A/N: Thank you for all the wonderful reviews, keep them coming. Also there is an additional note at the end of the story.
Natalie followed her mother into the palatial lobby, their bags had already been taken and she was just holding her purse. She was already sweating in her woolly sweater despite the air conditioning. Natalie's mom was speaking to a staff member and then turned to face Natalie. Everyone on staff was expecting their arrival and a woman dressed in a smart suit handed Natalie a glass of cool water.
"Thank you" said Natalie gratefully.
She finished it in a few large gulps before setting it back on the waiting tray.
"Go get some rest, Regina will help you" her mother said.
"Regina is here?" said Natalie surprise lacing her voice.
"Of course, I called her to come when you said you'd be visiting" replied her mother simply.
"That was yesterday, you got her over here in a day?" said Natalie.
"It's nothing darling, I wanted you to be comfortable and well cared for" said her mother with a dismissive wave of her hand.
Regina appeared in the doorway. She was dressed just as Natalie remembered, her starched white shirt beneath a gray uniform. Her tiny nurses watch was pinned over her breast as it was when Natalie was a child.
"My word child, you've grown" said Regina quietly.
Natalie ran towards her rushing into Regina's open arms. The moment she was wrapped in her comforting embrace Natalie felt home.
"You look absolutely exhausted" said Regina. "Lets get you to bed."
Natalie allowed herself to be led to a bank of elevators.
"Just a moment Regina" said Mrs. Moore.
"Yes ma'am" replied Regina.
"Make sure Natalie eats something, she didn't eat a bite on the plane" said her mom.
"Of course" said Regina.
"And Natalie" said her mom. "Dinner will be at 6 sharp and we dress for dinner. Your sister and brother will be anxious to see you."
"Yes mother" replied Natalie obediently.
"Don't worry miss, we'll get you right as rain before then" replied Regina quietly.
"I know you will, you always do" said Natalie sleepily.
A few hours later the sound of running water woke Natalie from a half sleep. Her first thought was that she was back on the boat, that idea alone made her start to shake in her sleep. The nauseous feelings she had in the last few days on the boat was back in full force. Suddenly there was a cool washcloth pressed to her forehead and a gentle arm pulling her into a sitting position.
"It's alright Natalie, it's alright, nanny's here" said Regina's soothing voice.
Natalie tried to nod.
"Have a sip of water and then slowly open your eyes" said Regina.
Natalie did as she was told and once here eyes focused on the room the anxiety slowly subsided.
"I'm running you a bath" said Regina.
With a final pat on Natalie's back Regina walked into the bathroom and the sound of running water finally stopped. Natalie laid back on the puffy pillows and stared blankly at the ceiling. It was painted like a blue sky filled with fluffy clouds. This room was always hers when her family came here to visit. She was never sure why. She assumed it was because it was whimsical which is how her mother saw her personality. The Queen Anne style furnishings made the room look very British, which is just what her mom wanted. A little slice of home in a tropical setting.
"Ok Natalie, lets get you into the bath" said Regina.
Natalie walked slowly into the bathroom and saw a huge tub full of fragrant flowers. Regina moved behind Natalie and began slowly unbuttoning her nightgown.
Natalie slid into the bathtub and allowed herself to dip beneath the water. Once she resurfaced Regina was waiting with a large loofa. She gently scrubbed Natalie's back before handing her the sponge and starting on her hair. The luxurious bath went on for almost an hour and once Natalie was as clean as humanly possible she got out of the tub and was wrapped lovingly in a fluffy bath towel.
"Sit down at the vanity and I'll brush your hair" said Regina.
"No one has brushed my hair forever" said Natalie with a smile.
"What happened to you Natalie?" asked Regina. "You're covered with bruises and scars. I can see most of your ribs."
Natalie hesitated for a moment but the calming pull of the hairbrush caused the words to tumble out of her mouth. Once the story was over Natalie's eyes were glued to the vanity's marble top.
"You did a wonderful thing for those men" said Regina. "But then again you always do what's right even when it's not easy."
"I guess" said Natalie.
"No darling" said Regina grabbing Natalie's chin and tilting it upwards. "Don't ever feel bad about what you did."
Natalie sighed and smiled sadly.
