Somewhere at Last (Willow's Journey #2)

By Julie Ann Knudsen

While adjusting to her new life on a tiny island, off the coast of Maine, sixteen-year-old Willow Flynn begins to enjoy the hot and carefree summer days most teenagers dream about.
Willow has only two priorities before the start of her junior year of high school: making money at her first real job and spending the rest of her free time with her boyfriend, Michael.
But dreams have a way of crashing, especially when a serious illness threatens the very survival of the boy she has come to love, the boy she’s begun to trust and the boy she cannot live without.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Julie Ann Knudsen
• Release date: Sep 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301086948

Julie Ann Knudsen

I received my B.S. degree in Technical Writing from Clarkson University, but found that I preferred writing creatively, especially after penning the play for my children's drama club for many years. I live with my husband and three children in Connecticut.

Book preview

CHAPTER

ONE

As I sat on the edge of my bed and rubbed sunscreen on my arms, I thought back and couldn’t believe almost a year had passed since I moved, far away from everything I knew and loved, to an island in the middle of nowhere. And I was surprised more than anyone that Pike’s Island was beginning to feel like home.

I continued onto my legs and let my mind wander to just over a week ago when my mom married Brian on a beautiful June morning. In the beginning, I wouldn’t accept that my mother had wanted to marry someone else, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that my mother was entitled to some companionship and happiness in her life. It didn’t mean she loved my father any less; it just meant that she had more love to give to someone else. At the end of the day, I had acted like a selfish and bratty teenager.

My mother and Brian had gone away on a ten-day honeymoon to Hawaii, while my grandparents stayed with James and me at my uncle’s summerhouse where we lived. They were already in town for the wedding, so they were going to hang out with us until my mother and Brian returned.

With my track record, my mother didn’t want to take any chances leaving me home alone with my nine-year-old brother, especially after almost losing him one time while shopping in Portland. At one point, she actually contemplated taking James and me along on her honeymoon. I had protested. Loudly. I did not want to go anywhere with the lovebirds even if it were on the tropical island of Maui. And even though I could imagine myself slicing into a guaranteed fresh and juicy pineapple, I decided I’d rather buy one from the local grocery store and take my chances.

Plus, I wanted to stay back on Pike’s to be able to spend more time with Michael. It was summer and the weather was perfect—the complete opposite of the more frigid temperatures that welcomed me during the cold, winter months while living on the small island off the coast of Maine.

My Uncle Ron came to the big event, but had to head back to New York City soon afterward to run his numerous restaurants. As part of his gift to my mother, my uncle had trucked all the food, including endless appetizers and bubbly champagne, up to Maine for the wedding feast. James and I and the rest of the one hundred wedding guests dined on a main course of grilled Black Angus filet in a cognac peppercorn sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and white asparagus tips, and ate as though we’d never have the chance to eat again. Even Michael, normally a picky eater, had gobbled up every last morsel of the delectable food.

I was so excited for the wedding cake, especially since my mom and Brian had allowed only me, and not James, to go with them when it was time to sample some flavors. We all agreed that we liked the chocolate cake with the raspberry filling and buttercream frosting the best. I felt happy that my mom actually allowed me to be part of such a big—and tasty—decision.

Michael and I had so much fun at the reception afterward, whether fighting over yummy pieces of fruit to stick underneath the chocolate fountain or posing with silly faces inside the photo booth. It was held under a big, white tent with floor to ceiling vases of red roses scattered throughout and a sparkling crystal chandelier hanging from the center. I thought it was a little over the top for my mom’s taste, but she was so content she radiated pure joy the whole day.

A band from the mainland played until the wee hours of the morning. Brian’s brother, Greg, was good friends with all the members, so they played longer than usual. Michael and I danced and danced and only stopped when he needed to rest and catch his breath. Michael’s mother left right after the cake was served and drove back to their house on Shoreline Drive. That’s where Michael and his family were going to stay the whole summer, as long as Michael was doing well and didn’t need to be in the hospital.

Michael’s last bout with pneumonia had really scared me. I had never seen anybody so sick in my life. I wasn’t sure if he’d ever recover and was so very thankful that he had. It had taken him over four months to get better, but he had just celebrated my mom’s wedding with me and never looked healthier or more handsome.

