I sat in my stepmoms car playing music in my ears. Watching the scenery fly past outside the window.

"Mom why do I have to go to the beach house?" I looked over at my step mom. She kept her eyes on the road but her brows were knife together as if she was trying to find an answer.

"I truly sorry about having to send you here Annabeth but your father and I wanted some time alone with the boys this summer."

I could sense that wasn't the whole truth.

We have been driving for a really long time, I could see the coast line and knew it wasn't long till I was doomed to live in a musky house for a few weeks so I sucked all my courage.

"Mom do you hate me".

The tension in the car doubled and my stepmom took her eyes off the road to look at me. Her slender eyes were filled with pity.

"No Annabeth, I don't hate you".

"Then why don't you like me".

She was silent for some time, I looked out the window and watched the long yellow grass sway as we drove past.

"It sounds childish my dear but I am almost jealous of you"

A spike of shock and curiosity peaked my interest in this conversation.

"It's just you remind your father so much of your mother, you look and act so much like her. I feel as if you are a constant reminded that your father will always regret what happened and that he will never love me as much as he loved her".

"That's silly Mom, he loves you more than he loved my biological mom. She left him and me, but you will never leave and that's what makes you better. Don't doubt that dad loves you".

I met my stepmoms eyes and saw some tears in the corners.

"Thank you my darling, I am sorry that this has to happen but remember we will be back to get you soon."

I smiled to myself.

The car pulled to a halt on the sand driveway. The house was still hidden slightly.

"Okay darling, the power isn't great so if it cuts out there is a generator next to the sink. Wash and change the sheets. Wash the dishes. Give the sand bore a few good pumps before you start drinking from it. Okay."

My stepmom turned to face me. Stay safe my darling. She gave me a quick hug and peck on the cheek. A warmth I hadn't felt in a long time flourished in my mind.

I waved goodbye as the small car turned and drove away.

I turned to face that path leading to the house. I breathed in the smell of fresh ocean salt, the sound of dry crinkling grass on the dues next to be, the feel of strong wind blowing over my face. This made me nostalgic for something I have never known but was so close by.

Little did I know that nostalgia was closer than I though.