Perfect Match

Hi gang! A new fic for you... I hope you like it. ~S&L~ xx

Chapter 1

A single girl sat at her laptop computer staring at the screen with very little enthusiasm. One elbow leaning on the table top and her head resting on her fist. She sighed and picked up a mug of lukewarm coffee with her free hand, taking the china to her lips but never actually drinking. She sighed again; her eyes moving from the screen and out into the sunny afternoon.

'What's the point in sticking around? I'm not likely to receive a reply anyway.' She mused to herself.

But somehow, she couldn't move herself away and close down the computer. She had already sent six messages; two had been opened but had received no response, and the other four ignored her messages completely! She clicked the refresh button and was surprised to see that someone new had actually looked at her profile. Not only that, had sent her a message! With renewed interest, she clicked the information box to see who had been checking her out.

"Blueeyes000." The girl said and settled down to study the 'Blueeyes000' profile.

"Hi Charlie! What are you up to?" Ruby asked, making her older sister jump as she stared at the computer screen.

"Nothing!" Charlie said quickly as she closed the lid.

Ruby's eyebrows shot to the ceiling.

"Why are you looking so guilty then?" She chuckled and threw herself into an armchair, regarding her sister with interest.

"I'm not! I was just doing some work, that's all. For my eyes only!" Charlie said, picking up a mug of coffee and settling back into her chair. "So, where have you been all afternoon?"

"Xav and I have been down to Fisherman's Reach. We just walked about and took in the sights. Nothing much."

Charlie observed her sister. She was almost seventeen. She was advanced for her years; looked older and acted accordingly. She was extremely pretty and was beginning to attract trouble. Xavier had already warded off several attempts to steal away his pretty girlfriend from other predatory school boys. He defended his treasure with honour and determination, fighting for his lady-love. Only the week before, he had sustained a bloody nose from one such attempt.

Charlie itched to get back to her 'work', but with inquisitive little sister around, she was loathed to attempt it.

Ruby watched Charlie closely, knowing that she was desperate to get back to her work but reluctant while she remained.

"Do you want me to disappear and let you get on?" She suggested at last.

"No." Charlie said, rather too quickly. "I'm almost done here. Thought I might take myself off to The Diner for a milkshake. Wanna come?"

Ruby was on her feet in a moment.

"I'll get ready!"

"See you in five." Charlie called after her sister.

She listened for the bathroom door to close and opened her computer once again. Her eyes brightened as they devoured the words on the screen; re-reading 'Browneyes123' advertisement.

Hey! Thank you for reading my ad. I'm a girl looking for my dream. If you're that dream, please contact me! I'd love to take you with me on my voyage of discovery. Let's sail the seven seas together and find our true selves. We'll explore places where no one has dared go. Together, we'll hold hands and be brave enough to face the truth. Browneyes123.

Charlie's heart beat a little quicker in anticipation of the outcome.

The girl's brown eyes widened as she read the message.

"Hey! Your profile caught my eye. You sound like the kind of girl I would like to spend time with. If you like my profile, why not message me and we'll see where our voyage of discovery takes us! Blueeyes000'

The girl smiled. Someone, at long last, had sent her a message which looked promising. Instead of the usual 'perving' masses who just wanted to glimpse her picture, here was one who just asked to exchange messages. Quite a change. She clicked 'Blueeyes' profile and settled down to read. First, she read her advertisement.

'I'm a professional girl in a dangerous world. I have little time for socialising; devoting many hours to my work, but long for that special someone who will talk to me; one who will let me unburden my heart. I am a little complex, and though have had my share of cares, am now looking for a travelling companion to journey through life with me. Someone with a soft hand to hold and to share special times with. If you think you could be that girl, why not contact me? I look forward to hearing from you! Blueeyes000.

The girl continued to read Blueeyes000 profile, fascinated but confused at why this obviously busy individual had picked her to send a message to. They seemed to have little in common, but hey! She'd had little or no response from girls who did share her interests, so why not take a chance?

Suddenly, her phone rang, making her jump.

"Joey speaking."

"It's me."

"Hey Aden! How's things?"

"Yeah, good. Just wondered if you wanna hang out? Perhaps at The Diner? I'll stand you a coke?"

"Ooh, big spender!" Joey giggled. "See you there in about thirty!"

"Good-oh."

Joey smiled as she replaced the handset. She looked back at her lap top and sighed.

"Answer yes, or answer no?" She mused to herself.

A sudden flash of resolve made her grit her teeth and sit back facing the screen. She hit the reply button.

'Hey Blueeyes. Thanks for your message. It will be good to get to know each other and see where our voyage takes us. I hope you don't find me too boring; I'm not exactly in your league! My first love is the sea and I spend many hours, enjoying all the freedom and fresh air which it attracts. I love boats; all boats, even those which are unwell and need a little TLC! I am saving for my own, which one day will take me and that 'special someone' to remote and exotic isles, where we can spend quality time together, listening to the lapping water about us, feeling the wind in our hair and falling in love under the stars. Apart from that, I am a pretty grounded sort of girl who enjoys fun and music and I'd better shut up before you go off the idea! I look forward to your reply.

Best wishes,

Browneyes.'

Joey quickly checked over her message. She took a deep breath; her finger hovering over the send button, considering if she was doing the right thing. Suddenly, her brother's noisy entrance into the house made her jump and her finger accidently hit the key, sending the communication on its way. She stared at the screen for a moment; her heart pounding.