The ground was littered with red and gold leaves where Addison and Renee sat. The trees around the church were looking bare as the air continued to get colder with a few stubborn leaves refusing to fall. The spring flowers that usually added a splash of vibrant color to the courtyard were now browning and drooping, taking their leave until the warm winds returned. Addison and Renee were huddled up in the big red blanket Addison had brought while both of them sipped on steaming hot chocolate.
"I just can't believe this is happening," Renee whimpered as she blowed softly on the top of her hot chocolate dissipating the steam that swirled up from the top.
"He just had lunch with a girl, doesn't mean he is going to marry her," Addison assured Renee, which elicited a groan from Renee.
"Have you ever thought of just forgetting about Toby for awhile and focusing on yourself?" Addison asked between sips of cocoa after a long silence.
"Forget about Toby?" Renee asked aghast, "Are you serious? I told you, the prophecy said he is my one. The one I'm supposed to create a family with!"
"So don't worry about it then," Addison said matter-of-factly, "If Toby is your one then you will end up together in time. But you're too young to be basing everything you do on some guy. You need to do something for you, this is the age where you are supposed to be exploring who you are and thinking about your future."
"I know my future. Most of us here do. We don't have too many options here, you either step into the family business or leave the island and try to make it out there. I already know my future will involve taking over the ranch, I'm the only child."
"And are you okay with that?" Addison asked.
Renee shrugged, "It is fine. I've spent my whole life living at the ranch and can't really imagine everything different. I do love the animals."
Addison suddenly felt a little better about her decision to not bring Tyler to the island with her. Since mailing him his tickets the guilt and doubt had been heavy on her mind.
"Even so, you should have something for yourself. I know about responsibilities too but you still need something that makes you feel good, something you enjoy. When I lived at home it was baking. It was something I could do in a short amount of time and things like flour and sugar weren't too expensive. It was relaxing and I enjoyed trying new recipes. It was one of the few things I got to do that was just for me and I really believe it was important for my sanity."
"I don't have anything like that," Renee said solemnly, but then she lit up suddenly, "But I have always wanted to learn to play a musical instrument."
"That is perfect!" Addison exclaimed, "What would you want to play?"
"I think I would want to play the violin," Renee said after a moment of hesitation, "I feel like it would fit me."
Addison smiled and nodded, "I can see that, it would be good for you."
Renee sighed, setting down her now empty cup, "But how would I do that? I can't afford a violin and don't know anybody who could teach me."
"Well maybe instead of chasing Toby around all the time you could do something to earn some extra money. You're good at fishing and good with animals, I'm sure there is a way to turn that into some extra income."
"Maybe you're right," Renee said, a spark of determination growing within her.
Despite her cocoa cup being empty Addison felt warm inside, Renee's youth and vibrancy reminded her a lot of younger brother. Despite Renee's shy exterior Addison saw a lot of potential and spirit within the youth girl. It seemed that even after leaving home and her family she couldn't shake the maternal feelings that were the result of caring for Tyler for so long.
"You know, I'm going to be moving back into my house soon and won't be working at the bar anymore. You're a bit young for the night shift but maybe Hayden could give you a job during the day as a busser or a hostess? I think it would make you feel really good about yourself to get involved with something new. I could talk to him about it if you are interested."
"You really think he would hire me? I have no experience. And I would have to talk to my parents about it."
"One thing to remember in life Renee is that you don't gain anything from not trying. Maybe he will, maybe he won't, but unless we ask you have no possibility of getting it, so why not just go for it?"
"You know," Renee said smiling, "I didn't think I would have fun with you this morning. No offense or anything but the last time we hung out was kind of a nightmare. But you're alright for an older person."
Addison winced slightly at the older comment but took the compliment regardless. The two talked for a little longer until Renee had to get back to the ranch to feed the animals. Addison threw away the paper cups and folded the blanket up into her bag. After waving goodbye to Renee she made her way down the church steps to the mine cart. She paused at the graveyard for a moment and noticed Mira had once again spread flowers on all the graves, which had since blown around the ground.
The mine cart up to the mine district was not Addison's favorite mode of transportation but she couldn't justify walking all the way around when she was already here. At least this time it was dry Addison thought as she stepped into the cart and braced herself for the ride up. As soon as she pulled the lever she closed her eyes and held on tight, her stomach dropping and teeth chattering in her mouth as she endured the jerky, dark ride. She didn't realize she was holding her breath until she exhaled once the daylight was shining on her face again. She stumbled slightly as she stepped out, having to grab the side of the cart before the dizziness and shaking in her legs subsided. Addison glanced around and to her relief did not see anybody around to witness her stumble.
