Chapter 3 Sunshine

Is it just me or is it brighter here than New York? Well obviously it should be, no more tall buildings or skyscrapers blocking the gorgeous morning sunlight. I throw one foot after the other walking through the trail. If I remember correctly, there’s a mechanic shop down this path and a bakery or cafe next door. 

I pulled out my phone to find a signal. The only downside was that my phone had really bad reception once I left the house and began walking. 

“Shit, still no bars! What am I going to do?”

The best part was, I kind of grew up here so I could never get lost, I think. I put down my phone and start to look around. 

“Wow it’s like I’m on a mountain.” 

I started taking a few pictures of the scenery and even some selfies. Hey, I never said Hannah was the only diva, I have my moments too! 

“These are adorable pictures.” I say. 

I text Hannah right away and send them to her. 

RING! RING!

Mom’s calling, I answered immediately with excitement. Somehow, I was able to get some bars on my phone. 

“Hi mom, I made it.”

“Hi sweetie, I was worried. Just thought I’d call to make sure you and your sister were okay! Well did you guys arrive safely? How was the flight? Do you like the house?”

“So many questions mom, I cannot begin to say how magical everything feels. I still feel like it’s all a dream. The flight was great and relaxing once I started listening to some music to block out Hannah’s yapping! But when I stepped into the house, it was magical, I felt like I stepped back in time. All my childhood memories started coming back. Toasting marshmallows, making s’mores, and listening to dad's story times of when you both met!” 

“Oh yes, those were the good old times, weren’t they? I miss them too sweetie, but life goes on, your father and I think this would be great for you. You can build upon those memories and make new ones with your sister. Ten years from now, you’ll be thanking us for this opportunity. Remember good memories don’t fade.”

“I know mom, I’m already so grateful for it all. I’ve even applied to a few jobs, hopefully I will hear from someone soon. Hannah is starting a job at the salon next week!”

“That’s exciting, send her my love.”

I see a random guy walking up to me. I don’t think I remember seeing him before when I was younger, but then again everyone grows and changes overtime. I’m a little nervous as he walks closer.

“I’ll talk to you later mom, just heading home now from my walk,love you.”

“Okay sweetie, love you too. Have fun, bye!”

“Have I seen you before?” The guy says walking up to me. 

“No, I’m new to town.” I replied. 

“New girl? Huh. I don’t usually see a list of new faces in the area. I kind of grew up here myself, I’m Jack by the way.” 

“Nice to meet you, I’m Carolina. I’ve been here before on vacation, my parents’ kind of own a ranch house down the road, but I came with my sister for the summer.” 

“Down the road, I also live in the area. Small world, that’s why you look so familiar. Do you remember Dave the candy man?”

“Dave! How could I forget? He used to chase my sister and I around, throwing candy at us. It was funny actually; he was like a real life walking piñata. Wait. Oh my gosh, you're that kid, aren’t you!”

“Yep! In the flesh.” Jack says with a smile. “I just loved teasing you and your sister back then, I believe you had a brother too. Damn, he was my partner in crime!”

“Yes. His name is Tanner and he's a musician now. He got an opportunity from Juilliard to go on a camping trip for the summer in Los Angeles. It’s kind of ironic, but it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I don’t want him to blow it. He really wants to go, but convincing my parents, especially my mom, is a major problem. My parents don’t really support his music career, they want him to be a lawyer just like my dad.”

“Ouch, that must be rough on him. Hopefully things work out for your brother. I wish I was that talented. My parents still live in the neighborhood but I’m planning to buy my own house here one day or anywhere around the world for that matter.”

I laugh. I can't believe I ran into my childhood piñata friend! Out of all the people in the world, I run into Jack. 

“Well, there’s a cafe up the hill and a mechanic shop across the street! If you ever need anything, here’s my number.” 

Jack pulls out a piece of paper and a pen from his bag, writes his number down and hands it over to me. 

“Thank you, I’ll be sure to add your number to my contacts, in case I get lost around here.”

“Sure thing.” He says.

I realized I’ve just walked in a huge circle and I’m so close to home again! 

“Well, it was nice seeing you again Mr. Dave! My house is just right up here.” I say with a chuckle. 

“Funny joke. You’ve always had such a nice smile, it feels so nice to see you again, I mean, after all these years! Take care Carol.”

“Bye!” I say with a smile. 

“See you soon.” He says smiling back at me.

I open the front door and place the keys on the side table. Everything is so neat and unpacked.

“Hannah, have we been robbed?” I say sarcastically.

“Oh Carol, you’re back. Great, now take these boxes and throw them outside in the trash or something. Just get rid of them please. Thank you.”

“Summer cleaning? What’s going on, I thought we would do this together?”

“What do you mean?” She asks.

“You know, the traditional unpacking and cleaning up, isn’t that the reason why I called and canceled the maid? I didn’t think you would do anything at all, no offense.” I say.

“None taken, don’t underestimate me missy. I’m still the older one! We need to take care of each other.” Hannah says.

