A/N Chapter 3 is a little different from the previous chapters. Less talk, more description, (sorry if that annoys anyone). There isn't too much Naomily in this chapter though I still hinted at the growing feelings Emily subconsciously has. I wanted to introduce the new setting thoroughly to give people an idea of how I pictured/ imagined the scenery/location whilst writing this, (there is a lot less 'scripting' than the previous 2 chapters).

Anyway, let me know what you think! I appreciate any criticism, it helps me learn from my mistakes and shortcomings. As always thanks for reading. :)

Also Note: Any names/brands (unless a major/ well known around the world), addresses or numbers are completely fictional.


I stepped out of the taxi as I took in the structure. The building itself had a smooth white finish, large windows and two glass railed balconies . It was nothing like our house in Bristol, which only served to remind me just how different things would be from now. The area itself was too quiet in comparison, I had noticed but a single car drive by whilst approaching the residence.

I watched as two gulls hovered over the cliff riding an updraft. Though it was only mildly overcast, I huddled into my overcoat as a sudden gust tossed my hair wildly, whipping it over my face. I squinted through the strands as I thrust my hands into my overcoat pockets.

I lingered a while, following the taxi as it reversed back out of the driveway and up the incline, disappearing in the distance over the crest . I sighed, the sight somehow taking a piece of my hope with it.

The salty air clung to my skin, as I watched the waves crash against the bluff. The atmosphere only served to add to my melancholy. Realisation was taking its toll on my emotions as it slowly dawned on me, I was starting a whole new life.


The interior was surprisingly quaint, a warm homely feeling bringing back a small ray of hope. I walked along the entry's wooden floorboards. Most of the furniture was new. I ran my hand across a smooth mahogany cabinet. One of the few things dad managed to bring with him from our old home. It had been his grandmothers, something of an heirloom he wasn't willing to part with in the move.

Mum had been reasonably fair with her demands. Though I'm sure if I didn't chose to move with dad, things wouldn't have been as evenly shared. Half of what the gym had sold for, the house with (most of) its contents and the Benz were her claim. There had been times where they near had to scissors-paper-rock over items.

The kitchen was a modern, spacious area with stone tiled floors. A pair of sliding doors opened to a lacquered wooden veranda with a small amount of stairs leading down to an enclosed yard and a glass railed pool. I wondered how dad could afford a place like this let alone in this vicinity.

"Nice isn't it?"

I looked over my shoulder at my father who stood smiling on the threshold as he leaned upon the door frame.

I nodded, forcing a half smile and turned back to the yard. Most of the space was taken by the pool while what little remained was a lush buffalo lawn, shaped in an L around the fenced off structure.

"Turns out the wife of the guy who brought me here, his wife works in real estate, I don't think you managed to meet her, she just left." The enthusiasm was apparent on his voice.

He paused waiting for my reaction.

"Oh?" I commented plainly without turning.

My dad hesitated, hurt by my lack of interest.

"...Well... Anyway... She gave me a good price"

I heard his footsteps approaching. He stood beside me and tousled my hair.

"It'll take time to get used to I know. You have no idea how much it means to have you here with me" His voice hinted sadness as he drew me closer, an arm rested over my shoulder.

"I don't know how I would have coped with the divorce and having all my kids..." his voice cracked slightly as he pulled me in and planted a kiss on my forehead before heading back to the house.

"Don't stay out too long, the wind's picking up" his voice still wavered as he walked through the threshold once more.

True to the statement, a gust tugged at my overcoat, the cold breeze biting through my jumper causing me to shiver.

I wondered where Naomi was. Would we be in contact again soon?

The wind was picking up. Three tall palms groaned as they swayed, leaves rustling as they were whipped wildly about.

A summer skipped, exchanged for winter in moving here. I sighed as I reminisced upon previous summer breaks wondering what everyone was doing.

Drained from the long flights and chased inside by the nippy sea breeze I lay down to sleep on my new queen bed. The sheetless mattress felt unfamiliar beneath my body and I tossed uncomfortably attempting to find a comfortable position in vain.


"Naomi?"

Her back stayed turned toward me as I called out to her. The sea breeze was strong, tossing the girls long blonde locks in the air. The thin, white summer dress she wore clinging against her delicate body as the gale ripped at the material. Too strong to be standing precariously close to the cliff's edge.

"Naomi!" I shouted, reaching out a hand as the girl took a step toward the cliff edge.

She turned toward me slowly, raising her arms as if to take flight.