He wore a gray suit with a red tie to match the rose in my hair. His almost-black hair was cut short and his mischievous eyes taunted me as we glanced at each other across the dance floor. He rested easily against a chair while I danced with my mom and some of her coworkers. He had winked and smiled at me as I playfully turned and twirled as though I was a prima ballerina at a prestigious ballet concert. Even though I got him to chuckle, I realized how silly I must have looked and quickly stopped.

The rest of the night flew by and ended as Michael and I, hand in hand, left the partygoers behind and strolled toward the only streetlight around. We stood at the edge of the road while Michael waited for his ride.

You look so beautiful tonight, Michael had said as he brushed a wisp of hair from my eyes. The dim light from above cast a faint shadow across his face, making him look more mature than ever. The cute cleft in the middle of his chin made him look manly.

Thank you, I said, suddenly feeling shy and staring down at the pavement.

I couldn’t wait to be alone with you, Michael said, his voice deeper than normal.

I looked back up into his eyes. Right away I felt the butterflies. I couldn’t help it. Whenever Michael looked at me, really looked at me, I felt as though he was looking deep into my soul. Something came alive within me, something I had never felt before.

Michael licked his full lips and closed his eyes. He lowered his head toward mine and kissed me as he always did, as though it might be our last. I ran my fingers through his hair as he held my face. Michael pulled back and looked at me. He didn’t smile this time, only stared at me as if wanting to say something, but didn’t. Just then, a pair of headlights reflected in his dark eyes and his mother pulled up alongside us.

I gave Michael a quick hug and waved goodbye to them as they drove off. I walked back toward the festivities and, even though I could hear music and laughter off in the distance, felt sad and completely alone without Michael by my side.

• • •

I couldn’t wait to go to the beach with Michael, but I had to finish getting ready. As I was grabbing my wallet out of my purse, my brother walked by my room, but then stopped.

Yuck! he yelled from beyond my doorway. What’s that stench? he asked as he scrunched up his nose.

What stench? I replied.

It stinks like rotten coconuts in here! James said as he pinched his nostrils together.

I quickly realized he was referring to the scent of my sunscreen and also knew he was completely exaggerating.

"And how would you know what rotten coconuts smell like?" I asked sarcastically.

James widened his blue eyes and fixed his stare at me. ’Cause I’m looking right at them! he said before bursting into laughter and darting toward his room.

I shook my head and let out a sigh. My day at the beach couldn’t come soon enough. I tightened the cap on the sunscreen bottle and packed it inside my beach bag in case I needed to apply more once there. Even though I had an olive complexion, which I inherited from my mom, I always seemed to burn more easily at the beach. The last thing I wanted was to suffer from painful sunburn.

Unfortunately, Michael and I didn’t see as much of each other when my mom was away as I had hoped. It was still better, though, than being away with her and her new hubby.

Understandably, my mom wanted me to spend time with my grandparents because we didn’t get to see them very much. I actually enjoyed being around my grandma and grandpa, even though my grandfather was showing serious signs of dementia. I helped my grandmother with him as best as I could, like the times he’d put the milk away in the cupboard or when he meant to use the bathroom, but would walk straight out the front door. We’d drag him back into the house and usher him to through the proper door.

My grandmother was short and round with gray hair and, other than their matching-colored locks, my grandfather was the complete opposite. He was very tall and very skinny.

Whenever my grandfather would take a nap on the couch, my grandmother and I would sneak into the kitchen and quietly play a game of Scrabble or Backgammon. James, of course, would be parked in front of the TV, destroying whatever villain was popular at the time. Even my grandfather’s loud snoring couldn’t drown out the annoying sounds coming from the television set.

My mom was flying back home the next day, so Michael and I wanted to spend the whole day together, beginning at the beach. My grandmother was fine with it. Even though Michael lived closer to the shore, he was going to come and pick me up and drive us back toward East Wharf Road. I didn’t have my license yet and was anxious to get it. I was going to take the driving test the following week. I couldn’t believe that Michael had gotten his license before me, considering he was sick much of the time, but was thankful that at least one of us could drive.

I glanced at myself one more time in my bedroom mirror before heading downstairs. I had on a cute, new aqua-colored bikini and quickly slipped on a white, strapless ruffled cover-up. I had put my wavy chestnut hair up in a ponytail and liked how its loose curls hung down my back. I grabbed my towel, threw everything into my bag, and reached for my sunglasses just as the doorbell rang.

