-Star of my Sea-
Liana’s POV
I wake witha major pain in my head. I’m in the unfamiliar surroundings of my new bedroom. Suddenly all of last night’s memories flood back. Putting a hand on my head, I moan and turn onto my stomach. We almost got busted on the way back home; it was at least three am.
The glowing red figures to my left announce that it’s one thirty. Sighing heavily I remember Liam and Stella were out sailing since ten. Poor kid, I think.
I stumble out of bed, turning on the shower in the en suite to full power. When I’ve showered and dressed in a pair of jeans and a big hoodie I head downstairs to where Sam is watching cartoons, and some leftover pancakes are left on the counter. I smile to myself, open the fridge, grab some juice and put on some coffee, and then finally I sit down to eat.
I physically cringe as I remember being all over Stella’s guy, Roger. I don’t know why the hell I did that, I think. I may hate her but he likes her.
I’m gazing out the double doors, down the tumbling hill to where the sea is visible. I have a huge hangover, yes: but I need air.
“Sam! I’m gonna go out, is that okay?”
He grunts in response. Sliding open the doors, I jog down, feeling the fresh sea breeze on my face. I can smell salt and roses. The heat of the sun warms my back.
I don’t know where I’m going but I need to get out of the house. Continuing down the hill, I spot the neon lights of the boardwalk, but I ignore it, seeking some alone time, which is unusual for me.
A sign nearby declares: “Main Beach” and underneath it says, with an arrow pointing right: “Moonlight Bay”. It sounds pretty so I head down there.
I think about Mum and Dad. Away in Kenya…I mean, what came over them to think they could survive in a place as horrible as that? Oh, God, I think about mum showing up with a big D&G suitcase and Dad with his Rolex. They will look so horrible and pretentious and snobby.
Then it hits me. That’s probably what the locals think about me, no? They probablyare thinking the same about me. I’ve never really been accepted. Mum and Dad moved around a lot, and I was always the one with Tiffany’s hairclips and Ralph Lauren sweaters. I never really fitted in.
Maybe this is a chance to really fit in? Be nice, be cool, be the person I’ve always wanted to be? It’s easier said than done, that’s for sure…but can you at least try?
I lie back on the sand. Maybe we could make a start. I press my hands into the grainy sand; my eyes are squinting against the sun. It’s so peaceful here. Quiet.
After another couple come, obviously on some form of date, I leave. I mosey up the cliff walk and to the boardwalk. Since there is a maximum of 200 residents living in this village, they stare at me, wondering “who is this wanderer with the Levi’s jeans?”
I stop at Peggy’s Parlour, the place I met Roger, Steven and the rest. Not first met, obviously, because I’d spent two weeks here every summer. I just…talked to for the first time, maybe.
At the counter, a cute boy of about fifteen stands at the counter. He’s got spiked auburn hair, brown eyes and a button nose. I resist the urge to flirt as I order my chocolate ice-cream.
“Haven’t seen you around before,” he says as he scoops the ice-cream into a tub. “What’s your name?”
“Liana,” I reply, leaning against the counter. “What about you?”
“I’m James,” he says, handing me my ice-cream. He’s added sprinkles and raspberry sauce. “Where are you staying?”
“Uhm, do you know Stella Stevenson and Liam Stevenson? They live up in, uhm, Foxglove Cottage or something.” I say, taking a stool up by the counter.
“Oh, Stella! I go to school with Stella. She’s great.” I feel a pang of jealousy. “So, you her long-lost sister or somethin’?” he asks.
“Nope, cousin,” I say, mouth full with the delicious ice-cream. “I’m sorry, but this is soo good!” I dig in with the spoon he gave me.
“You could do with it,” he says. “You’re like, skin and bone.”
I stop, looking down at my bony hands. Suddenly everyone around me looks normal, less “fat”, healthy and full of life with shiny hair and smooth skin.
I laugh awkwardly. “Really? Then maybe I could use another…”