“Thanks sis, mom also called. She wanted to check up on us, making sure we’re okay. She sends her love to you.” 

“Aww that’s sweet. I kind of miss mom and dad. I wonder when they’re leaving for London. So do you think they’ll take Tanner with them or will he go to camp?” She asks.

“Don’t know yet sis. Mom still hasn’t said anything about the camp. But over dinner she mentioned London and visiting aunt Clara, remember? So maybe that’s a sign she'll let Tanner go. He will call us if she says yes.” 

“You’re right, I guess. Well, what do you think? It’s completely girly now. Isn’t it?”

“Ummm. Yes, it’s incredible. You should start decorating homes now, guess that’s another one of your hidden talents. It’s lovely and cozy,I love it.”

“Yay! Awesome Carol, I knew you’d like it.”

“Of course! Well, speaking of like, do you remember when we would come here as kids and play around in the neighborhood? There was a little boy who lived in the area, and he would chase us and throw candy. He went by Dave the candy man.”

“Hmm. Doesn’t ring a bell.” Hannah says with a sigh. 

“Piñata, piñata, grab the candy and run!” I say with enthusiasm.

“Oh my god, you ran into him. That devil. He would never stop chasing us. I remember him, once I even fell too.”

“Then his dad came to help you up and couldn’t stop shouting at him.” I say.

“Yes well, I have nothing against his family. Wow, I can’t believe you ran into him. Did he chase you? Oh no, please, don’t tell me he chased you again. After all these years I’m going to get him back.” Hannah says with emphasis. 

“No relax. He’s not like that, remember we’re all grown up now, people change. Even him, he’s got a thin beard and he’s a bit taller than me. I was surprised after running into him, I couldn’t recognize him at first. Oh, also his name is Jack, he gave me his number.”

“He gave you his number?” Hannah asks, opening her eyes wide at me. 

“Yes, in case we get lost or need his help.”

“Carol, he has a crush on you. Don’t be foolish.” 

“Stop it! Seriously that’s not funny at all. Hush.” 

“Well, if the number is for emergencies, give it to me.” 

“I’ll text you the number. Now I’m going to take a long bath and relax in my new room.”

I walk upstairs to the bathroom. What if he does like me? Now I feel completely weird. Why would Hannah put that idea in my mind? I’m still not ready to move on from my last relationship. Ugh. Hannah why? I need a long bath; it’s been a crazy day! 

BUZZ! The sound of my alarm wakes me up as I roll out of bed. Today is my first actual day here in Pennsylvania. If this is going to work, I need to wear my best outfit for my interview at the Stars Hotel. I need this job; I can’t be sitting around wasting time. 

“Carol, shhh, I need my beauty sleep.” I hear Hannah yelling from her bedroom.

“Sorry sis, I’ll keep it down!” 

I try to get ready as quickly as I possibly can. 

Finally, well this will have to do. 

As I look in the mirror and brush my hair, I remember what my mom said, keep believing in yourself. She’s right, but I need to start creating new experiences to believe that I am capable of doing something. Trying is the key to success. I can’t give up! 

As I walk out the door with excitement, I fail to realize it’s been raining all morning. I ran back inside to get my umbrella just to hear the thunder rumbling from outside. Ugh. I sit by the couch looking out the window. How could this happen? It’s my first day here. No one said it rains in Pennsylvania. Okay, now I’m just being dumb, it rains all over the world. The weather is unpredictable. Maybe I just need coffee!

I walk over to the kitchen and fill the kettle with water, then place it on the stove.

DING DONG! The doorbell just rang. I have such a strong hunch I know who’s outside our door, must be Jack. Maybe he’s just here to see Hannah and give her a warm welcome. 

I look through the window. It’s Jack! He's holding coffee in one hand and a paper bag in the other. 

I unlock the door.

“Carol! Hey, I went for my morning jog, then the rain just came down suddenly! I stopped and got some coffee and bagels for you and Hannah. I thought maybe you both would enjoy having some breakfast on your first day here!” 

“So sweet of you! Come in please, it's a horrible mess out there! I can’t believe you went through all this trouble; you didn’t have to. Hannah is still asleep but I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you again!”

Jack cannot stop staring at me, I then realized it’s because I’m all dressed up. I look at him then I giggle to myself. 

“I know what you're thinking, I’m all dressed up for nothing, well it’s a long story. I was on my way to a job interview. But you see it didn’t go as planned.”

“I’m zipped, I didn’t say anything. But you do look different. You’vechanged a little as well, in a good way thought.”

“Oh. Have I? Well, we all do grow up eventually, right?” I say.

“You're more beautiful now. More mature and wise. Like a sophisticated woman I’d say!”  

I laugh. 

“Thanks Jack, you should be a comedian.”

“No, really I’m serious. You must hear it from everyone. How was life in New York? How are your parents now?”

“Well New York is intimidating. It has always been a bit much for me, that’s why my parents thought it would be good for me to come here for a while. They’re good, I guess. Dad is still super busy with work and so is mom. She’s been on a new TV series called Runaway Paris for about three years now. She’s so into it. But overall, they’re good, I think they’re going to London to visit my aunt for the summer.”

