Chapter 4
Valarie stepped out of her room, closing her door behind her. She’d taken a little longer than she’d hoped, but she’d had to deal with her hair, which tended to flip out if she didn’t care for it closely. It was in urgent need of getting cut, but her mother refused to take her in until the end of the school year. So, Valarie had wasted nearly half an hour braiding and pinning back her hair. Finally, after what had seemed like an eternity, Valarie hurried into the living room.
“What took you so long, we’ve all been waiting!” Taylor demanded softly, immediately moving to Valarie’s side.
“My hair. You know how it gets. I had to pull it up.” She glanced over to the couple that sat on the couch beside Linette and Valarie’s father. “Who are they? The surprise guests?”
“Well, actually…” Taylor started, but was interrupted by Valarie’s father.
“Val, it’s about time you joined us. I have someone I’m sure you’ll be leased to meet.” He gestured behind her, and Valarie turned to see a young man. He was about her age, with ruddy brown hair that went in every direction and hazel eyes that reminded her of a kaleidoscope.
“Ryan?” she said in surprise. Then a smile broke out onto her lips and she hugged him to her. “Ryan! I can’t believe it’s you. You’re so, different!” she pulled back, smiling at him warmly.
“Well, Val, look in the mirror. I can’t believe you look like a girl! It’s kind of scary. I still thought you were a guy who liked to dress in princess costumes even after you left.” Valarie rolled her eyes, catching a glimpse of Taylor.
“Oh, Ryan! This is my friend Taylor. Taylor, this is Ryan. He was my best friend from when I still lived here.” Taylor shook Ryan’s hand, lifting her eye brows at Valarie.
"Nice one." She mouthed. Valarie blushed.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Taylor. Any friend of Val’s is a friend of mine.” He turned to smile at Valarie. “Always.” Valarie felt her face flush with embarrassment. Was he flirting with her? When they’d only just met? Well, not really, they’d known each other when they were little. But that didn’t count.
The door bell rung, interrupting Valarie’s thoughts.
“Oh! That must be Amy!” Linette cried, standing. Valarie glanced over at Taylor, who shrugged. This was the big moment, she was about to meet her illusive step-sister. The room fell silent as Linette opened the door, revealing a tall, skinny girl with sun kissed skin and long blonde hair. She sauntered in, dropping her suitcase on the floor, and surveyed the room. Her glittering blue eyes fell on Ryan, and she smiled, raising a trim eyebrow.
“Welcome back, dear! How was your trip?” Linette said closing the door. Amy continued to stare at Ryan, replying simply: “Fun.” Valarie couldn’t help it. She was staring. What else could she do? There was no doubt that Amy was beautiful, but… How could that come from Linette? There was no way that this woman was Linette’s daughter. None.
“Everyone, I’d like you to meet my daughter, Amy. I’m sorry she arrived so late; she’s been on a road trip with her friends for the last few weeks. She’s just graduated from the St. Mary’s school for girls.” Okay, so maybe Valarie was wrong, but, really? A school for girls produced that? Valarie was afraid to see the students from the normal school here.
“It’s a pleasure.” Amy said. Taylor snorted, causing Valarie to quickly glance over at her.
“Do you see this?” she mouthed, trying to hide a smile. Valarie began to regret looking at Taylor, because she too began to laugh.
Amy began walking forward, moving to Ryan’s other side. She sat, flipping her hair over her shoulder.
“Hey. I’m Amy. Now, who are you?” Could she make herself anymore obvious? Ryan glanced nervously over at Valarie and Taylor, then back to Amy, whose carnivorous smile grew wider.
“Um, Ryan?” He offered. Valarie couldn’t hold it back any longer. She stood, hurrying towards the back door.
“Excuse me,” Valarie murmured, voice practically dripping with laughter, before hurrying outside. One last look at the scene inside showed Ryan, staring wide eyed at her as if to say ‘Don’t leave me alone with her!’ That did it. Valarie burst into laughter. She’d seen the movies with the big bad blonde who ruled the school and thought she was the hottest thing on earth. But Valarie had never expected to meet one, let alone be related to one!
After a moment, when her laughter finally died down, Valarie decided that she needed a little more time alone. She wasn’t ready just yet to go back inside and rejoin the group. Ryan would just half to fend for himself for the moment.
Valarie left the deck and the small beach house behind, meandering down the path to the beach. It was a beautiful night. The breeze was cool and damp, carrying with it the scent of exotic flowers and sea water. Above the moon was glowing bright, its pencil line thin shape producing just enough light to see by. Even the stars seemed to be brighter, their light reaching the earth from millions of miles away. It was amazing how something so beautiful could be so untouchable.
Valarie reached the edge of the path. She looked down, and suddenly it was like that night so long ago. She was a little girl again, staring down at her slippers which were only inches away from touching the soft white sand. The decision, the point of no return. She could turn back and run to the house, forgetting that this night had ever happened. Or, she could take the chance that lay before her? And here Valarie was, once again balancing on the knife’s edge. Would she turn back, forget the feeling within her that urged her to move forward? Or would she take that step, and chance changing her life forever?
Valarie took a step forward. Then another. Then another. Then she was running, spinning, laughing. That weight that had been on her shoulders for so long was gone, and she suddenly felt as light as air.
And then she heard it, like an echo from the past. That laughter, she recognized it.
Valarie turned slowly, the sound of her pounding heart melding with the crash of the waves.
“Ah, little one. So you’ve finally returned. I wonder why whenever we meet, you are dancing?”
Eyes as blue as the summer sky…
The sea man.