"I took the liberty of unpacking your bag and picking out a dinner dress" said Regina. "You made some very interesting clothing choices."
"Mum packed my bags" explained Natalie.
"That explains it" said Regina more to herself than Natalie.
"Is there anything in there that I would wear?" asked Natalie.
"You'll look beautiful in everything, but it certainly isn't your style" said Regina with a smile. "Or maybe it is, I haven't seen you in years."
"I'm sorry I haven't visited" said Natalie.
"Don't apologize, you have your own life" said Regina. "You've grown up."
Natalie smiled happily and Regina smiled back through the mirror.
"I suppose I should get dressed, no reason to avoid the inevitable" said Natalie with a sigh.
Regina dressed Natalie with great care, paying special attention to make her as beautiful as possible.
The dinning room was set up for a huge banquet not an intimate family dinner. The room itself was gigantic but there was one table pushed close to the large windows, set for four with beautiful china and crystal. Standing out on the veranda were Natalie's brother and sister. They were huddled together holding flutes of champagne in their hands.
"Where is she?" asked James.
"I don't know? Getting dressed" answered Nicole.
"What's taking her so long" complained James.
"Well she's probably out of practice" said Nicole with a snort. "I can't imagine she has many formal dinners in the states."
"I can't believe she's here" said James. "It's been years since she's come on holiday with us."
"She was in hospital for a few days" said Nicole. "I'm sure she was under sedation when mum asked her because she never would have agreed otherwise."
"Mum says she's fine" said James.
"I wonder what happened" said Nicole.
"I don't know. How about a top up?" suggested James.
"Excellent" said Nicole in response.
With drinks refilled the pair sat quietly in a few chairs overlooking the volcano in the distance. The crack of thunder preceded the ominous click of heels across the floor, both Nicole and James sighed deeply. They turned as their mother had moved onto the balcony in a cloud of perfume.
"Good evening mother" they chorused.
"It's lovely to see you children" said their mother. "James I thought we agreed on a suit and tie for dinner."
"Yes mother" replied James pulling a crumpled tie from his pocket. "But I feel compelled to remind you that this is Costa Rica and people on holiday rarely wear anything more than a swimming suit.
"Really, you must have a better tie than that" rebuked his mother, completely ignoring his second comment.
"Not on me" replied James.
The doors opened summoning everyone's attention away from James. Natalie walked through the door looking uncomfortable and unsure. She walked across the room and embraced her mother first and then her brother. Then walking closer she pulled her sister into a fierce embrace.
"I've missed you" they said in unison.
"Don't start that already" complained James.
"Children don't start fighting" said their mother.
James handed Natalie a glass of champagne, which she accepted gratefully.
"To three against one" said James as he clinked his glass against Natalie's.
"Here Here" she replied.
"Enough, lets have dinner" said her mother in disgust.
The sun hung low in the sky as Natalie walked along the beach letting the surf lap at the bottom of her dress, soaking the fabric. Her mind was a whirl of thoughts. Dinner had reassured her that moving to Seattle had been the best decision of her life. The whole time her brother and sister had bickered with their mother, bringing up every single issue from the time they could remember to the present. Finally their mother retired to bed and the room quieted. Natalie had taken the moment to go for a walk. She imagined there would be more talking when she got back to the hotel but for now she would pretend that she was just on vacation, by herself. Sitting down on the sand she pulled her knees up to her chest and smiled. This was the way she liked the ocean, calm, soft, lapping and warm. She watched a pleasure cruise in the distance it's lights flickering across the water. Her mind drifted to the men Northwestern, she wondered what they were doing. The guys deserved a nice vacation. She wondered if her mother would mind if she flew them down. Natalie chuckled to herself imagining asking her mother to invite a bunch of uncouth men to crash their perfect family holiday. With that thought she turned back towards the direction she'd come. She only made it a few feet before her sister all but tackled her.
"Natty, what are you doing out here all by yourself?" asked Nicole.
"Taking a walk" replied Natalie.
"Come back, we miss you" said Nicole tugging her arm.
"I was on my way already" said Natalie.
Nicole slipped her hand into Natalie's and they walked slowly back towards the hotel.
"Can I ask you a question?" asked Nicole quietly.
"Of course, but you probably already know the answer" said Natalie.
