A beautiful storm *COMPLETE*

Relaxation

MADELINE POV

I dragged my feet through the airport. My lack of sleep quickly catching up with me. Though last night was amazing, in so many ways, my mind and body were exhausted. Damien looked about the same as myself. “Well don’t the both of you look peachy this morning.” Gemma quipped. How was she not tired? I shot daggers at her “My boss works me to death and then tells me I need to get on a plane first thing in the morning.” She put her hand on her hip, flipping her hair “Your boss sounds amazing.” she winks. I just shake my head, fighting a yawn. “Flight 687 from Destin to Honolulu will be boarding in five minutes,” we hear over the speaker. I have a momentary flashback to my 18th birthday. The choice that changed the course of my future. ‘Last call for bus 518, en route to Destin Florida. The bus will be arriving in five minutes.’ The sound of that boy's voice branded in my mind. I felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped on me. I take deep breaths. Focusing on anything around me. I count the number of people in line for food. I inhale the smell of burgers and fries. I reach out, grasping Damiens hand. I feel my world stop spinning. “Hey, baby, are you okay?” Damien asked worried. I can see the fear in his eyes. I bite my bottom lip, shaking my head. He pulls me into him, tightly wrapping his arms around my body. “What happened?” he whispers. I pull away, as Gemma is looking at me worried as well. “When they announced that our plane was boarding in five minutes, it gave me flashbacks to my 18th birthday. I remember the voice that called for my bus to Destin. I think I was about to have a panic attack.” I looked down at the floor, embarrassed. I hated that I still allowed that dreadful night to affect me. It’s been years. I know I will never be over what happened, but I hadn’t forgiven myself for not fighting back. Gemma looked at me with sadness in her eyes. Damien tilted my head up to him “I’m so sorry Maddie. You don’t deserve to still be haunted by that night.” He leaned down, kissing the top of my head. I felt safe wrapped in his arms. “I’m okay. It just caught me off guard.” I forced a smile to lighten the mood.

The plane ride went quickly, as the three of us slept most of the way. The landing was smooth, or at least I assumed. We exited the plane, heading to the air bnb that Gemma had rented for us. I was amazed walking through the doors. This house was absolutely spectacular. Everything about it screamed money. It had skylights in almost every room. The deck in the back overlooked an infinity pool that also overlooked the ocean. Looking at view, I just couldn’t believe the amount of beauty. Damien wrapped his arms around me from behind. “This is just, breathtaking. Look at how beautiful the view is.” Damien spun me around, looking me directly in the eyes. “You are, aren’t you.” I couldn’t help but smile. “I’m talking about the view out there, you goof.” He just chuckled “I’m pretty happy with view right here.” Goodness, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I felt another set of arms wrap around us “Now, now guys. Don’t leave me out of all this mushy gushy stuff.” Gemma chuckled. “This is amazing Gem. You didn’t have to do all of this.” She dismissively waves. “Nonsense. You both are my best friends and have worked so hard recently. It’s the least I could do. I’m gonna let ya’ll settle in today, but how about we go out tomorrow to meet with Maverick?” I jumped up and down and Gemma joined in. “This is so exciting.” “Who is Maverick?” Damien questioned. “Oh, I totally forgot that I haven’t told you. When I went on my trip here while ya’ll were in Disney, I met someone.” Gemma said with a smile. She looked lost in thought. “Well, he better treat you right or he’s going to have to answer to me.” Damien explained with a stern look on his face. Gemma snorted “Okay, big brother.” He just rolled his eyes in response.

Damien and I spent the day in the pool and just laying out relaxing. We would be here the remainder of the week and right now, relaxing was the only thing on my mind. I could hear faint snoring next to me. I peek under Damien’s sunglasses to see that he’s fallen asleep. I walk inside the bungalow and decide to make some lunch for us. Gemma left earlier; I’m assuming to see Maverick. She was definitely smitten with him, which was new for her. She was generally a party girl and not interested in just one guy. I prepared some turkey and bacon sandwiches, threw together some pasta salad with what was left of the turkey and bacon, adding in tomatoes and feta cheese, and cut some fresh fruit. I was thankful that Gemma had the fridge stocked before we arrived. I plated everything and brought it out to the little table between our loungers. “Wake up sleepy head.” He groaned, moving his sunglasses up slightly to peek at me. “Five more minutes.” he whined. “But I made us some lunch.” He sat up in his chair, moving his glasses to the top of his head. “Well, you should have led with that woman.” Shaking my head laughing, I picked up his plate and handed it to him. “I was famished. This is the best turkey sandwich I’ve ever eaten.” he said between bites. “You’re only saying that because you were starving.” He shook his head smiling “Maybe a little, but also because you made it.” Damien leaned over kissing me deeply. “Thank you for lunch baby. It was delicious.” he smiled kissing me again. “

My phone buzzed on the end table next to the bed. I squinted at the screen. It was 7:30 am. Damien and I went to bed early last night, enjoying the freedom of not having to work. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the light coming into the room. My eyes were still blurry as I opened a text from Gemma. ‘Change of plans. Can we switch the meeting to tomorrow? Mavv planned a special date for me tonight!’ I typed back ‘Of course. Have fun on your date! Love you.’ Bubbles popped up on the screen as she responded. ‘Ya’ll are the best. I won’t be home tonight. Enjoy the house. Love you too girl <3’ I set my phone down, cuddling back into Damiens warm body. He grunted, getting more comfortable, but not waking from his sleep. Since we weren’t meeting Gemma and Maverick today, I wanted to get out and explore a little. I decided to get up and research some of the best hiking trails in the area. I walked out, once again, admiring the beautiful home that we were staying in. After making a pot of coffee, I took my phone out on the patio to do some research. Not too long after, I’d found a beautiful hiking trail that I wanted to check out. Hopefully Damien would enjoy spending the day in nature.