A Bit Of Paradise

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

McKenna woke to banging and laughing outside her door and slid out of bed to find Jaedyn, Callan and Bennett looking at her expectantly.

"Breakfast time little sis! and then we thought we might teach you to jetski. We're experts now" Callan bragged, with the other two jostling and laughing.

"Give me 5 minutes to change and battle with my hair I'll meet you at the table" and with that she pushed the 3 bodies out and closed the door. She threw on some denim shorts and a white t/shirt over her togs and then spent the next 5 minutes trying to put a brush through her tangle of curls. In frustration, she pulled it into a pony tail and grabbed her already packed bag. McKenna felt so excited she felt sick - and hoped she would beable to control this feeling at the lagoon. Thinking of the lagoon brought a smile to her face and she went through the door with a spring in her step. By the time she got to the restaurant, her mother had joined the 3 boys and McKenna greeted her with a kiss on her cheek.

"Morning Mum - What a fabulous day isnt it!!" she exclaimed as she sat in the adjacent chair.

Sarah Fraser leant across and squeezed her hand, a smile on her face.

"A great morning isnt it! The boys tell me you are going to jetski today Mac?!"

McK felt a little frustrated.

"Well I'm going to go on another walk and then I'll meet these guys after lunch at about 2 for a lesson. O.K.?"

"Not another walk Mac!!" Jaedyn moaned, rolling his eyes with great exaggeration, and McK leant over and punched him.

"Children!" was all Sarah could say as she watched their actions.

"If anyone is interested, I'm going to scuba diving school before we hire a boat tomorrow." and with that comment Sarah watched all 4 children's mouths drop wide open.

"wow, mum - dive school is neat. You're one cool lady." Bennett said, and they all nodded in agreement.

"o.K., well I've got to go and get ready so I'll see you agin for drinks and dinner, if I dont see you before then!" and then Sarah left her children staring in her wake.

The boys jumped up and with a wave, left McK to her bowl of cereal and fruit they had picked for her.

'I must take something more exciting than water and bananas today!' she thought, and so left the table and headed towards the kitchen.

The doors swung in front of her and McK poked her head around the corner and spotted a tall large built chef preparing some food at the bench.

"Excuse me",McK said quietly and the chef swun around and stared.

"My name is McKenna and I was wondering if I could buy something from you for a small picnic."

The chef stared at this redhead in front of him, and just as McKenna was about to turn away - broke into a broad toothless smile and said..

"Yeh Man - anything for a friendly smile like yours! My name is Jacksy, and I'll help you out"

Jacksy waddled over ro a huge walk in fridge and beckoned McKenna to follow.Inside the shelves were lined with all sorts of delicacies - pastries, fruit, cakes, pies and salads and containers of food.

:Jacksy thinks you would like to have some watermelon and some spicy pineapple muffins, " and then after another toothless grin, reached over and grabbed a bottle of gingerbeer.

"Good for these hot days too!" and then bustled McKenna back out to the kitchen.

"Thanks so much Jacksy. How much do I owe you?",as she reached over and stretched her arms around as far as they would go around Jacksy's broad frame.

"Your smile is enough dear, now let me finish creating my masterpieces - be off with you!" and proceeded to shoo his arms at Mckenna towards the doors direction.

"Thanks Jacksy, I wont forget this," and McKenna left the kitchen smiling - but not before hearing a rumbling chuckle behind her.

Checking her watch, McKenna saw she still had plenty of time so she decided to walk slowly down the track enjoying the day.

MEANWHILE

On the other side of the island, Brian was sitting with his friends trying to get out of a fishing trip they were planning.

"Now look Bri - you've got to come, with the promise of a guaranteed catch and a great day in the middle of this beautiful ocean, what more could one ask for?" his best friend Nick looked up to see Brian feeling really torn.

"But you see - I just want to enjoy some peace and quiet and maybe get some inspiration for a few new songs and....."

"O.K.!" Kevin, Brians cousin said, knowing that he was determined not to go with them.

"But you promise you'll come and watch the boat come in and take photos of our fish?"

"Yes it's a deal. 4 pm the boat gets in - doesnt it?. I'll be there" and then he grabbed his rather bulging bag and waved behind him to his friends.

His 4 friends looked at each other a little bewildered and A.J. and Howie, who had kept quiet during this time raised their eyebrows towards each other.

AJ spoke first.

"I think our Bri is up to something and before the end of our time here in paradise I will find it out" the other 3 nodded in agreement and decided to keep a close eye on him!

McKenna reached the lagoon to find it uninhabited and was disappointed. Thoughts of being stood up filled her mind and she felt embarrassed that she would even make a date with a total stranger, but she was here now, so she would make the most of it.

