Chapter 8

Courtney woke up the next morning with a peaceful feeling in her heart. All of her inhibitions were far from her when she looked out of her room at the resort to find the gorgeous red sunrise greeting her, coloring the whiteness of her bedroom in splashes of red and shadows slate gray. What a sight to wake up to. The mocha-skinned beauty felt happy.

Sliding out of bed, Courtney decided to take a walk out on the beach to see the ocean draped in scarlet. She slid out of her sleep attire and dressed in a simple pale teal-colored summer dress, mad of a light material so she wouldn't become over-heated as she walked outside in the enevitably hot day.

Lo and behold, the beach. Pale sand and a vast, unyielding expanse of blue and green beyond the meshed with a retro-colored morning sky. Clouds twisted above the horizon in nameless shapes. A soft breeze blew, and the waves continued to crash and slide upon the sand. Courtney was so utterly engrossed in the aesthetic beauty.

"Hey Courtney."

Courtney about leapt out of her skin. She whipped around, a scathing comment prepared, until she saw that it was, "Trent! My god you almost gave me a heart attack."

"Oh, sorry! I didn't realize you were so deep in thought." Trent rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "So... How are you?"

Courtney twirled her hair around her finger. "I'm okay. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I saw Duncan talking to you and you didn't really loo too happy, so..."

"Oh. Well, I'm fine. Duncan and I are just... Getting reaquainted, I suppose for whatever reason. How are you and... Gwen?"

Trent's face pulled into a scowl. "I'm fine, but I don't know about Gwen. We've been talking but... I don't know if we'll ever be together again."

Courtney made a sympathetic noice. "I'm sorry." The two stood in silence for a moment. "So... What finds you about so early in the morning? I'd have figured everyone was still asleep."

"Eh, I've had art block lately. I felt a walk on the beach my clear my head, maybe inspire me."

"I see. Well, you were really great last nigth when you played for us. You're a great guitarist."

"Thanks Courtney. That really means a lot from the girl who kicked ass at Rebel Heart." Trent smirked at her.

Courtney smiled. "Well good musicians are so under appreciated these days, and to know someone who's really passionate about it and such a nice person at the same time, well... Its a very rare, almost unheard of, combination."

Trent smiled a genuine smile then at her. "Um... Room for one more on your walk?"

"Sure. It'd be nice to have some friendly company." The two smiled at each other, and continued to walk down the beach together.