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Love in a foreign land

Chapter 1

'Today, is the day,' I told myself as I looked at my packed suitcases. Performing arts is fun, yes, but the stress it has on me-emotionally-causes breakdowns every now and then. Since I started the college, this was the first time I had a break. And I planned on spending it well; in the mountains all by myself for 4 months. That always did sound like my scene. I stepped out of my apartment in London and walked down the hall to the exit. I took in everything around me for the last time and soon enough, my body was parked outside of the apartment building. I called a cab to take me to the airport about 5 minutes before and thanked the heavens that it was there already-I was already late. The drive to the airport got the thinking about the drive I shared with my parents back in South-Africa on our way to the airport too. That was such an emotional day for both my parents and I; they sent their baby girl to a new country all by herself and I had to start over without my loved ones. Time passed by and before I knew it; we were at the airport. I thanked the cab driver and payed him before taking my suitcases into my tiny hands. As I entered the airport my flight was called. I rushed over to get my cases checked. With a deep breath I walked up to the line for my flight. The flight attendant took my ticket and soon, I was cuddled up in a blanket in my seat and fell asleep as soon as the airplane lifted to the sky.

I was awoken by the flight attendants voice informing us that we were about to land. I sat up in my chair and buckled up the seatbelt once again. I peaked out of the window and gasped once I saw the view; yes, it was breathtaking. That's why Ireland has always been my favorite country. After the landing, I saw the board of Ireland as I walked out of the airport with my cases in hand. There was loads of cabs already parked outside so I walked up to one and handed him the paper with the address of my stay for the 4 months. The middle aged man nodded at me then stepped out of his car to help with my bags. I giggled at his outfit as he walked back to the driver's seat. The drive was short; three minutes at least. There were beautiful green fields and mountains everywhere and soon we pulled up at a cottege. The beautiful brown cottege was surrounded by big oak trees and the cottege was built on a mountain top that over-looked a small village. Once again, I thanked the cab driver and payed my fee before walking up to the cottege. As I stopped at the information desk to check in to my cottage I took in the fresh new air and felt exited to be in Ireland; to relax and not think about anything. After checking myself in a lady showed me my way to my cottage. The lady was probably in her 40s and dressed like a traditional Irish lady. The place had a modern look to it and was really beautiful. I admired the Irish folk music as the lady walked me to my cottage.

"Hi love, I'm Olivia. If you need anything you just give me a call my number will be on your night stand along with all the other emergency numbers," she said and I couldn't help but smile at her accent

"Thanks Olivia, I'm Bia," I told her. She nodded and gave me the key to my room before walking off. I sticked the key Olivia gave me into the hole of my cottage door. The door opened with a long squeeking sound before showing off the room. The cottage smelled like fire and old wood from all the rain but somehow it was refreshing and comfortable, I liked it. Suddenly Olivia came into my room, startled I let out a little scream and turned around

"Sorry babe didn't mean to scare ya " she chuckled.

"It's fine," I said, feeling stupid.

"How do you like the cottage?" She asked with a friendly smile as she gazed over the room like it was her first time of seeing the room too.

"It's amazing, thank you," I replied politely.

"My son usually stays in this cottage when he comes to visit but he went away with his friends for the week," she said and I could see that she misses him "You'll like him, luckily you're here for a while so I can introduce you when he gets here," she said winking at me

"That would be great," I lied but I honestly did not like the idea very much. After all, I was in Ireland for a break. Not a heart break. Olivia left the cottage and shut the door behind her without my realizing. As soon as her presence was gone and I was left alone in the beautiful cottage; I felt lonely, I wished I could have my family there, but they died in a car crash about a year after I moved to London from South-Africa and somehow the pain still felt fresh. I guess that's why I never really let people in anymore, not after their accident. I'm afraid of losing them. The rest of the day I unpacked my 4month suitcase and Olivia dropped by to invite me over for dinner. I was excited; I couldn't wait to eat my first Irish dinner. I started up the fireplace and remembered that Olivia invited me over for dinner. I jumped to my feet and took a nice warm bath. I put on my favorite jeans a dark blue shirt with
an orange scarf brown leather boots and a jacket and just put my hair in a plain ponytail.

"Olivoa it smells amazing," I said filling my nostrils with the smell of freshly roasted chicken

"Thanks love, dig in," she gestured to the plate infront of me.

I couldn't help notice the portrait on the wall in front of me of a young man both bright blue eyes and blond hair he looked breathtaking and I was amazed by the portrait of the boy. I couldn't help but stare until Olivia broke my stare with her voice.

"Do you like what you see love?"

My cheeks flushed and I looked down .

He was, by far, the loveliest boy I've ever laid my eyes on. Even if it was just a photo.