Once she regained her composure Addison made her way towards Mira's shop, her stomach still slightly queasy. She wasn't sure she would ever get used to that cart. As she opened the door and bell chimed merrily. Julius was leaning over the counter chatting animatedly with Mira as she pulled out different pieces for him to look at.
"Hi Addison," Mira greeted Addison, looking up after hearing the bell," Make yourself at home, I'll be right with you." Addison nodded appreciatively and took a seat in the large, red chairs Mira had in the lobby her shop. Looking around Addison noticed Mira had a lot more pieces in her shop now and seemed to be taking more pride in the place. The shelves were polished and shining and a new red and gold rug lay on the ground covered the faded carpet. Julius and Candice went over a few more pieces before he finally settled on a silver barrette with a sapphire butterfly perched on it. Her thanked Mira graciously and then nodded politely to Addison before heading out.
Mira walked over and sat in the chair across from Addison's, "So Addison, what brings you here today? Business or just looking to chat?"
"A little bit of a both," Addison replied, "I wanted to see how the shop is coming along and I also was looking for some accessories for the Gala tonight."
"I didn't know you were going to the Gala! What color is your dress?" Mira asked excitedly, jumping up and ushering Addison over to the biggest display case below the register.
"It is a deep red color so the blue necklace you gave me from before doesn't quite match."
"No, that won't do at all," Mira replied pensively, looking from piece to piece before she lit up excitedly and pulled out a small box. She set it on the counter so that Addison could see the golden necklace glistening inside it. The gold was shaped like leaves that accented perfectly shaped ruby roses.
"That is gorgeous," Addison gasped in admiration, "I had no idea you were that talented."
'Turn around," Mira instructed as she picked up the necklace and stood behind Addison. She lifted up her hair but then paused suddenly, lingering in a way that caused Addison to feel uncomfortable.
"Is something wrong?" Addison asked uneasily.
"This is quite the interesting scarf," Mira observed, " Where did you find it?"
"Oh this thing?" Addison picked up one of the ends of the scarf and rubbed it between her fingers, "It was in a box in my house. It used to be my mother's."
"Hm, I see," was all Mira replied as she unwrapped the scarf from Addison's neck and set it aside. She replaced the scarf with the necklace, the metal slightly cold on Addison's bare neck. Mira then turned Addison back toward a wall with a full-length mirror. Addison's hands traced the roses on the necklace, enthralled with the beautiful piece.
"I love it Mira, it is perfect," she replied breathlessly, "You know before the only jewelry I could ever have was cheap accessory jewelry. I never realized how much I wanted something more until now."
"Wait one moment," Mira said, retreating back behind the counter again. Addison was caught up in the sparkle of the necklace and didn't hone into Mira's sudden mood drop. When Mira returned she was holding too small ruby rose earrings that matched the necklace.
"This is absolutely what I needed, I'll take them," Addison decided after holding one of the earrings up to her left ear to get an idea of the full picture.
"So I know you aren't running for the board, who are you going to the Gala with?" Mira asked as she wrapped up Addison's purchases.
"Gill asked me to be his date. We're seeing each other sort of. Not exclusively or anything – I don't know it is confusing," Addison admitted.
"I know a thing or two about confusing love," Mira answered, "I don't miss that part of it."
"Were things complicated when you and your husband met?"
Mira laughed softly, "For him, not for me. I knew he was the one right away but he needed some coaxing."
"See I don't feel that, I don't feel like I know already. I like him but I just don't feel sure."
"Well," Mira said as she took Addison's card and handed her the small, red bag with gold tissue paper sticking out, "Like I said my husband didn't know either, just be honest and give it time. Nobody can fault you for that. And if he is sure about you the way I was about my husband then he will wait for you dear."
"Thank you for everything," Addison said as she took her card back and wrapped her scarf back around her neck. Mira once again stared at the scarf, a look of interest and confusion slipping through her attempt at a smile.
The rest of the afternoon was a hurried blur. Addison's dress now fit perfectly, hugging her hips like a glove and now fit her chest perfectly, showing just enough to be alluring without being tasteless. Selena helped zip her in and fix her normally straight hair into full bodies waves that rolled down her back gracefully. The necklace and earrings from Mira gave her a subtle shine and Selena helped do her makeup so her eyes sprung alive. She packed her phone and a few necessities into the small white clutch Candice had suggested for her when she picked up her dress. Selena chastised her for not trying on her red heels earlier and breaking them in, it took a couple tries for Addison to walk across the room in them without stumbling.
"You look wonderful," Selena said triumphantly when she was finished.