"Naomi! Please!" I yelled, tears forming as I groped at the air unable to reach her, powerless to stop her advance. The tears were whipped away by my hair as the wind clawed at me.

"Naomi!" I screamed.

The girl smiled softly, leaning backwards over the edge. Falling.

I was falling after her, arm still outstretched, reaching. She looked at me, still smiling as she extended her hand toward me. Pointing. I looked over my shoulder, following the direction. Two gulls hovered at the cliff top, riding the updrafts, white flecks against the blue sky. I looked back, the girl had disappeared, replaced by the approaching waves.

I panicked as the waves retreated, revealing the rocks below. My heart raced, my mind frozen thinking only of the imminent impact. The breath was ripped from my lungs as I tried to scream, producing nothing but a hoarse whisper.

I winced, my body tensing -


I woke up in a cold sweat, smashing my head against the bedside. I grabbed at my head where it had struck the corner, grimacing in pain. My breathing was erratic, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Outside the wind had picked up considerably. I shivered as a sharp breeze rushed through the open window, tearing at the blinds. Recovering somewhat I staggered over, sliding it shut.

I stood looking out of the balcony's glass doors. The waves crashed violently against the cliffs in the distance, the moon shining upon their approaching ripples, making silver kites of the dark sea.

A nightmare. I trembled as I remembered, it had seemed so real, so tangible; The wind, the ocean sounds... Naomi. I looked to the moon, a silver beacon in the midnight sky. I stood entranced by its light. Larger and clearer than I had ever seen it.

"Naomi..." I whispered, as I absorbed its calming glow.


Some time along the night I fell back to sleep. Waking the next morning to the sunlight pouring through the glass, warming my frozen toes as it cast itself over the mattress. The dream had melted into reality and I questioned whether I woke up at all last night. A closed window confirmed the authenticity of my memory.

Last night I had dreamt of Naomi. Why was she in my dream? I remember seeing her. Falling. Birds. Rocks. I shook my head in frustration, the dream was already fading.

"Em love, are you awake yet?"

My father's voice called to me from downstairs. I remained in bed, basking in the warmth of the sunlight. The scent of frying bacon wafted in from under the door. It's funny how a smell can take you back to a certain place. I remember it clearly; Sunday morning breakfast, I was sixteen. It was just past eight o'clock. Dad was in the kitchen manning the stove top, mum had put down her newspaper and walked over, curling an arm around his waist as she pecked his cheek. Katie had grimaced at their display of affection. James played on his Nintendo DS the entire morning.

A memory of a complete family. Back when mum and dad had loved each other... Footsteps approached from the stairs.

"Em?... You awake?" Dad rapped a knuckle on the door twice, pausing briefly before turning the handle slowly and stepping into my room.

I closed my eyes holding onto the memory for a little longer. He sat down beside me as he stroked my hair tenderly, wiping strands from my face and pinning them behind my ear.

"I made breakfast, if you're hungry. There's a grocers on the corner down the road"

He continued to pat my hair leisurely. My stomach rumbled, both the prospect and smell of food causing me to salivate involuntarily.

"I'll take that as a yes" He chuckled, fixing a pillow against the bed's headboard as he waited for me to sit up.

I lifted myself up, rubbing my eyes and stifling a yawn as I did so. Dad looked at me affectionately, messing my hair as he stood up.

"I'll see you down there gorgeous", he said as he turned to leave.


"How did you sleep?" He asked, popping a fork full of fried egg into his mouth.

"Good" I lied, sipping tea as I cupped the mug in two hands, the warmth seeping through the thin porcelain.

"Good, because we've got a big day ahead", he continued, stabbing a piece of bacon with his fork and savouring the taste.

I sighed as I pushed a morsel of fried egg around my plate listlessly.

We spent the day opening freight boxes, finding new homes for our old items. Barely managing half by dinner time. I'd been so engrossed in my task along the day that I didn't realise we'd skipped lunch. I peered over a stack of boxes containing personal belongings in search of my phone, checking the time as I pressed the lock button. 8 am. I hadn't changed it since we had left Bristol.

I wondered what Katie was doing at this moment. Probably still sleeping. Would she wake up next to my empty bed missing me? Had she already removed it?

I sighed as I paused my task, lost in thought.

"Emily?"

My dad tapped his knuckles against my open door as he peered in, pulling me back from my thoughts.

"I noticed a seafood restaurant when I went down to grab us some groceries. I was thinking we could go down there for dinner"

He picked up my overcoat which I had discarded offhandedly on my bed, handing it to me as I stood up.