She left her bag on the same large rock, and went to have a look around the lagoon. She went over to the side of the waterfall and could look behind it, to see a cave hiding there. She smiled with delight and decided to explore later, if Brian didnt turn up.

Almost on cue to this thought, McK heard a noise behind her and there stood Brian. She smiled shyly and moved towards him, and when he brought one of his hands from behind his back she caught sight of a bunch of wild flowers.

He grinned bashfully and held them towards her.

"Hi McKenna- glad you're here"

McK took the flowers and felt very shy.

"Umm, Hi Brian - Umm thanks for these - they're beautiful!" and she then looked up into his eyes.

At that moment McK didnt realise how beautiful she looked with her face framed with the bunch of wild flowers and Brian felt his chest tighten at the sight.

McK gestured towards the rock and they walked towards it without speaking.

As soon as they sat down they both began to speak at once.

"I didnt think you would come!"

They both looked at each other and smiled.

"O.K. you first McKenna - tell me about yourself," and Brian settled down and watched her face intently as she spoke.

"My name is McKenna Fraser, and I'm 20 almost 21. I live in the largest city in New Zealand" and then looking at him asked

"Do you know where New Zealand is?" and he nodded with a slight smile.

"Good then. I am the youngest of 4 children and I go to University where Im learning to become a vet. I love music..." and at this instand Brian froze, but relaxed when McK continued.

"especially Jazz /blues and classical. I actually dont listen to modern music very much. Strange arent I ?!" and she waited for his response.

Brian felt so relieved that she was so honest with him, he just grinned.

"No,not not at all, please go on"

McKenna felt a little flustered as she wasnt sure what else to say..

"I love the colour blue. I have a Siberian Husky called Jasper and golden retriever called Beethoven. I have 3 cats, all strays, called Vivaldi, Mozart and Bach.

I ride horses and have two called Romeo and Othello. I love to go cycling and play sports when Im not studying. I love all kinds of food, except mushrooms and I love to watch movies and have been known to play some computer and play station games. Thats about me - what about you Brian:"

Brian looked hard at McK before starting.

"I'm 24 , almost 25 and work in the travel industry. I have an older brother and I live with close friend. I love all sorts of music, dancing, movies, games and basketball. I live in a city called Orlando ,but I was born in Kentucky. I am doing parttime courses at the local University next year.And Im here on a break with my 4 best friends"

McKenna felt herself staring but she couldnt help herself - his voice, his eyes - the way a lock of his hair kept falling across his eye - this was all new to her, and she forched herself to break eye contact, looking at the flowers.

Brian reached and gently touched her hand making her look at him again.

"Now what about NZ? What sort of place is it?"

"Its got 3 1/2 million people and ...."

"What? I dont believe it. 3 1/2 million people in your country - are you sure you dont mean 3 1/2 people in Auckland."

McKenna smiled.

"No, definitely in the whole country - but we do have 66 million sheep and cows and horses and other animals also."

Brian shook his head in disbelief, but let McK continue.

"Its got lots of green pastures and country side - lots of hills and sea coasts and native bush and its just a peaceful country. Do you think you'll ever travel there with your job?" and Brian looked up to match her gaze.

"I might get there one day!"

"Oh!" was all Mckenna could reply.

They looked towards the waterfall, and watched the sunlight dance across the water creating rainbows. - For a time they just sat and watched, enjoying the moment.

Brian pulled his bag up onto the rock and opened it, getting Mck a little curious. He pulled out a container and took off the lid, offering her it's contents.

"A peanut butter sandwich, hand made by moi madam?"

McKenna had to smile at this and took one so as not to offend Brian.

"My favourite and handmade as well. Thanks" and promptly bit into it. Brian took one for himself and then put away the container, and then ate his sandwich watching McK eat her.When she had finished she reached into her bag and pulled out the bottle of gingerbeer and slices of watermelon, and made the offer back to Brian. To her surprise Brian pulled out 2 glasses from and his bag and they laughed at the resourcefullness of each other.

After filling the glasses he handed one of McK

"A toast to 'A day In Paradise- may it continue forever" and clinked his glass.

McKenna bravely gestured a toast back.

"To holiday friends, may they have lots of fun" and another clink of glasses sealed the toast.

McKenna finished her drink and then stood up and stripped down to her togs and dived into the water, but not before noticing Brian politely looking in the opposite direction. A small cheeky smile appeared on her face and she dove deeper until she touched the sand at the bottom of the lagoon. Suddenly a face appeared infront of her and she saw Brian swimming around her.

She broke thru the water to the surface agin - and he followed her treading on water.

"This feels so good - I love it here!" McKenna commented before looking at Brian.Brian just nodded in agreement, and so McKenna feeling a little more confident, hit the water - splashing Brian square in the face.

"Hey," he spluttered "This is War!!" and then dove out of sight, leaving McK searching wildly through the water for a glimpse of him.

