San Lucia (Week 2 - Monday)
San Lucia, the newest town designed to replicate the picturesque island of Saint Lucia, is surrounded by water with a thick tropical forest and mountains. It is highly sought-after for those seeking to become residents, and the town's boundaries have been expanded multiple times to accommodate its growing population.
Ryan and Sophie arrived in San Lucia at noon, greeted by the warm tropical breeze and the sweet aroma of saltwater and fresh fruits in the air. The pair were awestruck by the vibrant greenery and the colorful flowers that enveloped them. If there were an actual paradise on earth, San Lucia would undoubtedly be a top contender.
The two wasted no time and headed to the Welcome Center. They wanted to learn more about the island; its activities and asked if residency slots were available. Which they already knew was unlikely.
They walked into the welcome center and immediately noticed the number of visitors inquiring about the island.
“Wow, I had no idea the Welcome Center would be this crowded.” Ryan looked around the crowded room and noticed the ten staff members talking to various visitors.
“Yeah, they are pretty busy. Do you want to walk around the island and come back later?” Sophie asked.
“No, let’s wait. I’m sure it won’t be too long.”
As the two waited for an available staff member, they walked around the center, looking at the brochures and listening in to the visitors talking to the staff members. After twenty minutes, they decided not to wait any longer. They decided to forgo the tours and headed to a shop to purchase supplies for their hike into the forest.
The forest was rich and verdant, with towering trees forming a thick canopy overhead, shielding much of the sunlight and creating a refreshing, shadowed atmosphere on the forest floor.
As they ventured further into the forest, they happened upon a magnificent waterfall tumbling down the mountainside. The limpid, shimmering water spilled over rocks and boulders, generating a calming sound that permeated the air. Ryan and Sophie were in awe of the stunning natural beauty surrounding them and decided to take a break and enjoy the view.
Sophie retrieved a blanket from her backpack and spread it on the ground. They both lay on the blanket side by side and admired the scenery.
“Ooh, Sophie, this is so beautiful! I could see myself living here.” Ryan said.
“Yeah, it is nice. Damn shame the waiting list is as long as that tree limb up there.”
“Yep…” They both laugh. “I wish there were a way for me to visit different towns after becoming a permanent resident.”
Sophie smiled. “One day..”
There was a comfortable silence between them as they continued to take in the breathtaking scenery.
Ryan finally turned and looked at Sophie. “Do you believe in heaven and hell?” She asked.
Sophie turned to meet Ryan’s gaze. “Wow, that came out of nowhere.” She chuckled. “But to answer your question, yes, I do. What about you?”
“I don’t think there is a heaven or hell when we die. I believe we become one with the earth.” Ryan confessed.
“I guess you're not the religious type.”
“I am. But I struggle with the concept of heaven and hell… I take it you are.”
“Yes, -- well, sort of. I guess I could say some religious beliefs I disagree with.” Sophie said.
“Really! Like what?” Ryan asked.
“Homosexuality,” Sophie responded.
“Ok, I think we both can agree on that. But why do I detect there is more than just a disagreement?
It took a moment for Sophie to respond. The topic of religion brought back painful memories of her childhood. But there was something about Ryan being around her; she felt comfortable and safe. She didn’t mind giving Ryan a glimpse of her past.
Taking a deep breath, Sophie told Ryan about her past and how she saw people use their religion to justify their own prejudices.
“Because I experienced it. I grew up in a religious household. My father left my mother when I was about to enter high school. My mom was devastated and turned to the church for support.”
“Well, at least she had a network she could lean on,” Ryan responded.
“You would think! But those people were homophobic and judgmental. And my mother allowed the congregational to push their beliefs on me and my sister Jordan. " A small smile formed on Sophie's face as she thought back to a fond memory of her sister. "I remember Jordan; she was such a rebel. She always challenged my mom's friends about homosexuals, leaving them flustered. She never bought into their hateful rhetoric."
“Wow, I'm sorry you and Jordan had to go through that during your childhood. Did you ever come out to your mother? Ryan questioned.
“Yes, it did. But I was much older when I finally confronted her about my sexuality. “
“I take it didn’t go too well by the look on your face.”
“No, it didn’t. She disowned me, and we never talked again.” A tear rolled down Sophie's eye. “But you know what was worse? My mother and sister were all the family I had… well, at least alive. When my mother died, the congregation members came together and paid for her funeral with one stipulation. I could not attend the funeral. They said..” taking a deep breath, “that my presence would tant the memory of my mother and go against her wishes to never see me again.”
Tears flowed down Sophie’s face, and all Ryan could do was pull Sophie into her and wrap her arms around her.
“I hated how my mother treated me.” Sophie looked up at Ryan. “But I still loved her. They took me saying my final farewell to my mother from me!”
“I’m so sorry, Sophie.” Wiping the tears from Sophie’s face. She could only imagine how traumatic her childhood was. And to not being able to say goodbye to her mother made Ryan dislike the people involved.