I winced in pain as my foot prickled sharply, feeling slowly returning as the blood circulated freely once more.

"Sounds great" I replied enthusiastically, accepting the overcoat and donning it in a single smooth motion.


The restaurant had a beach side open deck, almost on the water. We opted to sit outside. The breeze was pleasantly warm. Australian winters were very different to English winters I supposed as I stared absently out to sea. The water was calm, the moon's reflection barely distorted by the ripples. The moored sail boats swaying slightly as the occasional breeze drifted by.

The atmosphere was one of tranquillity; Outdoor heaters added warmth to the already pleasant breeze, the waves broke peacefully on the shore as a soothing yet upbeat classical guitar track played softly adding to the ambience. Candle light mixed with moonlight and the restaurants indoor lighting were the only sources of light, offering an overall romantic feel. For the first time since boarding the plane in England, I felt completely serene. A smile played on my lips as I took in the atmosphere.

A waiter attended us, providing two silver menu books and returning to his post as we studied the selections. Though no coffee-house value menu, most of the dishes were surprisingly reasonably price.

Dad ordered a mixed seafood platter for the entrée while we continued to choose our main from the extensive menu. Returning with our entrée and complementary drinks of our choosing, the waiter took out main course orders. I had ordered grilled Barramundi fillet while dad ordered lobster. Both the fish and lobster were cooked to perfection. We dined leisurely, chatting whilst absorbing the relaxing environment.

The two of us strolled back home, fulfilled and contended after the experience. I slid into bed, the fresh linen providing a pleasant feel and fell asleep the moment my head touched my pillow.


The girl from last night visited me once more.

She stood upon a deck, swaying, her body moving to the rhythm of the same music, the calm waves flowing as her hands conducted.

The girl turned to me, an arm outstretched, hand open in an invitation. She took me gently, leading my movements. We circled, swaying as one with the melody. The deck gone, warm water lapped over our ankles, as the swells followed our dance.


The late morning sunlight woke me, streaming through the blinds and over my heavy eyelids. I sighed, the pleasant dream still fresh in my memory. I'd slept well into the morning I noticed as I looked out the glass to the sun's position in the cloudless blue sky.

Sliding the heavy glass doors open I stepped out onto the balcony. Though a temperate day the breeze still carried a reminder of winter's chill. I watched as a ship snailed it's way across the horizon. Drawing in my gaze I noticed a white Ute parked in our driveway.

Curiosity led me downstairs where my father was speaking to an electrician. They looked up as I approached, still in my pyjama pants and a tank.

"Ah, Em, this great bloke has fixed our phone line" he nodded, smiling toward the young man standing on the opposite side of the kitchen bench. I smiled and looked away embarrassed as he grinned, looking me over in a manner he thought to be inconspicuous.


The day continued as the previous one had; Opening freight boxes and finding homes for items. We had made sandwiches for lunch with groceries dad had bought the previous day. When dinner time came around, dad ordered a pizza which was delivered within a half hour. We sat down on the veranda stairs enjoying the slices as we talked over a variety of topics; The weather, atmosphere, the people.

My once gloomy mood was dissipating slowly as we settled in further with each passing day. Several days had passed without a hitch. All along I checked my email for any news from Naomi, receiving none, to my disappointment. I had typed up several emails hovering over the send icon only to hold backspace as I erased the text. I groaned as I finished typing an email for the ninth time, what if she didn't want to talk to me anymore and I was just annoying her in sending it... I stared vacantly at the words as I once again deleted each sentence. On our fourth day the antenna was connected and we spent our dinners absorbing the news and different programs the Australian stations offered.

On the Sixth day dad returned home driving a shiny new ford hatchback. I eagerly asked for a ride in the charcoal metallic vehicle with childlike enthusiasm. I breathed deeply, revelling in the new car scent as I examined the impressive interior; Comfortable leather trimmed seats, inbuilt navigation system, an overall sleek finish. I hovered a hand over the multitude of dashboard buttons and dials. Dad gave a wry smile as he pressed one, looking to my reaction as the seat slowly warmed beneath me. I gasped in surprise, eyes wide in childish excitement. He smiled and reversed out of the driveway.

We drove, following the navigation to the nearest shopping centre, pulling into the parking of a large Westfield's upon arrival. We spent the rest of the day exploring the vast interior. Buying what necessities we didn't already have and fixing our mobile plans after shopping around.

