Chapter 51 ...

Chapter 51 ...
Ethan's pov.

I can never get used to the smell of the beach, the taste of salt in the air, and the gentle breeze that cascades through my skin anytime I come here.

It's just so wonderful, I could stare at the ocean for hours on end without getting bored.

Staring into an endless wave of hypnotic beauty.

I was wearing a soft cotton white shirt with white shorts. My feet were bare just because I love to feel the sharp sand beneath my feet.

Just as I sniffed in the salty air, I heard my name being called.

Selene finally decided to step out of the house and leave our boring parents alone.

"I didn't know you were out here." She said breathlessly when she caught up to me.

I loved the way the shorts hugged her ass, it made her look really sexy from behind.

The sun was just setting over the ocean, its pale orange light casted over the water.

I feel I could just reach out to touch it

"Wow, this place is something else." Selene gasped.

I gave her a sideways glance

"You've never been to a beach before?"

"I never had the chance to, mom was always working, and I dared not make such requests to her."

I stretched out my hand as a form of invitation to her. We've not been in a good spot lately, but I hope that coming to the beach house would change that."

There were quite a number of people on the beach, during this time of the year, few families come stick around, it normally gets crowded towards the end of the year.

We walked along the bank, the water would crash against our ankles, leaving foams and bubbles around us.

It felt calmer having her here, walking hand with outer hands interlocked in silence.

"Would you like coconut or pineapple juice, directly from the fruit?" I offered.

She touched her belly and grimaced.

"No, my tummy is still filled with meatballs.”

"Okay, then let's watch the sunset together."

There was no hesitation in her eyes, which made me smile.

Shit, I should have brought one of the recliners from the house.

Luckily for me, one of the shop owners had one to spare and I placed it not far from his shop.

Selene stared at it oddly.

"Just one?"

"Yeah, it's wide enough for us, see."

I got on it first and lay down with my face looking at the beach.

I tapped the side,

"Join me."

She sat at the edge close to my legs.

Not what I expected, how do we watch the sunset over the ocean when she chooses to create some distance from me.

"So, I heard this is your favourite place in the world."

I scoffed, that's how she wants this evening to go, idle talk.

I gave a short reply.

"Yeah."

"It's weird, I mean you get to travel all over the world, visit incredible places and you chose here. Why?"

My face creased into a slight frown, I've never had to explain that to anyone before.

Then again, she's Selene

"This place is where I have the most memories of my mom. This beach is also her favourite place."

"Ohhhhhhh, I'm sorry, I should not have asked."

I felt the sympathy in her voice.

"Don't be, I love her very much, and I miss her too. It doesn't mean she did right to my dad."

A lump formed in my chest for a second. I've never had to talk about my parents' affairs.

Selene covered my hand with hers, then lay by my side. Her head rested on my chest.

"You don't have to talk about it, if it causes you so much pain."

I want to talk about it, especially with her, it felt right to do so.

I cleared my throat and continued.

"She cheated on my dad with an artist she met on the beach. I was so young but I suspected something was going on.

Everytime she brought me to this place, she'd leave me to play with other kids and be with Alonzo. When dad found out, it broke him, it was the first time I saw him cry."

I sniffed and wiped at the corner of my eye.

"You were young, there was nothing you could have done."

"I know, but over the years, before dad stopped me from communicating with her. I realised she never loved dad.

I guess it's better to be apart than be in a loveless marriage."

I heard her sigh.

"It takes a lot to be so understanding, you've come a long way Ethan Campbell."

Her voice reverberated through my chest.

I couldn't help but touch her long beautiful hair, I kissed the top of her head without thinking.

"Just so you know, I don't hate your mom, I just dislike the fact that she's trying so hard to fill in my mom's shoes."

It was the truth on how I felt about Victoria.

"I really don't care if you hate her or not. As long as it doesn't affect me."

I wouldn't want Selene to get hurt by her mom on my account.

"What's the deal with your mom? Why is she always hard on you."

She dug her elbows into my ribs and sat up.

"What are we doing? Sharing sad tales about our moms while watching the sunset?

Nope, I'm not ready to talk about Victoria."

Victoria wasn't particularly my favourite subject on any day, so I don't mind skipping it.

I'm just glad I could talk about my mom with someone.

"No, let's not talk about Victoria." I laughed.

The sun had transformed into a paler orange and sea gulls flew overhead.

A thought struck me, I brought out my phone from my side pocket.

I nudged her gently.

"Selene look."

Her beautiful eyes looked into the camera mmof my phon

e and her face formed the prettiest smile I had ever seen.

Her head touched my chin and we looked absolutely perfect as I took the picture.