"I feel weird," Addison said as she glanced at her reflection uncertainly, "I have never been this dressed up in my life. I feel like an impersonator."
"Don't be silly! Wait just a second," Selena said excitedly as she grabbed for Addison's clutch and fished out her phone.
"What are you doing?" Addison demanded. Selena didn't respond but instead put one arm around Addison and used the other to hold the phone slightly above them and snapped a couple pictures.
"It was about time we had some pictures, all best friends have pictures. Here stand over there and let me get a couple to send to your brother."
Posing for pictures wasn't Addison's favorite thing in the world but her smile was genuine as Selena's words touched her. Best friends. She had never had a best friend before. Just like when she put on the necklace earlier she realized another thing in her life she had wanted but never found the time to mourn the lack of.
"You know, for someone with money your phone is kind of crappy, these pictures don't do you justice," Selena commented as she reviewed the pictures, "But they will do I guess."
Addison laughed, "It is crappy isn't it? I never got a better one. Maybe I should. But you know it is still better than your nonexistent one."
The girl's teasing and laughing was interrupted by a knock at the door that made Addison's stomach knot tightly with a rush of nerves. Selena grinned slyly at Addison's nervous face and opened the door to reveal a grinning Gill. A tie that matched the crimson of Addison's dress offset his black slacks and suit. A matching red silk handkerchief peeked out of his breast pocket and his shined, black shoes finished off the attire.. Addison caught herself grinning at the sight of him and broke her stare, blushing slightly.
"Well damn, you both look wonderful," Selena said to break the silence between them, "Get close together so I can get a picture!"
"Wait, what?" Gill asked as Addison took her place beside him.
"I've been being harassed by the paparazzi," Addison joked, "Just play along. Don't worry, it takes crappy pictures."
Once Selena was satisfied she had enough pictures she returned Addison's phone and they departed for the Gala. Addison was relieved to see that the boat they were taking to the island were more of a yacht than a boat and had heating. While her dress was beautiful it wasn't adequate dress for evening's chill. Addison recognized quite a few faces on the boat. Right away she recognized Candice and Luna sitting with their Grandmother who looked like she was already exhausted. Craig and his wife were beside them and were the only couples that weren't dressed up. Irene was chatting with a handsome man with a long black ponytail who Gill informed her was Jin, the island's doctor. Gill introduced her to the other candidates – an eccentric redhead named Lilith, an elderly man named Carl and his wife Edith and lastly a quiet, dark haired young man named Luis who kept to himself. Gill quietly explained to Addison that the later three were first time runners and not as well known on the island so they were wild cards. The group chatted amicably and lightly debated as drinks were served and the yacht made its way towards Toucan Island. Only after talking for a bit did Addison recognize Lilith as the woman Toby was having lunch with earlier that week, she hadn't recognized her all dressed up.
The dock was lit up with floating paper lanterns when the yacht pulled into the Toucan Island harbor. As soon as they were off the boat Addison could see the lights from the hotel Selena had told her about. The path to the hotel was paved with cobblestones and brightly lit. Addison huddled close to Gill for warmth and he put an arm around her, shielding her from the night's gales. Addison's breath caught in her throat as they entered the doors and she suddenly felt incredibly small. She pushed her way out from Gill's arm to look around the hotel in awe. The floors were elegant dark marble and the ceilings were high with crystal chandeliers hanging down illuminating the whole lobby. Addison had no idea why Selena had hated this place, it was the most elegant building she had ever been in. Hotel staff in suits were checking in guests, all of whom were dressed incredibly well and Addison could almost seen the wealth dripping off of them. Busboys hurried through the lobby carrying large suitcases down the hall toward two rows of elevators.
"Adi, this way," Gill whispered as he took her hand and led her to the left through another doorway. The ceiling in this room was lower but no less elegant and the carpet was a rich red. White modern square couches were scattered throughout the room with glasses tables that guests had set their drinks upon. Waiters hurried throughout the room carrying trays of hor'devours and drinks. On the far wall sat a marble bar that guests had also crowded around. The room was buzzing with the sounds of conversation and laughter.
"Who are all these other people?" Addison asked as she surveyed the crowd.
"Endorsers, investors," Gill explained as he led Addison to a couch where Candice and Luna were sitting with their Grandmother, "The Gala is the best chance for candidates to get backers."
"Why in the world would you need investors?" Addison asked as they sat down. A waiter came by with tall clear glasses full of a bubbling pink drink. Everyone else at the couch took one so Addison followed suit and tasted it slowly, to her relief it was sweet and rather good.