"I don't know" said Nicole. "I feel I haven't known you for the last three years."
"I'm sorry Nicky" said Natalie remorsefully. "You could have come to visit."
"I'm always on tour" said Nicole.
"I know, we're always busy" said Natalie with a sad smile.
"It wasn't so hard when you lived closer" said Nicole.
"You could always move to Seattle" said Natalie.
"Oh please, what sort of arts do they have there?" asked Nicole.
"They have a lot, civic opera house a symphony" said Natalie defensively.
"But nothing compared to London or New York" said Nicole smartly.
"Agreed" said Natalie.
"You could still come visit" said Nicole.
"I'll try harder in the future" said Natalie.
"You won't, I can tell by the look on your face" said Nicole.
"It was the same look on your face when I suggested you come to stay with me" retorted Natalie.
The girls had reached the hotel and saw their brother pacing on the deck. He saw them and smiled broadly and waved.
"Thing one and thing two, I've got drinks all ready for you" said James.
The trio drank well into the night catching each other up on the past few years of their lives. When they finally retired for the night they were all completely sloshed.
The crack of the light through the windows was enough to wake Natalie from her stupor. She tried to roll over and was blocked by a body. Cracking her eye open she saw a swath of brown hair. Groaning she rolled the other way and was barely able to stop herself from falling off the bed. The door opened silently and the sound of soft steps crossed the room.
"Oh my, you two are ridiculous" said Regina's soft voice.
"Good morning" said Natalie horsely.
"I've brought you some tea, I suggest you sit up slowly" said Regina's voice.
"You didn't bring any for Nicky" said Natalie.
"Why would I? She has her own room" said Regina with a scoff. "Besides she won't be up for hours."
"Really?" said Natalie in surprise.
"Natalie it's barely seven" explained Regina. "I've never known Nicole to wake before the day was in double digits."
Natalie smiled and slipped out of bed. Regina handed her the tea and led her out onto the small patio.
"Sit and relax, I can order you breakfast" said Regina.
"Don't we have formal breakfast?" asked Natalie wearily.
"No, I believe that breakfast and luncheon are on your own" said Regina.
"In that case I'd like some toast" said Natalie.
"You'll need more than that" said Regina. "You've lost at least a stone."
"Fine, order what ever you want. I put myself completely in your hands" said Natalie happily.
"That's the most thoughtful thing you've said all day" said Regina.
"To be fair, it's only seven" said Natalie.
"What are your plans for the day?" asked Regina.
"I think I want to go into town" said Natalie.
"Get your hair done, it looks dreadful" came a voice from the bed.
"Nicky, I can't believe you're awake" said Natalie with a smirk.
"It's the bloody sunbeam, once you got up it was right in my eye" grumbled Nicole.
"So sorry sissy" said Natalie.
"No you aren't" said Nicole. "But I was being honest when I said you need to get your hair done, it looks terrible."
"So what, it's not as if I have anyone to impress" said Natalie.
"Natty, you could impress anyone you wanted if you actually made an effort" said Nicole.
"Fine, I'll go get my hair done" surrendered Natalie.
"Good" said Nicole. "Now that I've been of some use, I'm going back to bed."
"Nighty noon" said Natalie.
Nicole excused herself and slumped back into the bed.
"I think I'll go now" said Natalie quietly once Nicole had started snoring.
"I doubt if any place is open" said Regina.
"It's fine, I'll enjoy walking around" said Natalie.
"I'll ring for the car" said Regina.
"No, I think I'll just walk" said Natalie.
"Your mother would kill me if I let you walk all the way into town" said Regina. "At least take the car down the hill and then let the driver off for the day."
"Good idea" said Natalie.
"By the way dear, if it's any consolation, I think your hair is lovely" said Regina with a smile. "Don't cut it too short."
"Thanks" said Natalie giving her a quick squeeze.
The walk into town was brisk and Natalie enjoyed looking at the beautiful scenery as she meandered the bustling streets. She bought a few gifts for Edgar and Antha's kids before finally making her way to the salon. It took almost three hours before she paid her bill and left with a wonderful new spring in her step. Sitting down in a street side cafe she ordered lunch and sat back to enjoy the view. She had just received her drink when a shadow appeared on her table. Looking up she smiled.
