Beach Side Romance

Olivia POV “Pumpkin, you’ve been out on that beach for over a week now… That bastard came knocking on my door the other night and it took me a load not to shoot him dead on our front porch” my dad said as he was talking to me on FaceTime. “I’m okay dad, really. I just need some time away from everyone a little bit more, okay? I’ll be back home before you even know it.” I answered, dodging his last statement about almost killing my ex for cheating on me with my so-called “best friend”. It was 7AM and the sun was rising perfectly on my balcony. About a month ago, I found out that my boyfriend of 4 years was cheating on me with my best friend. I’ve heard rumors about them but they were the two closest people to me apart from my family. But all it took was one night where they were both tipsy for me to see what they’ve been doing behind my back. I said my usual spiel to dad, and waved to mom who was watching from afar. She signaled her phone which means I will have an incoming text soon. Mom: He’s been calling and texting since you left Honey. We’re really thinking of doing something to that boy. Have you heard from him? Me: Yeah, Mom. Just do whatever will keep you guys sane and hopefully he’ll stop. No, I haven’t, but beats me. I’ve blocked him from anywhere and everywhere he could reach me. Even her. Mom: Ok, Hun. How are you though? Like really? Me: It’s been weird. I’m not used to being this vacant - you know? I mean, I know I took work with me but Mae and Pierre have been more than understanding and caring that I only need to clock-in when I feel like I could. But yeah, the beach is definitely amazing. This area where I’m in has a small resort. I’ve met the owner and his daughter, Lizzie. I went there a few nights back and got into talking with her, so she invited me over later today for their Happy Hour. I think it’s Luau themed or something. Mom: That sounds lovely dear. Well, I’ll talk to you soon. I’m pretty sure your Dad wants to know where you’ll be too. So please, tell him? Me: Sure, Mom. Love you, K? Tell the munchkin I said hi, and I love her. Mom: ❤️ Okay, so she’s not really my mom. She’s my step-mom, but I grew up knowing her so much more since I was 15 when I met her. A few years back they gave a then 20-year old me, a cute little sister, Andrea. She’s 5 now, and her bubbly little self always gave me the sweetest hugs and kisses. I quickly dropped my dad a voice message telling him how my day will go, and found myself scrambling out of bed and just going out to the balcony to soak up some Vitamin D.  It’s a Saturday, and that means I have more time than normal since there’s no work. As I was letting my mind wander around the beauty of the scenery and watching morning joggers out on the shore I started thinking about what I wanted to do today. Maybe run to the grocery store, drive around the area. Maybe stop by the mall to look for a dress tonight.  Coming back in the room, I looked around and thanked the heavens for mom’s boss who happened to be a good friend that lent me this getaway ‘for as long as I need it’. I honestly didn’t know until when I’ll be needing it, but I did promise her that I’ll keep it tidy, no house parties and no breaking of things. It’s a bungalow on the beach side, with 2 bedrooms and a good-sized living room and kitchen. It felt very home-y, the neutral colors of blues, whites and greys, the fluffy duvets and central air conditioning. I was surprised she wasn’t going out here every weekend, but maybe you get tired of it after a while, or maybe it’s just really a long drive from our area to here. Walking into the kitchen, I poured myself a glass of water and started making some coffee. When I got here, I checked the pantry and fridge for items available, and to my surprise it was well-stocked. Apparently, my mom asked their housekeeper to receive the groceries and stock-up. But I haven’t really been out so it was starting to deplete, and fast. Spinach and Mushroom with Cheese Omelette sounded good for an errands type of day. I made sure to put some coffee into the French Press as I prepared the ingredients. I put some bread in the toaster and before I knew it I had a good looking plate prepared before me. Sitting down on the bar counter, I took a pen and paper to scribble down some grocery items: Apple Juice Coffee Grounds Eggs Spinach Frozen Berries Chicken, Pork, Beef cutlets Flour Salt & Pepper Oil Pasta & Pasta Sauce Half way through writing it down, I thought of what I left back in the city. The memories, everything. It’s these random days that I couldn’t give myself the courage to carry on. Everyday I try to cry a little less, smile a little more. People at work have been very understanding, and grateful cannot cover the amount of gratitude I had for them. I dodge the how are yous, where are you, how’s today questions of everyone but sometimes I slip and say I’m okay, and wrap myself around after that call trying to hold back the tears for as long as I’m speaking.  