I got it, Grandma! I yelled as I raced down the front stairs. I wanted to be the first one to greet Michael. I threw open the door and was shocked to see not only Michael standing there waiting for me, but my grandfather, too.

Hi ya, Willow! my grandfather said as he waved and grinned from ear to ear.

Michael smiled uncomfortably and shrugged, not understanding what was going on. I turned and yelled toward the kitchen, Grandma! Come quick! Grandpa got loose again!

Oh, Shamus, I heard her grumble as she came toward us. You’re going to be the death of me!

My grandmother grabbed my grandfather’s arm and pulled him back inside. I said goodbye to them both before joining Michael on the front porch and securely closing the door.

What was that all about? he wanted to know.

Don’t ask, was all I said as I rolled my eyes and headed toward the driveway and away from the craziness brewing inside the geriatric ward behind me.

CHAPTER

TWO

Michael and I headed east on Shoreline Drive toward East Wharf Beach in his mom’s Mercedes. It was already hot and humid even though it was only ten o’clock in the morning. Michael held onto my left hand as we drove and gave me a quick smile before turning back to the road before him.

I couldn’t believe how happy I was, sitting next to Michael and going to the beach on a warm, sunny morning. It was the perfect start to a perfect day. I studied Michael’s profile as we drove. He really did look a lot like his mother. In all fairness, though, I couldn’t really say whether or not he resembled his dad because I had never met him.

Michael had shown me pictures of his father, but it wasn’t the same as seeing him in person. Michael said he was always busy working. I wondered if it was just an excuse because Michael had told me in the past that he and his dad weren’t close. He was lucky to have a father, and it seemed a shame that they didn’t have a wonderful relationship like my dad and I did when he was alive during my first ten years of life.

But I didn’t want to dwell on the negative. It was all about being positive. I was looking forward to the summer now that Michael and his family would be living in their summerhouse on Pike’s Island instead of over in Portland, Maine. Plus, I hadn’t seen very much of Michael before my mom’s wedding since it had taken him so long to recover from his pneumonia. I hadn’t realized how much more difficult it was for someone like him to get better, since he suffered from cystic fibrosis.

We would text each other constantly, connect on FunForum, or even chat on the phone while he recuperated. If anything, I felt closer to Michael because we talked so much about our feelings, from what was happening in the world to our hopes and dreams for our futures.

Right now all I cared about was getting to the beach so I could jump into the ocean. Even with the air conditioning on, the humidity hung thickly inside the car. Michael’s hand felt clammy, so he let go of mine and wiped it on his shorts.

You gonna swim when we get there? I asked.

Michael shook his head. Not much of a swimmer. I’ll walk in the water to cool off.

He took my hand again and squeezed it this time. I’ll be content just watching you splash around.

I looked at Michael and we both smiled. Then I stared straight ahead, feeling hopeful that this was going to the best summer of my life. I wasn’t going to let anything ruin my date with Michael Cooper now that he was happier and healthier than ever.

• • •

The beach was crowded. We found a spot to set up our matching striped canvas beach chairs—one blue, one orange—near the water, but far enough away so that we wouldn’t get wet when the waves rolled in. I was so excited to be at the beach with Michael—or anywhere with him, really. He had been stuck in Portland during the whole school year, while I was stranded on the remote island, only coming into contact with civilization when I took the ferryboat over to the mainland for high school.

After dropping our belongings next to our chairs, we held hands and walked toward the ocean. We stopped at the edge and splashed each other, and then I walked out further so I could go underneath and really cool off. Michael stood on the shore and held his hands above his eyes so he could see me. He smiled and waved. I waved back before playfully diving underneath the water’s surface. I swam for a bit and when I came back up, I couldn’t find him. I paddled inland and searched the shore as I did, trying to spot Michael’s bright green, neon swim trunks among the rest of the beachgoers.

I reached the sandy beach and scanned the crowd again. No sign of him. Maybe he went to use the restroom. I looked toward the bathrooms, as well as the Snack Shack, but didn’t spot him.

