Midnight Skye Chapter 1

Chapter One- Setting Sail


Nicole found herself staring into the crystal blue waters of the ocean lost in a thought. She had enjoyed spending time by herself to wrap herself into her daydreams.

"Good day Miss. The sea is quite beautiful tainted with the glow of the sunset. Are you docking at Forget Me Not Valley? Miss? Hello Miss? MISS!"

"Hmm...ooh sorry," Nicole sighed, blinking rapidly to look at the gentleman.

"The sea is a powerful thing, brings out our innermost thoughts and desires. Might I ask what pry tell you were thinking about," he asked gently. His words were as calming as the ocean rolling up the shore. This kind gentleman was quite handsome, he had dark black hair, thick eyebrows and piercing indigo eyes.

"I was thinking of my mother," Nicole answered, returning her attention the water, "and my father."

The gentleman chuckled, "First time the baby bird has left the nest I see."

"Is it that obvious?" Nicole replied nervously. It never occurred to Nicole how easily she would find her mind wondering, let alone the first person she opens her mouth to, believe she desperately desired to run home and curl up in her mother's warm embrace. Truth was after graduating from high school; Nicole wanted to escape from her city live and own and farm like her Father.

Nicole just started high school when her father died. After the tragic death of Allen, her mother couldn't cope while living on the ranch he built for them. In the end, they ended up selling the property and moved to the city to live in a shabby apartment. It took everything to leave her friends and mother, but it was something she had to do. Eventually, they finally understood and let Nicole go.

Gathering up her courage Nicole miraculously aborted the ship, waving her mother down as she let tears roll down her cheeks. The sight of her mother kissing her fingertips to blow one last farewell sent more wet tears streaming down Nicole's hot face. She knew she had to stop crying, but couldn't find it in her to. Her mother always disliked the idea of her daughter red-faced and puffy eyed.

"A little but don't worry, doctors know all," He joked releasing Nicole's stress, "You never did answer my question, Miss. Are you going to Forget Me Not Valley?"

"Yes, to start a ranch like my father," Nicole said through a attempted smile to throw her thoughts aside.

"Wonderful, and look your smiling!" He said excited, "Ooh how rude of me! I never did introduce myself; my name Dr. Trent." The man held out a firm hand awaiting Nicole's to slide into his.

"Nice to meet you Dr. Trent, I'm Nicole," Nicole said warily returning the handshake.

"Forget Me Not Valley is gorgeous this time of year! You'll love it! The people are wonderful too," Dr. Trent replied cheerfully.

"Will you be staying there as well?" Nicole asked desperately wanting him to say yes. She could tell he was one of those guys everyone would get along with.

"Sorry no, I live in Mineral Town as their doctor," Dr. Trent said.

"Ooh I see," Nicole whispered feeling more alone then ever, "it would have been nice to know at least one person."

He smiled as he lifted her chin staring into her eyes, "You're a lovely person, I'm sure you will make tons of friends."

"Thank you," Nicole said.

She noticed his puzzled indigo eyes glancing back at her own. Her hands began to feel hot along with her cheeks; the doctor appeared in a trance or in deep thought. Either way both made Nicole feel awkward. She desperately demanded to uncover why he was making her feel so on edge.

"Pardon me if I sound rude," the doctor started "Are those your natural eye color? I have never seen such beautiful violet eyes."

"Yes these are my natural eyes. I get that question a lot," Nicole smirked holding back her sarcastic tone.

Dr. Trent chuckled, "Well I'm sure you'll get all the guys with your lovely eyes."

"Don't embarrass me like that," Nicole said shyly punching him in the shoulder.

"And you're tough too," the doctor laughed rubbing where Nicole punched him. "It's getting late; we should head back to our cabins. I hope to see you again Miss Nicole."

"Me too, goodnight Dr. Trent," Nicole whispered taking one last look at the moon.

Nicole slowly walked to her little cabin that was assigned when she arrived on the ship. Inside were a simple tan bed and wooden dresser both nailed to the floor, probably to keep it from sliding. She found her backpack and suitcase thrown in the corner of the room. Walking to the suitcase Nicole kneeled down and unzipped it open. She looked through all her clothes to find her pair of P.J's. Her P.J's usually consited of a oversized T-shirt and shorts. After changing Nicole noticed a book on the small nightstand. On the cover was a tree along with the shadow of a bird and in magenta letters read 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Nicole snatched the book, plopped on the bed and fell asleep reading her favorite book.

"Wake up! We are about to arrive in Forget Me Not Valley!" a man's voice yelled on the other side of the door. Nicole assumed it was Dr. Trent but still being half asleep, it could have been anyone.

"Ahh crap!" Nicole gowned tossing herself out of bed, sending the book flying from her chest..

She dashed to her suitcase and changed into a simple yellow tank top underneath a sea foam green long sleeve off the shoulder shirt, along with a pair of ripped jeans and her old brown sneakers. Appearances did not really matter to Nicole, she could care less what people thought of her.

Next Nicole grabbed her hairbrush, toothbrush and rushed to the ship's bathroom down the hall. There she brushed her teeth till they sparkled and untangled her wavy chocolate hair.

Back in her cabin Nicole stuffed all her things into her suitcase and put on her backpack. Suddenly something bright green stood out buried inside her suitcase. Nicole sat down and shuffled through her belongings to find a shinny new pair of cowboy boots with a neon green sticky note.

'Every rancher needs a pair of boots! I know you will make us all proud. XOXOXO Mom.'

Nicole let out a hence of a smile as she read over the note several times. She had remembered begging her mother for boots like her daddy, only to receive old hand-me-downs. Now, she had her very own to wear as much as she desired. With this a tear began to well up in the corner of her eyes. Nicole started to regret leaving her family and friends. Suddenly she remembered her friends promising to come and visit her own she settled in. Her friends and family threw Nicole a 'Good Luck' party where they each gave their own farewell gift and promise to stay in touch.

Ripping off her worn out sneakers, Nicole slipped on her new 'cowgirl' boots. In her excitement she twirled around numerous times to get a good look at them, then grabbed her belongings and ran out of the cabin.

Dr. Trent let out a chuckle as he witnessed Nicole running down the hall toward him, "Excited I see!"

"You know it!" Nicole laughed back throwing the doctor a dazzling smile.

"Forget Me Not Valley! Next stop Mineral Town!" informed the captain through the loud speakers.

"I guess this is it," Nicole said waving Dr. Trent her last farewell.