7 Year Itch

1. Arrival

"Slow down" I begged whilst I attempted to drag my case up the steps, desperately trying to keep up with him and not obstruct the passengers behind me. You would have thought for a ferry holding that many people they would have put ramps instead of steep staircases to allow you to access the lounge. Of course, carrying a 25kg suitcase when you are only five foot four did not make the climb any easier. I could have had help, but no, I had to be my stubborn independent self, and by this point I already regretted it. Not that I would admit that out loud to him, although the smug look he threw back as he made it to the top, told me he was already very aware of my feigned strength.

With a sigh I finally reach the top of the stairs and grinned triumphantly, although looking back at the line I had caused, made my grin quickly turn into an apologetic smile as I rushed to get out of the way. I pulled my suitcase along to the bench Jacob was lounging on and could not help but roll my eyes when he chuckled "took your time Miss Muscles". I knew he was just teasing; he would have helped me in a heartbeat if I had asked or accepted his numerous offers.

"You okay?" I asked Jacob, when I noticed he was typing away on his phone with a frown on his face.

"Yeah. Just making sure we're on the right ferry." He smiled as he looked at me.

"How long does this take again?" I asked, lifting my legs up, so they rested on my suitcase.

"erm, roughly about 40 minutes, then an hour to get to Dads" Jacob replied putting his phone away in his pocket.

I nodded and yawned into my hand, as he scooted closer, so I could lean my head on his shoulder. We stayed in that position, both too tired to move and not hungry enough to go find the bar in the suite next door. It wasn't long until we noticed land ahead, and a small part of me started to worry. What if his dad didn't approve?

"Do you think your dad will like me?" I asked turning towards Jacob.

"Of course, he will, don't be silly. He will love you. Besides, I love you, so it doesn't matter." A small smile formed as he professed his love for me, and his words helped to dissipate my worries.

"Come on. Best get a head start down the stairs, or no one else will make it off before it leaves again" Jacob smirked as he rolled his bright blue suitcase towards the stairs. I gave him my best evil eyes before I chased after him, adamant to beat him to the stairs. If I was slow, then he could suffer behind me, which he realised as I cut in front of him with an evil chuckle.

It was not long after we reached the deck that the doors opened allowing for passengers to dismount. A friend of Jacob's dad was picking us up, so for the moment I was not panicking.

Aggi was a short woman, stocky and sixty-ish, with a silver pixie cut and a yellow sundress. She was so friendly and welcomed us with a hug, even though I had just met her, I knew I already liked her.

The trip to the house was beautiful, every bend revealing another beautiful beach or cliff side. The sea was calm, the sky so blue it looked fake and the way the sun beamed down made everything seem blissful. The scenery calmed my nerves enough that I found myself laughing along with Jacob and Aggi as they recalled stories of his dad, whom Aggi had known since he moved to the island 16 years ago.

"How're you feeling?" Jacob asked, referring to my travel sickness.

"Yeah I'm okay. I'm concentrating on holding on more than feeling ill" I laughed, a sly comment about Aggi's need for speed. Jacob chuckled, nodding in agreement

"Tell me about it. I'm getting a bicep work out with how strongly I'm holding onto the window frame"

I immediately looked to his bicep, which flexed every time we rounded a corner. He cleared his throat which caused me to look up to his eyes and notice the promise in them, causing me to blush profusely at his expression.

This subtle flirting never failed to cheer me up, that look in his eyes could instantly change my mood. I grinned back at him before continuing to look out the window, noticing how busy the town centre was. People and cars were everywhere, and it was easy to see the split. The tourists were struggling to navigate the busy roads, whereas the residents strolled around with ease.

Within the hour, we reached a sandy track that led to his Dad's house. You could walk the track quite easily, but it was set back enough behind the olive trees to be very private.

A stocky man, with greying hair and tanned skin stood waiting at the open gates, a big smile on his face. We got out of the car and I held back slightly as Jacob approached his dad, embracing him in a hug. It warmed my heart to see the way Jacob's eyes lit up as he squeezed his dad.

"Ella, this is my dad Jeremy" Jacob introduced with a smile.

Jeremy smiled kindly towards me "Its lovely to finally meet you Ella! I hope you have been keeping this one on his toes" he chuckled with a head tilt towards Jacob.

Come on you've got this. "It's nice to meet you too. Thanks for letting us stay. And yes, I try my best!"

"You are always welcome here; Jacob knows you both are. Right let us get these bags in shall we. Lindsey!" He shouted for his wife.

"I'm coming I'm coming. Ooh Jacob, welcome back! Your dad has been pacing all morning waiting for you to arrive. And this must be Ella. Hello, I'm Lindsey, Jeremy's wife"

"Hi, it's nice to meet you. Thank you for welcoming us into your home and Jacob has been just as excited" I greeted, whilst watching Jacob help his dad with the bags and laugh at something Aggi said.

They walked over and Jacob insisted on carrying my bag this time, and not wanting to cause a fuss in front of his parents, I agreed. The whole building was three stories, white, with pebble trim and the typical terracotta roof tiles. There was one apartment at the top where Jeremy and his family stayed. Then below it was seven apartments for holiday makers.

Our room was on the first floor, with its own balcony which had a table and chairs that would be perfect for breakfast. Inside was an open plan kitchen living area with a dining table, sofa and TV. The bedroom was off the entrance hall and the bathroom was to the side of it. The whole apartment was white with orange and blue accents to it, the floor had cream tiles throughout to keep you cool in the summer heat.

"Well, I will leave you to get unpacked and settled. If you need anything, just let me or Lindsey know. I was thinking we could go out to eat together tonight if you guys want to. That place down the road that we went to last time Jacob?" Jeremy said.

"oooh yes. Ella that is the one that has the chicken souvlaki wrapped with bacon and stuffed with cheese. You want to go?"

"Yes of course. I am starving! What time?" I asked Jeremy.

"About eight-ish?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. We both nodded. "Great we will meet you by the pavilion. See you in a bit" he waved as he walked out, closing the door behind him.

Jacob made sure to lock the door, before turning towards me with a smirk. The look in his eyes and the way he squared his shoulders told me we would not be unpacking any time soon. I replied with a smirk of my own as he led me into the bedroom.

END OF CHAPTER 1

Comment, Vote, Follow & Share!!