Chapter One: Breath of Salt

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The wind felt different that day. The sky was painted with white cotton patches that had been left over from the previous day's rain. Morning dew and soft sunlight eased the harsh heat of the mid-summer day. This did nothing to dampen her rising body temperature. Her chocolate hair played with the breeze as her body worked to keep her bike moving. Her face shined with a thin layer of sweat from the vicious workout she had accidentally gotten into.

"Stupid hill," she said with narrowed eyes glittering with determination. She was already nearly over it but the last little bit had gotten the best of her. She had received many different looks from passersby, most amusement. The girl didn't give up though. That's how she always had been. She'd push and push as much as she could. There was just one thing. Her legs gave out suddenly, letting her roll backwards. Putting a foot down to stop herself, she let out a defeated sigh. She lugged her tired limbs off of the small piece of rusty machinery and walked it alongside her. Oftentimes, she'd take the easy way out in the end. Whether it was good or bad, it got her through. She went by many names, most of which had been given by her older brother. The one most knew her by was Bellarose.

A rainbow of curse words corrupted her lips. She just wanted to go home. So, finally over the humongous dirt clump of a hill, she pulled herself back onto her small metal monster to finish her journey.

The rest of the ride was rather pleasant, momentum pulling her forward at a delightful speed. Bellarose smiled softly, happy to feel the fresh breeze cooling her face.

"A beautiful day indeed," the elated teen hummed gleefully. She found herself admiring the colorful surroundings of their small island. Trees towered above, shielding from harsh sun rays while ferns and other greenery carpeted the ground. Colored tropical flowers pulled the landscape together, each one having its own imperfections and unique details. It truly was beautiful. The scenery was a big reason why she loved it there. Another aspect being just beyond the treeline. Yellow sand filled beaches bordered the clearest of oceans.Ah, she could smell the dead fish from here. Bellarose's favorite part of the island though, were it's inhabitants.

After long last, her brother's house came into view. Excitement led her onward. The excitement of being back with her big, soft, beautiful bed. Bell easily pulled into the driveway and stored her bike in the garage before sprinting towards the door. The house wasn't all too big, having only two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small kitchen, a living room and a garage but it was decent for being the home of two college students, or rather, one and a half. Lala still lacked a few months before she was a full-fledged college student. It had a pretty plain exterior with a light blue coat of paint with white trim and brown shingles. It's a wonder how her older brother could afford it. The truth is, he couldn't, their parents could. Neither of the two siblings had jobs, deciding to focus more on their studies. Their parents were happy to support their two beautiful babies. Mostly because they felt guilty for neglecting them all their lives while they went out on supposed business trips to exotic places. Bell shook those thoughts away, not wanting to dampen her mood. She opened the door swiftly only to be met with the piercing blue eyes of her brother.

"Lala, where were you?" He asked with a hint of anger in his words. Bellarose gave him a confused look. He never got mad when she left. There's not many places to get lost on the tiny island.

"I just went to the Swine Herder's to grab my phone," both chuckled at the use of that nickname, tension leaving the room quickly. Bell weaved around him to get herself a glass of water. She felt dehydrated after that unexpected sweat fest.

"You can't call Felix and Jaime that just because their last name is Suarez,"

"Oh, come on Bassy, that's what it means." Lala touched the glass to her lips and took a couple large gulps. She leaned against the marble counter with the corner of her lips blooming a soft smirk. Sebastian shook his head as Lala set the glass in the sink. A question poked her mind soon after. "Also, why were you so mad at me a second ago?"

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