“That's a wonderful, awesome lifestyle, I can tell from the way you’ve described it. Sounds exciting to me. Lucky you! My family still owns the bakery down the hill. My dad’s the main guy that runs the business, but I help him a lot at work. Kind of like an assistant manager, you can say.” 

“Major accomplishment! Wow, your family owns it, that’s incredible. Someday you might even be the new owner. You basically know the setup of how things work there anyway!”

“Yea. But I have dreams too. As much as I love living here, I want to see the world like you and explore life for its natural worth.”

Jack and I both sit on the couch and talk for quite some time while finishing our breakfast. I still feel it’s ironic that he’s sitting right there next to me in my new house! After all these years he’s still around in this neighborhood.

Jack and I are still sitting on the couch drinking coffee. Suddenly, we hear footsteps. Hannah walks downstairs with a green face mask on. She’s wearing a long pink nightgown and her hair wrapped up in a towel. She's also holding two slices of cucumbers, one in each hand.

“Good morning, Carol. I’m up. It’s crazy how much noise you can make in the morning. It’s even harder to sleep here because of the extreme quietness.” 

Hannah looks over to the living room and sees Jack. 

“What the hell?”

Hannah screams after seeing Jack and runs back upstairs! 

Jack and I look at each other and start laughing. 

“Nice to see you too Hannah.” Jack shouts.

“Uh huh. Well, I wasn’t expecting to see you at all.” Hannah replies. 

Did I mention Jack has an accent that’s kind of cute and sweet? Wait, what am I thinking? Snap out of it Carolina. I cannot be falling for Jack. I just met him. Well, I’ve known him since I was a kid, but this is different. We’re both adults now, I don’t know this side of him. 

“I can tell she’s a morning person, wow. Hannah can really make an entrance. She’s surprisingly extra polite in the morning too.” Jack says sarcastically.

“Yep! You got that right.” I say.

I continue to sip my coffee. Kind of feeling embarrassed for Hannah. I should have woken her up earlier and told her Jack came over. Hopefully she’ll get over it. I know she’ll be happy to talk with Jack again too. 

“Okay. I’ll come downstairs. Do not look at me.” 

Hannah still has her green mask on. 

“I’m only keeping it on because Betsy said if I remove it early then it will affect my skincare regimen.”

Hannah looks over and realizes Jack came to bring us breakfast this morning. 

“Oh. So, you brought coffee and bagels?” 

“Yep. I thought you and your sister would like some warm greetings, so I brought breakfast for you both. Who's Betsy?” Jack asks, kind of confused.

“My girl! Who else?” Hannah says with an attitude.

“Betsy is her dermatologist back in New York, also known as Hannah's best friend from her squad. She also did Hannah’s hair a few days ago, that’s why she’s blonde now.”I say.

Jack looks at me, chokes on his coffee and starts laughing. 

“So, Hannah, you’re Malibu Barbie now, aren’t you?” 

“Why does everyone keep saying shit? I’m not Barbie nor a princess. Carol said you changed, I can tell you're still an asshole, that hasn’t changed, has it?” 

“Now Hannah, can you please be more polite and a bit more respectful? If not, I’m going to tell mom and send you back home.” I say.

“Fine. The coffee was sort of good. Thanks Jackie Chan. Is that better Carol?”

“Cool, I'm a ninja now. I like your sister Carol.” Jack says. 

I roll my eyes at Hannah. 

“Why did you come here with me? You're going to ruin everything.” I start crying and cannot help myself to stop. 

Jack gets up and walks over to me. He gives me a warm hug and pulls me close to his chest. 

“Relax, it’s okay! She’ll change, this isn’t New York anymore, life here is different, right? Just give it time, she’ll come around.”

Jack picks up a napkin and wipes my tears away. He looks into my eyes. 

“Why don’t we go somewhere? I want to show you around!” 

“Okay.” I say trying to stop myself from crying. “Just let me get my purse.” 

I pick up my purse on the table and walk out the door with Jack. 

“How did you come here this morning? I mean, did you drive up? It's quite a far walk from your house.” I ask.

“Something like that. I’ll show you, it’s not that far. You’ve been in the city for way too long.” He says.

“I don’t see a car, Jack.” I say.

“That’s, because I have this.” He says, pointing at his motorbike. 

“A motorcycle, that’s some ride! I never even knew you had one.” 

“It’s definitely been a while now, hasn’t it? Hop on but wear this and hold on to me tight.”

Jack hands me over a helmet. I can’t help but think he’s like my knight and shining armor! I put on the helmet and wrap my arms around him. 

“I’m scared.”

“Don’t worry, I’m a pro. I learned from my father. This was actually his, he gave it to me once he realized he didn’t want to use it anymore.”

He starts off the motorcycle, I can see Hannah looking out the window with guilt. Maybe she’s sorry for what happened. After all, she knows how important this trip is for me. 

I can hear the exhilaration.

“Hold on tight princess.” Jack says.

He begins to drive off.