"Your hair looks great" said James.
"Thanks" said Natalie. "Won't you join me for lunch."
"Are you paying?" asked James.
"If need be" said Natalie.
"Well you know how mummy is, clutching the purse strings with a colossal grip."
"You could always get a job" suggested Natalie.
"Please, I'm not suited for work" said James. "Too good looking."
"You're impossible" said Natalie.
"Why did you agree to come this year?" asked James suddenly.
"Because I needed some warm weather" said Natalie.
"Why were you in Alaska?" asked James.
"I only want to explain it once" said Natalie.
"Fine, at dinner tonight then" suggested James.
"Depends, is dad coming this week?" asked Natalie.
"Possibly, you'll have to ask mum" said James.
"I suppose I can ask her tonight at the next formal dinner" said Natalie.
"That reminds me, I should probably buy a tie while we're out" said James.
"I fear all you'll find is one with beer bottle or palm trees" said Natalie.
"I'll definitely get the beer bottle tie, it will send mum into spasms" said James.
"Why do you bait her so much" chided Natalie.
"Oh please, she's bossing us constantly" said James.
"She wouldn't if you moved out" said Natalie.
"And leave the comforts of home? Never" said James.
The pair ate a delicious lunch, chatting about old times and new interests. Natalie kept closed mouthed about her time in Alaska but happily discussed her life in Seattle. James shared his new interest in studying Caribbean art. Which Natalie saw through as an excuse to go on pricey vacations. A few hours later they walked back to the hotel holding a few packages, more for James than Natalie.
The moment they got into the lobby they spied their mother sitting in one of the lobby chairs chatting with a man. Natalie recognized the man immediately and dropped her bags before rushing to the pair. The scuffle of her shoes caused her mother to look up, immediately casting a displeased glance at her obviously inappropriate response.
"Daddy" she called happily.
"Oh Natalie, it's lovely to see you" said her father.
Natalie embraced her father and they stayed clutched together for a moment before stepping back to examine each other.
"You're looking well daddy" gushed Natalie.
"You are looking happy my darling" said her father.
"You wouldn't have said that a few days ago when I found her half dead in an Alaska hospital" said her mother.
"Oh Talie, what have you gotten yourself into" said her father.
"Nothing daddy, I assure you I'm right as rain" said Natalie.
"I expect to hear the story, in its entirety, tonight" said her father sternly.
"Of course" said Natalie.
"Do you still like gimlets?" asked her father.
"Not as much as I like dirty martinis" said Natalie.
"Oh my you have grown up" said her father. "And James, still scotch and water or is Caribbean rum more your style these days?"
"No, scotch is perfectly suitable" replied James.
"Now where is Nicole?" asked their father.
"She should be down soon, I've asked her room to be rung" said their mother.
"I'll get her" volunteered James.
"I'm going to see about dinner, I want everything to be well and perfect" said Mrs Moore.
"Fine darling, I'll catch you up" said Mr. Moore.
Once the interlopers had left Natalie and her father moved their chairs closer together.
"Well my dear, I hope you really are as well as your letters insist" said her father.
"I'm doing wonderfully" said Natalie. "How is business?"
"We're working on building a hotel in Dubai" said her father. "That's why I wasn't here earlier."
"Really? I bet it will be the talk of the town" said Natalie encouragingly.
"Well it will at least be the priciest" said her father.
"Will we still cook?" asked Natalie suddenly.
"Of course" said her father. "Have you thought about what you'd like to make? Have you had anything truly interesting lately."
"I had a delicious fish head soup" said Natalie.
"Really, sounds interesting. Can we make it here?" asked her father.
"I'm sure it's possible" said Natalie.
"Well we can put our heads together and complete our tradition as always" said her father. "Now how about a drink."
"Sounds wonderful" said Natalie.
The two sipped their drinks in silence looking out at the beautiful landscape.
**This was a hard chapter to write because I'm creating English characters however I'm not British. I've been to the UK a few times but not enough to completely understand the culture and I admit I base my writings on English movies I've seen and internet searches for language. If any of my UK readers would like to chime in with phrases that would be appropriate I would definitely try to use them. I hope no one is too critical, I'm just trying my best.