Deep breaths, Olivia. I finished my food, and drank my coffee. Washing the dishes, I saw Lizzie message me just to remind me about tonight. “Yep be there before sunset.” I replied before hopping in the shower for a quick rinse. I love how after staying here for about a week, my skin has glowed a little more giving it that sheen tan I’ve always wanted to have. I quickly wore some gym clothes and headed out the door. I was driving around town the other night just familiarizing myself with the area. I knew I had to do it for some reason, so I had a good idea on where I’ll go for the most part. The grocery store, then the mall. There’s a strip mall nearby the grocery store both a 10-15 minute drive. So, it seems like it was a good bargain and I didn’t need to rush so much around. It took me an hour to finish my groceries. I wasn’t in a rush, and I actually wanted to buy so much from there. I ended up having 3 bags and a thermal bag for all frozen and poultry to carry back in my car. As I unloaded my things, I decided to take a walk instead of driving to the strip mall. Though the sun was shining brightly, the breeze helped alleviate the heat. I made a quick call to Lizzie to ask if she knew of any local boutiques that sell nice dresses and she recommended me to a*****e named “Pahuna” which means tropical in Hawaiian that sells cute beach dresses and items. I have a handful of beachwear with me but it never hurt to buy a little more. Walking around, I saw some small stalls that sold cute beaded necklaces and eventually ended in one where I bought myself a set of handmade jewelry, and I bought Andrea a cute little charm necklace to give her when I’m back home. I saw Pahuna from the corner of my eye, and walked towards the store after paying the nice young lady who gave me a good deal for all the things I bought. Entering Pahuna was like going inside Forever21 that was already on their summer collection. Everything you needed was there. I made sure to walk aisle by aisle and rack by rack of clothes. I had a bag full of things to try plus a cute rattan body bag, and 2 pairs of sandals. There were so many things I wanted to purchase but I ended up with a few items less. Still I had a good amount of retail therapy. I walked back to my car carrying a few more bags to unload when I get home but I had a good day, and I was actually able to buy the dress I wanted to wear tonight. Driving back home was a breeze. I had my window down and let the breeze consume me. It was a breath of fresh air, literally. I went inside the driveway and waved at the housekeeper who was about to leave after grooming the small garden outside. She was the sweetest old lady. Her grandson lives with her for this summer in a nearby cottage and she took him with her when I arrived, and he couldn’t be way older than Andrea. “Mrs. Willis, I bought your little boy these while I was grocery shopping earlier today” I said before she walked out. I have her 2 Kinder Joy eggs and she smiled at me. “Thank you, Sweetie. Brandon would love this so much.” I asked her to have breakfast with me during the week and to bring Brandon over. The first few nights I was here, she made sure to bring me some soup for dinner since I wasn’t in the mood for anything. I agreed to see her again on Wednesday with her grandson so we can have brunch. I walked into the house carrying the groceries first and set them on the kitchen counter, and then went back for the rest of the stuff. Unloading my groceries, I opened my laptop to see if I had any e-mails from friends or work. I received one from mom’s boss, asking how I found the place, and if I had the chance to meet Mrs. Willis and her grandson. I quickly responded to her and thanked her again for letting me stay and getaway for a while which I instantly got a reply for “it’s nothing too fancy, dear Olivia. But take all the time you need. I don’t plan to go there over the summer anyway either.” As I read through her last response, I completed putting away all my groceries and preparing a sandwich for myself to eat before getting ready. I got back a little past 1PM, and I had plenty of time to spare. I lounged around the living room and watched a few episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S., eating my sandwich and some chips with a bottle of juice. It was a solemn time for me just sitting on a couch and eating.  Tonight wasn’t something I’m used to. Parties in general. But I needed some fresh air and a new scene more than ever. I wanted to be open and free. Being in Sandy Beach Point for over a week now was a start.