The Melody Of Us

In the Beach House (Part 1)

"What are you doing here?!" I exclaim, taken off guard.

He smiles his usual smile and shrugs. I shake my head and try to make sense of this whole situation.

Why didn't Cath tell me about this plan? Rather, why didn't he tell me? There I was, freaking out and not enjoying the thought of actually staying in a beach house. And here, the plot has been edited new.

"Don't think too much, Liana. Just know that Cathleen Stone never works on her impulse. She uses that goddamned clever brain of hers and has the solution to every little issue." He winks.

Oh, Gabriel Stone. My rock.

"Shut up and give me a hug. I've been worried sick." I snap and literally pull him for a hug.

He obliges and wraps his arms securely around me. It feels like home again. His scent overpowers my senses and I find myself falling in his embrace.

"Say it, sweetheart. You have missed me." He chimes, like the jerk he is.

"Get your ego in check, Mr. Stone." I mutter and close my eyes.

Who am I even kidding? I've missed him like crazy. And it had been only one freaking day. What will I do if and when I leave London? After all, the deal was only for one year...

The sole thought of it makes me uncomfortable. It's scary how I've adapted to this huge city so easily. And somehow, I've stopped missing my old home. I never thought I'd admit it, but I'm really happy here. Even if it means living under the same roof as Myra Jane.

Gabriel brushes his hand over my hair and brings me back from my chain of thoughts.

"What's wrong?" He jerks away to have a look at my face.

"Nothing. Just tired. That's it." I shrug it off and take a deep breath in.

We pull away from the hug and start walking towards the beach house. Gabriel's arm loops around my shoulders and I fix mine around his waist. If Cath sees us like this, she'll start with her useless speculations.

"So, you ready?" He asks.

"Do I look like I'm ready?"

No, Gabe. I'm freaking out. I'm afraid I'll shit my pants or start puking like a kid and make a complete fool of myself in front of an audience.

"Hey, it's okay. This is where you start with your journey to achieve perfection and what you had been aiming for. I know you can do it. Then why can't you have faith in yourself? I peg you as a confident and self-made girl. Don't make me question my observation."

I laugh nervously. The first impression that everyone gets of me is confidence. How can I tell them that deep inside, that confident girl was murdered? That she fights and struggles every single day to get back her gold.

"You know what? Keep memorising Cath's teachings: it'll be fine. Trust me, she ignites the vibes of a fortune teller." He jokes and manages to make me feel better.

We reach the threshold of the beach house and I take my time to mull over the beauty and simplicity of this work of art.

The wooden steps lead to the main door of the house. There are floor-to-ceiling glass windows, at the side opposite to the door, that overlook the beach.

There are two floors; ground and first. The ground floor comprises of the living area, the kitchen along with the dining area, a bar and a pantry.

The wooden flooring allows my boots to make some sound and alert the rest of the group of our arrival.

Cath walks out of the pantry, followed by Janice. They both gape at us, smile knowingly and then turn around to head for the kitchen.