Arriving back, I collapsed onto my bed just as my phone vibrated, illumining my dimly lit room. A courtesy message from the new phone provider. I sighed, reminded of Naomi's promise and once again opened my laptop to my email account. If she wasn't going to email me, I would email her first. I nodded at the thought, determined.

To: Naomi Campbell

Subject: |

I paused, as I stared blankly at the screen, watching the insert cursor blinking.

Subject: Hey Naomi|

No, that was too informal and childish... I backspaced the text, once again watching the cursor blink.

Subject: Settling in alright?

I shrugged as I accepted the title, tapping the cursor over the composition box.

Hey Naomi,

It's been a while, how are you settling in? Have you finished unpacking? We're almost finished unpacking. Our net and TV have been connected. Dad got a new car today.

I also got my phone plan fixed today! My new number is 04 121 321 678

Have you managed to find a provider yet? We stuck with our old service provider, Vodafone.

The area here is really nice, it can be a little cold at night though. We're next to the coast.

I've started to like it here, it's more relaxed than Bristol. How do you like Australia so far?

I hope everything is well.

Warm Regards,

Emily Fitch

I skimmed over the email once, checking for any mistakes. Satisfied, I hit send, blocking myself from rethinking the decision. I closed the laptop, pushing it aside as I rolled onto my back falling asleep.

Two days passed without a reply either via email or text. I started to wonder if she was alright. Maybe I had in fact done something to end our friendship. Was she put off by what I had done?


On the third night I was awoken by my phone. Opening my eyes to the illumination of the lock screen I stretched, yawning as I picked up my phone, still half dazed.

+61 487 456 178
Message

I threw down my phone again, rolling back over to sleep.

A minute later, the phone vibrated a second time, illumining the dark room once more. I groaned and rolled over to look at the screen again.

+61 487 456 178
Message

+61 487 456 178
Message

I sighed and unlocked the phone to the messages.

Hey Em!

I sat up, instantly awake.

I'm so so sorry I didn't manage to email you! We still don't have our net connected, mum has been pretty busy.
I managed to check my email on a visit to see my mum's new office today, I wrote down your number and went to get on a plan right after! :)
You guys settled in pretty fast. Mum's been spending too long dragging me around to car dealerships, she still hasn't decided... I told her we should just ship our car over...
It is a little chilly here, though Winters here are a nice change from the ones back home haha.
We're also coastal, our new house is 81 South Cove Lane, White Cliffs Point.

My eyes bugged as I thought back to what she had jokingly said before departing in the taxi. We weren't exactly neighbours, but to be in the same suburb... I had no idea how far she lived, or even how big the neighbourhood was but it must have been nearby.

What's your new address? Have you been out much?
Love,
Naomi

P.s We need to catch up again sometime soon. x

I blushed, my heartbeat speeding up as I read the last lines. I saved her contact number and proceeded to type out my reply.

Hey Naomi,
Don't be sorry! It's a big move, I didn't expect you to reply for a while yet to be honest.
Haha, sorry to hear that, has she found anything she likes yet?
I guess you were right back then aha. Our address is 23 High Street Road, White Cliffs Point.
Not really, just Westfield's really. We went down to the seafood restaurant by the small beach down the road on our second night, (if you know where that is).
We should definitely catch up soon.

I paused unsure how to end the text. In the end I decided not to add anything and sent the message as is, she already knew it was me. I waited impatiently, tapping my phone against the mattress. After a brief wait, the phone lit up once more, vibrating in my hand. I promptly unlocked the phone to the text.

True, but still, sorry for the late reply.
No way! Hahaha, I'm just off High Street Rd! It's just off where that restaurant is actually. We haven't been there yet, is it good? It looks really nice. x

I smiled, even her texts were as bubbly as her personality. I tapped the screen, typing my response.

Haha, isn't it great? From the same suburb to a different country and somehow the same suburb again.
Yeah the restaurant is amazing!
It's got a really nice peaceful, romantic feel to it. The food is amazing too.

I sent and received a reply within a minute.

Haha Ikr. It's got to be fate.

I shifted awkwardly, blushing while reading the message.

Awh, now I want to go! We'll have to go sometime ;)
But seriously, when are we going to meet up?

I bit my lip, thinking.

Want to catch up tomorrow?

The reply was almost immediate.

Sure! I'll drop by yours around 11 then?

My heart raced in anticipation as butterflies tied knots in my stomach.

Sounds good, I'll see you then. Goodnight. :)

Another near instant reply.

Awesome! Sweet dreams xx

I blushed once more as I grinned broadly, overflowing with happiness.

I did dream sweetly that night.