"We all have agendas, reasons for running. We all want to change things and the truth is most of that change isn't possible without money. It is also true that we need money to keep up our campaigns. For now it is pretty tame but once the preliminary votes narrows the candidates down it gets pretty intense," Gill explained as he sipped his own drink.
"You're looking pretty overwhelmed right now," Luna said smugly as she took a stuffed mushroom from a passing waiter, "Feel a bit out of your element Addison?"
Addison straightened up, annoyed with Luna's attitude already, "Not in the slightest. I find it all fascinating, this place is wonderful."
Luna smirked and shook her head amused, popping back another mushroom. Addison turned to Gill to ask him something but he jumped up eagerly and outstretched his hand to a man standing nearby, "Mr. Anderson, such a pleasure to run into you, I would love to speak with you for a moment." Mr. Anderson accepted his handshake and the two disappeared into the crowd, leaving Addison with Candice and Luna.
"What's wrong Addison, were you expecting a romantic dance or something?" Luna pushed at her again. Candice shot Luna a sour look and Addison an apologetic shrug.
"Hey look Candice, Jin is all alone, go talk to him!" Luna urged, pointing out Jin sitting at the bar talking to the bartender who was pouring him a martini.
"Why would I do that?" Candice asked exasperatedly.
"Because he is single now, why else. He comes from a good family and is well respected, you two would be a good match. Let's face it he was way too good for that ex-wife of his."
"He was married?" Addison asked, looking over at the man they were both talking about.
"Oh yes, to this very nice woman named Anissa. But it didn't work out," Candice trailed off and Luna cut in, "She wasn't that nice. She was low class and she left him. Can you believe that? That was her one chance at making it and she blew it."
"Honestly Luna, there is more to life than class and money," Candice said angrily, "And Anissa is a very nice girl! It is none of our business why it didn't work out."
"Hey guys, guess what I just heard," Lilith said urgently as she approached the group from behind the couch. They all turned to look at her and Luna leaned in especially close to listen.
"You know who the Riley's are right?" Lilith asked.
"Of course," Luna answered with a dismissive wave of her hand, "They are the family who owned the hotel on this island before and now they are majority shareholders of this place. Wonderful people." Addison noticed Candice roll her eyes at the last part and smiled.
"Yes, well it turns out their daughter is missing! They had kept it private for awhile but it has been a couple months and nothing as come up so they are going public with their search."
"That is horrible!" Addison blurted out, "Why would they wait so long?"
"They most likely feared she was kidnapped for business reasons and feared repercussions for going public," Candice said pensively, "That really is awful."
"I know. See that many over there?" Lilith gestured to one of the security guards dressed in all black, "He was showing people a picture of her, asking if they knew anything."
"Well we should go look, we might be able to help," Addison suggested.
"I agree, any bit of information could be critical for bringing her back alive," Candice answered and stood up.
Luna stood too, "Fine, but you guys are overreacting. She probably just ran away with some of daddy's money and is off on vacation somewhere."
Addison stood to go after them and the three made their way through the crowd. As they walked Addison noticed a glint in Candice's hair and upon further inspection realized it was the shining butterfly barrette she had seen Julius buy that morning. After Luna's comments about Jin and Anissa she was sure Luna had no idea who that gift was from. Right before the group reached the guard Addison felt a hand take her arm and turned to see Gill. "Hey Addison, I have some people I want you to meet."
She looked over her shoulder at the group who were talking to the guard now. He took a piece of paper out of his coat and handed it to them. Addison turned back to Gill and walked with him, figuring she would catch a glance at the picture later. Behind her back she didn't see the sudden recognition in Luna's face that was quickly replaced with a mischievous smile or Candice's troubled frown.
Gill led her back to the gentleman he was speaking with before. He was an older man with kind brown eyes and a wrinkled smile. Beside him stood a short, older woman with greying hair pulled back into a bun. "Addison, this is Nathan and Elise Anderson. They used to work with your father years ago." Addison straightened up and shook hands with them both. It was intimidating to be thrust into an interaction with people who were obviously important and had known her father but she did her best to present a strong, pleasant front.
"What an honor to meet both of you," she said cordially. Beside her she could feel Gill beaming at her for her demeanor.
"The honor is ours. Are you running for the board too dear?" Nathan asked her.
"Oh no, I'm just here for Gill."
"I must be honest I wasn't sure which candidate to endorse in this race. But when I heard he knew you I thought I had to at least give the boy a listen. Your father was brilliant, always had such wonderful ideas. It was such a shame we lost him so young. I'm sorry for that dear." Addison nodded politely and thanked Nathan for his condolences. Gill launched into a monologue about his hopes for the island and Addison felt her mind wandering. She was filled with sympathy for the Riley's. For years the worst thing Addison could imagine was anything happening to Tyler, when she thought about how worried and sick with grief she would be if he was gone it made her feel nauseous. She could only imagine how much worse it was for parents and especially considering they had a daughter instead of a son.