I decided to walk back to our beach chairs. At least this way, Michael would know where to find me once he was done doing whatever he needed to do. I reached my chair and grabbed a towel to dry off. As I squeezed the salt water from my hair, I glanced around and stopped when I spotted someone resembling Michael off in the distance. He was talking to a blonde girl whose back was facing me.

The sun’s rays were so strong I couldn’t see very well. I put on my sunglasses and squinted to see better and realized it was, in fact, Michael. He was laughing and chatting it up with some other girl. As I studied the back of her, along with her flowing hair and body language, it finally clicked in my head. Michael was carrying on and having a grand ole time with none other than Tessa Anderson.

I couldn’t believe my eyes! What the heck was Michael doing talking to another girl, especially Tessa Anderson? I marched straight over to them, completely on a mission.

Hi, guys! I waved, trying to sound casual.

As Tessa turned toward me, her hair whipped me in the face.

Hey, Willow! What’s up? she asked as she sized me up.

Not much, I responded. What are you guys doing?

Michael was being nice and sprayed my back with oil.

Tessa turned toward Michael and flashed him her pearly whites. She held out her hand. Thanks, she said as Michael gave her the bottle back.

Michael smiled. No problem.

I was seething inside, but managed to keep the jealousy in my voice to a minimum. You two know each other?

Tessa contorted her face as if she’d just sucked on a lemon. Duh, Willow. We grew up on the island together.

Yeah, Michael confirmed as he turned toward Tessa. Weren’t we in the same second and fourth grade classes with Mr. Donovan and, and … who was our teacher from fourth? Michael scrunched up his face as he tried to remember.

You mean whacky Mrs. Saunders? Tessa asked.

Michael laughed. Yeah! That’s her! How could I forget? She was nuts! Remember the time she made us all scrub the classroom floor because we wouldn’t be quiet during story time?

Tessa nodded and smiled. Yeah, she was one crazy lady.

As if staking my claim, I grabbed Michael’s arm. Tessa noticed and scrutinized me from head to toe. I looked like a drenched rat, and my cute, new bathing suit hung on me because it was still soaking wet.

Tessa had on a barely-there, white string bikini that didn’t leave much to the imagination. Her black, stylish sunglasses sat on top of her blonde mane. She was very tan and looked like she could appear in an advertisement for some hip, popular tanning lotion, while I would be featured in an ad for some magical hair detangler as the girl in the before picture.

I hadn’t really spoken to Tessa since I had been grounded until the end of the school year after getting caught breaking into the elementary school where my mom worked. After that idiotic move, I was basically cut off from all forms of social interaction except any that occurred during school. Plus, Tessa had befriended a new girl, Phoebe, who had moved to the island while I was serving out my sentence. The two of them had quickly become inseparable.

I looked around. You here alone?

Yeah. For now, Tessa said. I’m supposed to meet up with the boys.

What boys? I asked.

Zack and Kyle.

Zack and Kyle were former junior classmen and two of the hottest guys in our school. They’d now be perfect bait for Tessa, as they would be the new, reigning seniors in September.

What about Connor and Rocky? I asked sarcastically.

Again with the lemon face. What about them?

I rolled my eyes and took Michael’s hand protectively in mine. I looked up at him. Ready to go back?

Sure, Michael responded to me before turning toward Tessa. See ya around!

Tessa smiled wryly at him. You sure will.

I held onto Michael’s hand even tighter as we headed back toward our chairs. I was so mad; I was actually stomping in the sand and was sure I could feel steam coming out of my ears. Who the hell did Tessa Anderson think she was? I did not want my boyfriend spraying her body with oil or with anything else and didn’t care if they grew up together on the island, the mainland, or in outer space. Tessa could pretty much have any boy she wanted. She didn’t need to talk to mine!

Michael tugged at my arm. What’s wrong?

Nothing, I lied through gritted teeth as we reached our chairs. I forced myself to calm down and resolved not to let anyone or anything else, including the perfect Tessa Anderson, ruin the perfect start to my perfect day.

• • •

As I lay amongst the sand and sun and tried to relax, I reflected on what I had just thought to myself. I was surprised that I had actually considered Michael to be my boyfriend. I had never really called him, or any other guy for that matter, my boyfriend. But when push came to shove, and believe me, I would have loved to shove Tessa’s head underwater, I became possessive of Michael and, in that