Page 19 of Sweet Poison

You’re just seeing what your heart wants, silly girl…

The little voice inside my head whispers.

Maybe…

“Here it is,”Antonnio opens the door to our room and ushers us in. The room is just as enchanting as the lobby, if not more so. It’s cozy and beautifully decorated. It makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a holiday dream just like the lobby did. Soft, glowing white lights are strung across the room and hanging from the curtains. Christmas decorations are everywhere—delicate ornaments hanging from the ceiling, festive and colorful garlands draped elegantly around the room, and there is even a little tree sparkling in the corner.

It’s cute and cozy.

It’s just perfect.

I take a moment to admire the cheerful scene and the way the Christmas decorations blend seamlessly with the room’s natural vibe. God, I love this hotel. I really do.

It’s the perfect combination of beach vibes with the jolly season. Two things I love. The beach and Christmas. How unique.

The owner must love Christmas or just be a genius businessman or businesswoman.

Pulling out my phone, I quickly type another message to my parents:

“Hi, again! Uncle and I just entered the room. It’s as beautiful as the lobby. I’ll send some photos later. Everything is going great so far!!!

I hit send and wait for their reply, feeling less and less anxious about leaving them as I do.

When I’m done texting them, I decide to explore more of the room and head for the balcony. The warm ocean breeze greets me as I step outside, and I’m immediately struck by the breathtaking view.

Again… wow.

The resort’s grounds stretch out below, a mix of vibrant colors from the flora and the holiday decor, and beyond that, the enchanting sea stretches to the horizon. I love the sea. I grew up at the beach and spent almost every waking moment either swimming in the ocean with my father or caring for my mother’s butterflies and tending to her pretty plants. I’m in awe of nature and I’ve always been. So as I stand here looking at the vast ocean ahead I breathe in the comforting scent of salt and sand and feel at home.

How is it that an hour here has already made me feel as if I’m not so far away from home. Maybe it is the fact that the hotel has a breathtaking garden that I can already see from over the balcony or maybe it is the fact that its decor consists of my favorite colors: green and blue. It’s odd how there is nothing I dislike about this place and so many things here I find comfort in.

Like this view, and the color of the sky right now.

The sun set is painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and gold. The blend of colors dances across the water making it look like shimmering gold. Moments like this one remind me just how majestic mother nature is.

With a pleased sigh, I lean against the balcony railing touching the small Christmas lights and take in the beauty of the scene. The waves gently lap against the shore, as I catch the distinct sound of holiday music and something about the rare moment feels more than right.

It feels…as if right here is where I am supposed to be.

And as I stand here looking out into the distance, I think of how despite the sadness I feel for leaving my family during the holidays, excitement bubbles in my belly as I think of the days ahead.

The magic ofPousada Céu Azul resort, São Pauloand the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings have already begun to weave their spell on me, and I can’t wait to see what else this enchanting place has in store during my stay.

After a few more minutes admiring the sea, I start to feel the weight of jet lag settling in. That is when I decide it’s time to unpack and settle in before a good night’s sleep.

Tomorrow the real fun begins and I’m both excited and nervous to see how my days here in paradise will look like.

I take one last look at the sunset, the sky now fading into a darker color which gives room for the night and with a gentle sigh, I whisper to the wind, “Goodnight, Mom and Dad. I love you.” I pause for a moment, my heart pulling at the thought of black eyes and a sad smile. I take a deep, somewhat sad breath, wishing he wasn’t just a beautiful memory of the past. “Sweet dreams, Madden,” I whisper softly, feeling my heart ache as I do every night since he left.

With a final glance at the fading sky, I close the balcony doors and just like that my first day here is over.

Chapter

Six

NOT SO JOLLY

Madden

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