For Better, For Curse

OLIVER'S POV

The rhythmic hum of the jet disrupted the peace that filled the small plane. I stared in admiration at the endless spread of the sapphire blue ocean, my feet ached with the need to sink my feet into the waters. It looked peaceful, the ocean, a stark contrast to the chaos that was my life back in New York City. I shook my head violently as thoughts of that place crept into my head, as though to shake the thoughts into oblivion. This was meant to be an escape, any chance for me to find inspiration for my art. I was running out of time. As though on cue, my phone rang, I stared blankly at the caller ID until it stopped ringing, knowing fully well that my assistant wouldn't stop calling until she was able to reach me. I swore under my breath and toggled the silent button, deciding that ignoring my phone was the best course of action.

I smiled as the plane touched down at the small coastal airport. I couldn't wait to see what the small town of Crystal Cove had in store for me. I stepped out of the plane with a jump in my step and strode across the small terminal, searching with my eyes for the man Amanda had said would be there. A middle-aged man smiled as soon as he saw me, he stood beside a vintage, white convertible.

He stretched out his hand to me. "You must be Oliver."

I nodded and took his hand in a firm grip, "Yes."

"Martha sent me. Welcome to Crystal Cove."

I smiled in appreciation and watched as he threw my bags into the backseat. I walked over to the passenger side, and stretched my hand out over the door, as though to catch the wind, enjoying the feeling of the wind through my fingers as he drove.

John regaled me with stories of the town, of the people, the latest gossip. He told me of the monuments that stood proudly, the lores of the ocean, and how it called to the souls of nearby people every full moon. I laughed at his tales, for the first time in a very long time, not feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. I knew I was going to like it here.

John pulled the car to a stop in front of a small bed and breakfast. The building was a beautiful old Victorian with a wraparound porch and a well-tended garden bursting with colorful flowers. It was the kind of place that made you feel at home the moment you arrived. The pine trees surrounding it and the chirping of birds reminded me of the witches' coven I would read about in books. I took a deep breath, inhaling the smell of pine and nature. John helped me bring my bags in, dropping them in the common area.

"Welcome. I hope you enjoy your stay," he said.

"I will," I replied.

"Oh, and give me a call if you ever need my services."

I nodded and shook his hand. John tipped his hat at me and walked out of the bed and breakfast. I looked around the small bed and breakfast, vaguely aware of John starting his convertible and driving off. The place was rather simple. A grandfather clock stood in the corner of the room, its steady tick-tick disrupting the peace of the establishment, in the center of the common room stood a circular antique table that held a large vase of various flowers. The overhead fan spun noisily, blowing cool air around the room. I nodded. This place would do just fine.

I smelt her before I saw her. The large set lady with bad knees, smelt of roses and had graying hair. I watched as she made her way down the stairs, the wooden stairs creaking underneath her weight. Her kind eyes met mine and she smiled widely, showing a set of dimples that decorated her cheeks.

"Oh, hello. You must be Oliver," she said, as she made it to the last stair.

"I am," I replied.

"Welcome."

My eyes opened in surprise as she pulled me into a bear hug. Immediately, I was assaulted by the sweet smell of coconut oil, roses, and pine. I took a deep breath, allowing the combination to fill my lungs, reminding me of a time that was almost a distant memory. A time when my mother was happy, a time when she smiled more…a time when my brother was alive. She pulled away from me, her smile never shifting.

"Come," she said. "You must be tired. Let me show you to your room."

I nodded and tugged my bags up the stairs as she led the way. We went down a short hallway, and I waited patiently as her somewhat unsteady hands opened the door. She went in before me, holding the door for me as I tugged in my bags. I whispered a word of thanks as I dropped my bags next to my bed.

I looked around the room. A large bed sat against a wall with a large cross right above the bed. An old, large wardrobe stood proudly in the corner. A small center table an accompanying chair, and a full-length mirror. I stepped out onto the balcony and smiled at the beautiful view of the blue ocean. This place would do just fine.

I turned back into the room to see Martha was still standing there, looking at me with hopeful, expectant eyes.

"Well…" she said.

My eyes widened in acknowledgment as I realized that she was waiting for me to give my approval. My heart warmed with the singular act.

"I love it," I said finally, enjoying the look of relief and pure joy that enveloped her face.

It was easy to see now how she had such deep smile lines.

"Thank goodness," she said. "I'll leave you to settle in and freshen up. When you're done, come down for some pastries and fresh juice. I made them myself."

"Sure."

Martha stretched out her hand to me handed me a key to my room, and turned around to leave. I waited for her to close the door behind her and listened intently to the sound of her feet down the small hallway and the stairs. I went back to the balcony and looked out at the wide expanse of water. The coastal wind on my face promising beautiful adventures. I wiggled my toes subconsciously, the insane urge to dip my toes in the sand causing an overflow of endorphins.

My skin began to crawl when I felt eyes on me. Prodding, insistent. I looked in the distance and saw a figure, too far away to tell who it was, standing still and staring at me. I blinked, and they were no longer there.

I sighed and began to unpack my bags, deciding that it was best to take it one step at a time, perhaps I needed a nap. After a quick shower and a change of clothes later, I went down to the common area where Martha was waiting for me with some donuts, scones, and fresh juice set down on the center table as promised. She smiled as I approached, showing the dimples that I was coming to love.

"Finally. I was about to come up and get you myself."

I laughed and perched next to her on the loveseat. "Are all these for me?" I asked.

Martha smiled. "Of course. Made with extra love."

I helped myself to the donuts first, moaning in delight as the flavors exploded on my tongue while Martha regaled me with stories of her childhood, her marriage, her dead husband, and her only child who lived somewhere across the country. Martha was a talkative woman, one who I thoroughly enjoyed her company. I smiled as she showed me pictures of her two grandchildren, must be nice to have her as a mother and grandmother.

"What brings you to this small town? We don't get visitors this time of the year."

"Oh, I'm an artist. I'm currently going through a creative block, so I needed a place to…um…help me on clearing it."

Martha nodded understandingly. "Hmm. Crystal Cove is very beautiful. You'll find that your block will lift soon and easily."

"I'm hoping so…"

"There are so many beautiful places…" Martha gasped loudly. "Oh, I know just the right person for the job."

My brows furrowed in confusion. "What job?"

Martha laughed. "You silly goose. You need a guide to take you around town."

"Oh, there won't be a need for that. I was just hoping to explore by myself and…"

"Nonsense," Martha retorted firmly, bringing an end to any protest I would have come up with.

All I could do was stare at her in defeat as she pulled out her phone and glasses from her pocket, and began to text away. She smiled in triumph when the text went and then dropped the phone on the table.

"I have arranged for one for you. You'll meet him tomorrow. You're going to have so much fun," She said, giggling excitedly.

I laughed, I couldn't help it. Her joy and enthusiasm was contagious.

"Alright then."

It wasn't like I had a choice.