'd ever known behind, and frankly, that seemed downright terrifying. But, at least I'd have Seth, who would help me out, and Mr. and Mrs. Westerfeld, who were very kind people. 

I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't even notice Seth get up from his chair. He gently stroked my hair, and I leaned into his touch. I smiled up at him and stood up. His strong arms immediately wrapped around my waist and began to make small circles on my back. His touch instantly soothed me, and I leant into his chest, leaning my head against the crook of his neck. Seth was the perfect height for me, I realized, as we embraced. We fit together perfectly, like two puzzle pieces. In this moment, it was easy to forget about how much my life was going to change tomorrow morning. I could banish the lingering thoughts of Mason leaving so unexpectdly and the resaons behind it.I could just focus on Seth, of his toned arms wrapped around me in a tender embrace. 

I didn't even realize I was crying until I felt the teardrops falling down my cheeks.

That night, I couldn't sleep. I was restless, tossing and turning constantly. I sat upright, running a hand throught my hair, completly frustrated. How was I going to be able to function properly tomorrow if I couldn't even get to sleep? I glanced over at the clock, seeing that it read 2:00 in the morning. I groaned, pulling a pillow to my face and screaming into it. 

Go to sleep Violet. Go to sleep. I layed back down, pulling the covers back over me and closing my eyes, hoping sleep would come soon. I concentrated on the sound of the ocean, the calming effect of the seaside waves that could be heard in the distance. 

My mind slowly started to unwind, all my worries and fear, uncertaintes and nervousness starting to disappear as my mind slowly drifted to unconsciousness. My last thought before falling asleep was of Seth.

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Thank you for your overwhelming support of this story! Thanks to everyone who has added this story to their library, commented, voted, or read it. And I'm sorry this chapter is short. It is just a filler chapter. Next chapter Violet leaves for California!!