Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Beach (07/04/05)
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TITLE: Beach (ii) | Previous Challenge Entry
By Angel L
07/07/05 -
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I remained seated, quietly observing the excited faces of disembarking passengers. They all looked so happy, so carefree.
A year ago I was like them, so excited, so sure of myself and the way my future was going. My career in advertising was going well, I was respected in my chosen field. I have a group of friends who were both supportive and fun to be with. Above all, I was engaged to my childhood sweetheart.
I sighed, grabbing my bags and trudging off the now empty bus. I flicked my sunglasses down from my head and onto my nose and walked towards the reception office.
"Welcome ma'am, how was your trip?" a young receptionist asked with a smile.
"Long but fine." I replied with a forced smile. "I have a reservation, it's under my name, Brianna Santos."
The receptionist checked her computer then grabbed some keys, "Ah yes, your room will be one of the cottages on the west side. You'll have a great view of the ocean." she enthused while handing me the keys.
I quickly thanked her and proceeded to locate my cottage. It didn't take me long to find it, I must admit the view is spectacular! From my window I can see the whole stretch of the beach, hear the laughter of the people basking under the sun. I inhaled the salty, earthy smell of the ocean. Memories came flooding back as strong as the waves that hit the enormous rocks in the middle of the vast water beyond.
Has it really been a year since I vacationed here with my friends and the man I was supposed to marry? Has it been a year since I unexpectedly met someone who showed me there was more to life than what I ever dreamed of? That there was more to love than settling with someone I don't really love?
Yet I was scared, scared to let down the people around me. I was afraid to say goodbye to Seth, the childhood love whom I don't really love. And I was terrified to open my heart to someone I barely know yet feel as if I've known all my life. I was afraid to embrace the unknown and the idea of what it might become.
I was scared to love Owen.
That last day when we met at the beach, he was sitting on a huge rock by the shore, looking so sad. It was on that fateful day when he said the words that have haunted me for a year...
"Brianna, I have never been so sure of anything in my life than what I feel for you. I don't fully understand it either, I just feel like we were meant to be and I'm willing to take the risk." he said softly, looking straight at me. "But if you have doubts, if you are uncertain of what you feel, I cannot force you. What I can tell you is this, if by any chance you are willing to take the risk, meet me here same time, same place, next year. I promise I will be here waiting.” he whispered.
Children's laughter jolted me back to reality. I glanced swiftly at my watch, it's almost time. I said a prayer for God to give me a sign. “Please God, if he’s the one I’m meant to be with, let him be here.”
I walked slowly towards the beach, my heart pounding in my chest. I still remember the huge rock where Owen made his promise last summer. I started to jog, anticipation and excitement engulfing me.
I stopped in my tracks, there was the rock, but Owen was nowhere to be seen.
Maybe it was all a lie, a joke. Maybe he had forgotten, perhaps it was not meant to be.
I started to turn back, my shoulders sagging. Just then I heard something, someone calling my name.
"Brianna!" he called. I turned around and my breath caught in my throat. It is him, it is Owen! The man I love.
We held each other for a long time, tears welling down both our faces. He peered at me through his tears and said with a grin, "You came back."
I smiled, "Yes I did." I answered.
As our lips touched everything else clicked into place. I am finally home.
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