Testing the limits (Sample)

CHAPTER FIVE - A TOUCH OF PARADISE

Mum was pretty much a single mother, raising us on her own, but when dad was home we were a family. He did everything with us, making the most of the short spurts of time we were together. But without fail, he would take 2 weeks off every summer and we would spend it at Margaret River.

I think that's why I love this place so much. It's not the beautiful beaches, coastal vibe or small town ease. It represents family. A time when we were all together and happy.

If dads the strong silent type, mum's the complete opposite. She's vibrant and energetic. The cobalt blue in amongst the browns and olive greens. She's always positive, seeing the best in people no matter what. She's a complete romantic, naively so. But I can't blame her for that.

Being aboriginal she was given a hard time growing up. She never let the bullying and blatant racism get to her, well as much as humanly possible. Instead she rose above it, determined to make something of herself and help her community in the process.

She's a staunch advocate for better health services in remote communities and has been instrumental in getting the state government to implement better initiatives aiming to close the health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people and the rest of the population of Australia. Brad definitely followed in her footsteps going into medicine.

Ryan and I put our bags in our rooms after mum and dad gave us a tour. We met them out on the veranda that looks out over the ocean. I sit down on the swing next to mum and take in the beautiful view. A calm peace washes over me that I haven't felt in years. The kind of peace that I only get in Margaret River.

"I missed this place." Mum smiles and pats my knee

"It's good to have you home." I sigh and rest my head on her shoulder, pushing the swing with one foot so it sways gently.

"It's good to be home." We watch as Ryan and dad walk down into the back yard, beers in hand and stare out at the ocean in silence.

"Brad said Seb is on leave." I nod my head, indicating she is correct.

"Yeah."

"How's that going? Seeing Seb again?" I look at her and raise my eyebrows, unsure what she's getting at. No one but Ryan knows of my feelings for Seb.

"Fine." I shrug my shoulders, ignoring the tight knot forming in my chest when I think of Seb.

Mum laughs and shakes her head

"You can't fool me sweet pea. I know he's the real reason you left. What I'm asking is if you still have feelings for him?" My mouth drops in shock at mums' words.

"You knew?!" She throws her head back in a laugh at my reaction.

"Oh sweetie, everyone knew. The only people who didn't was Seb and Brad. You used to follow him around like a love sick puppy. I was surprised that nothing came of it."

"He never saw me like that." Mum clicks her tongue and shakes her head.

"Oh the feeling was very mutual sweetheart."

"What?" I sit up straight to look at my mum who grins, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight.

"You were as blind to his feelings as he was of yours."I shake my head. Not really knowing what to think of this information.

"Well that's all in the past now." I lie. Mum looks at me curiously. I know she doesn't believe me, but she doesn't push it. We both look back out at the view, sitting in comfortable silence as the seat gently swings.

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SEBASTIAN

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Lucy and Ryan left for Margaret River two days ago. Fuck, I miss her. She's been back in my life for less than a week and I'm already hooked again. She's like crack to my system. Just being near her gives me a high. And I'm itching for my next hit. I'd hate to see what I'd be like if we actually got together. It's bad enough now. But I know I have to take my shot. No matter what's going on between her and Ryan, I have to try.