One moment she was treading water, the next she felt herself being pulled under rhe water - only having time for a quick breath. McK fought and kicked Brian to escape him, trying to swim away but he caught her time and time again, until she had to signal for more air. Coming up, she made her way over to the edge of the water, where there was what seemed to be natural steps carved into the rock.

She sat on one of these with the water lapping around her shoulders.

Brian sat beside her and they caught their breath. McK looked up at that particular moment to remember the cave behind the waterfall, and told Brian about it.

"Well lets go and look then!" and he grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the water and around the waters edge to the place she found earlier. Very gingerly, Brian stepped along the ledge across the cliff base and tightly held onto McKennas hand = pulling her under the cascading water.

Underneath the waterfall was like another room. The cave was cut a little way into the cliff and it was cool and inviting.

Brian sat down and McKenna sat beside him, as they both gazed around them.

The waterfall made a thunderous noise so closely, but the light shining through created sparkles like crystals dancing around the walls.

McK gasped at the sight and smiled at Brian, who was feeling as enchanted with the sight as she was.

"Imagine.." McKenna started "If nobody else has never discovered this place and its been empty for 1000s of years and it is a magic cave... and.....", then she looking at Brian, she felt sheepish so she stopped, but he gently smiled and said

"Yes Imagine that. It would be like magic itself" and McKenna stopped feeling silly.

They looked into each others eyes, and both said together.

"Yes magic"

And so thats how they sat for a time....

Lying back to back watching the magic of the lights in the cave - mesmerised, until.........

Brian was the first to wake and looked around with a start. McKennas head was on his shoulder and he felt a tender feeling wash over him. He could feel her curls on his cheek, and they escaped the confines of her hair tie. He reached over and ever so lightly brushed a curl from her cheek, and as if in a dream, McK smiled and the blinked herself awake. She looked at Brian and then her smile became wider.

"I'm sorry, I must have fallen asleep"

"Dont worry, I fell asleep too" and again he brushed a curl from her cheek.

Mckenna struggled to sit up and she looked at her watch - jumping up then in a panic.

"Oh no, Its almost 4> I"ve got to go. I was meant to be at a jetski lesson 2 hours ago. I'll be in so much trouble"

Brian got concerned and stood up to join her.

"Ive got to go and meet my friends too" and taking her hand - guided her back thru the under the waterfall to gather their things.

McKenna pulled out a muffin and gave it to Brian, and he smiled.

She gathered the flowers and picked up her bag.

"Thanks for the nice day Brian - I really enjoyed talking to you" and then she reached over and squeezed his hand.

Those smouldering eyes lit up and he squeezed her hand back.

"I should be thanking you Mac, you are great to talk too......Would you like to meet again tomorrow, maybe for a swim:"

McK felt elated and disappointed all in the same moment as she thought of her family.

"I'd love that, but I'm going out on a boat with my family tomorrow. I havent done much with them and I dont..."

Brian answered trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice.

"Hey no worries, I should spend some time with my friends too - but -..." and his face lit up as an idea came.

"I could meet you after dinner for a swim, about 8??"

"Sure" Mckenna answered, "I could slip away and meet you by the boat dock near my hotel. Its got a big palm tree sign by it."

"I'll find it, its a date!"

"A date?!" Mck exclaimed and with a grin Brian nodded and confirmed it.

"A date"

And with that they both headed off wearing the same goofy expressions on their faces.

As McK walked back onto the sand, she was met by her 3 brothers, all looking very worried.

"For goodness sake, Mac, where have you been? Youre late" Callan said grabbing her hand.

"Im really sorry you guys, but I found a lagoon and I went swimming and fell asleep and didnt realise the time. Sorry!" giving the boys a puppy dog look she knew always worked.

"Gee Mac, we thought you must have had an accident or been attacked or were dead something." Jaedyn explained.

"Im sorry"

"Come on then , lets go and do some skiing" and the four headed towards the waiting jetskis.

Back at the fishing dock, Brian ran up just in time to see the boat pulling up. He waved out and grabbed his camera and took a photo.

"Hey Frick. Howz ya day? Miss us?" the tall blonde asked. Brian looked up at his best friend and smiled.

"Sure Frack! Like a hole in the head"

As the 5 friends walked back to their rooms, laughing and sharing fish tales, Brian half heartedly listened, thinking about his own day. Nick noticed his friend so quiet.

"Earth to Brian, Earth to Brian, are you there somewhere??" playfully hitting him on the back.

Brian laughed and punched Nick back and before long a full fleged war had broken out amongst the guys which lasted until they went to dinner.

McKenna fell asleep dreaming of a pair of big blue eyes and across the palm trees, Brian fell asleep dreaming of a mass of red curls.....