Ryan sat holding Sophie until her tears subsided, and she moved out of Ryan’s arms.
“I’m sorry.” Sophie eventually responded. Looking down at her hands.
Ryan reached over and lightly stroked Sophie’s face. “Hey, you have nothing to apologize for.”
They gazed into each other's eyes, finding solace in one another. Ryan felt a warmth spread throughout her chest. The initial nervousness she felt seemed to wash away while she continued to look into Sophie's eyes. Without thinking, she leaned in and brushed her lips against hers. It was a soft and gentle kiss but filled with tenderness and desire. Sophie’s eyes widened in surprise but then smiled. She immediately pulled Ryan into her, and their lips came crashing together.
Ryan felt, for the moment, the world seemed to disappear. All she could focus on was the feeling of her lips on Sophie. The way Sophie’s hands pulled her closer, losing themselves in a bubble of time and space.
When they finally broke apart for air, Ryan saw a different expression on Sophie’s face. A look of regret.
“I think we should head back. It’s starting to get late.”
There was an uncomfortable silence between them as they walked back toward the town. Both were deep in their thoughts. Ryan couldn’t understand Sophie's sudden mood change. It was just a kiss, she thought. Ok, may it wasn’t just a kiss.. but why was Sophie acting distant now.
Sophie, on the other hand, was battling with her feelings internally. She liked Ryan, maybe a little too much, and the kiss only confirmed her growing fears. She was having second thoughts about choosing the alternative.
Sophie stopped at the edge of the forest and turned towards Ryan.
“Hey, I’m sorry for the sudden distance. I was caught off guard by the kiss. I want to be straight up and honest with you, Ryan. I like you a lot. I feel a connection that I have never felt before. But it still doesn’t change my decision… I’m sorry.”
“Are you telling me or trying to convince yourself about your decision?” Ryan question.
A sad smile came across Sophie’s face. “Both.”
Ryan nodded in acknowledgment and turned to walk away. If a kiss could bring about doubt, maybe...
When they arrived back at the front of the Welcome Center, Sophie heard her name called by a familiar voice that made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. It was someone she hoped she would never see again.
“Sophie?”
Sophie turned around and plastered a fake smile on her face. “Hey, Kate. What are you doing here?” She questioned.
“Well, I was visiting Mary ..”
“Ok, but Mary lives in San Edistor. This is San Lucia.” Sophie sounded annoyed.
“I know, but hear me out.. she told me you were around, so I pulled some strings. I found out where you were, and poof, here I am.”
“Staking much, Kate? Anyway, as you can see, I’m here with Ryan. Shame you pulled your strings” – using her hands to form quotes – “only to find out that I’m unavailable.” Sophie turns to Ryan, “Are you ready? I thought we could go for a walk on the beach.”
Before Ryan could respond, Kate reached for Sophie’s arm. “Sophie..” Ignoring Ryan's existence. “come on, you know it's not like that. I missed you and wanted to see you, that’s all.”
“Kate, we had this conversation before… it didn’t work then, and it won't work now. So, if you don’t mind, I would like to spend the remainder of my time with Ryan.”
The two head towards the beach leaving Kate looking dumbfounded.
As they walked on the beach enjoying each other's company. Ryan, ponder if she should ask Sophie about Kate. Finally, she gave in to curiosity. “So, you're going to tell me what was that all about?”
Sophie sighed and looked at Ryan with a sad smile on her face. “In high school, Kate and I began dating. Our relationship lasted up until I was in my mid-twenties. We were engaged and planning to marry until I discovered Kate was cheating on me. So, I called the wedding off. Of course, Kate apologized and pursued me until I ultimately caved, and we resumed dating, but it was never the same. As time passed, I began dating other people. I would see Kate on occasions when I visited Mary before she became a permanent resident. Oh, Kate and Mary are sisters."
Then Jordan died. And her death made me vulnerable. Kate was there to help me cope with my loss. She provided comfort and a shoulder to cry on. One thing led to another, and we ended up back in a relationship. I knew it wasn’t going to last it never does. We split up a year ago. This is the first time I've seen her since we ended our relationship.”
“Do you still have feelings for Kate?”
Sophie took a moment to mull over how to respond. “Kate will always be my first love. I will always care about her, but I no longer have romantic feelings for her.”
Ryan nodded but said nothing.
“So, Wednesday, I must return to San Edistor to check on my house. Would you like to meet me there?”
“You have a house? I thought that was only reserved for residents.” Ryan asked.
“The house belongs to my cousin, who was a resident but decided she wanted the alternative. You know you still can choose the alternative even after becoming a resident. Anyway, she left it to me. Would you like to see the house?”
“Yes, I would. I also need to go back to San Edistor. Mary invited me to stop by after Luke arrived.”
“Ok, I will see you at Mary’s. We could use her car to get to my beach house.”