"And that is why I believe improving education on the island is so vital," Addison's attention snapped back to Gill as she caught what he was talking about, "Too many families have been forced to either separate from their children for much of the year or take time away from their businesses to homeschool their kids. This needs to change for both the emotional well-being and financial stability of these families. I want to expand our own school system but in the meantime I want to establish a satellite system with one of the mainland schools. We have so much technology we aren't using, there is no reason we can't harness the power of the Internet and the communication technologies availability to improve education."
Addison found herself impressed, hanging onto Gill's every word. In all the time they had talked about the board races they had never really discussed what he intended to do if he won. "I agree. Lack of education is the reason I couldn't bring my brother with me when I moved," Addison blurted out. She suddenly realized interrupting was a rude thing to do but Gill looked interested and even happy.
"You have a brother?" Elisa asked gently.
"Yes, after my father died it was my mother, my brother and I. My mother wasn't a stable person so I took care of my brother. When I came back here I couldn't bring him with me. I purposely rented the house I did for them because it kept him in a good school and I want him to have college opportunities, opportunities he wouldn't have on Castanet."
Nathan shook his head in disappointment, "Ah Denise, that is so sad. She used to be such a vibrant, enchanting woman. Christopher's death must have been hard on her." Addison considered protesting and pointing out that her mother left him but she held her tongue.
Elisa took Addison's hand comfortingly, "Your father would be proud of you. Thank you for sharing your story with us, it really does show why this is such an important cause." They exchanged a few more pleasantries and then Gill announced that he and Addison were going to grab a drink and check on the other candidates. Nathan and Elise shook both their hands again and promised to be in touch. Once they left Gill steered Addison in the opposite direction of the bar, out through the lobby and back into the night air.
"What are we doing out here?" Addison asked. As they walked out Addison had noticed how bright the full moon was and just how many stars littered the sky. In the city the lights dimmed the stars but out here the stars seemed to reach on forever, shining brightly across the sky. Gill smiled and lifted Addison off the ground, spinning her around.
"What are you doing?" she asked, startled and also amused.
"You are seriously the best. Nathan and Elise were my first choice backers and because of your help I was able to seal the deal. You have no idea how big of a help you just were."
The two sat down on a white marble bench a little ways away from the doorway. A small river was flowing through the garden which Addison imagined would be beautiful during the way but the flowers were all closed up for the night. Floating candles drifted down the river, illuminating the small area with an ambient light. Addison shivered and Gill removed his coat, placing it around her shoulders.
"You know I really believe in what you said." Addison told him as she pulled the coat around her.
"Why do you sound surprised when you say that?" Gill asked her as he fixed his gaze upon her.
"I don't know. I always assumed you wanted to run for board because it was a step in you becoming mayor. And I assumed you wanted to be mayor because your father was. But you actually have really wonderful ideas, I was really impressed." As she spoke she looked upon him and for the first time saw him differently. She suddenly found herself hit with a multitude of emotions, part of her felt shy and self conscious, suddenly aware of every imperfection she had and desperate to hide it from him. But another part of her, a louder part of her, was impressed and enthralled with him and wanted to know more about him, to know him closer. She inched near him, laying her head on his chest apprehensively.
As she did she could feel his heart quicken and his arm move around her. His hands buried themselves in her hair and she found herself holding her breath for fear that he would notice it had quickened. From her hair his hand migrated to her face, tracing her cheekbones with his finger and tilting her face up towards him. She knew he wanted to kiss her and unlike last time she wouldn't be caught off guard and had a moment to question if she wanted it also. She felt she did and moved towards him, grasping his waist with her hands in an attempt to quell their quivering. Their lips were inches away and she could feel the warmth of his breath when heavy footsteps on the grass startled them and she pulled away quickly.
Two of the security guards were standing beside them and two more police officers accompanied them. Scratchy voices from the police radios shattered the silence of the night around them. Gill stood up protectively, "Is something the matter here?"
One of the officers stepped forward, "Ma'am, are you Addison Jensen?"
"Yes, yes I am," Addison responded. Her voice was shaky, partially from the excitement of her near romantic encounter and partially from fear of wondering what the officers wanted from her. Gill's faces twisted in confusion.
The officer pushed passed Gill to Addison, "Addison Jensen, you need to come with us. You're under arrest."