"So? How was your day?" Miriam asked as they walked into the house.

"It was good," Daisy smiled, "really good."

"Are you hungry? I made some pasta for dinner," Miriam headed for the kitchen.

"Yes, I'm famished," Daisy followed her aunt, dropping her bag at the foot of the staircase. She grabbed some plates and poured them a glass of water while Miriam got the pasta out of the oven.

Miriam glanced at her niece satisfactorily. It was so good to see Daisy relaxed and happy. She dished up the pasta with a smile and listened to Daisy recounting her day while they ate.

"Shawn wants to go the beach tomorrow, Pirate's Lagoon," Daisy said as they washed up the plates.

"Oh? Do you want to go?"

"I already agreed," Daisy confessed.

"I want to show you something," Miriam said, placing the last dish in the dryer.

"Okay." Daisy wiped her hands dry and followed her aunt to the lounge.

Several large brown paper-wrapped canvasses leaned against the wall next to the fireplace.

"These came today," Miriam announced, "I did not have time to unwrap them yet. "
She carefully ripped open the front canvas, revealing an intricate and beautiful painted scene.
"This is Pirate's Lagoon."

Daisy's eyes danced over the painting. A daunting pirate ship sat on the horizon of a sparkling blue ocean, kissing a pristine, white beach framed by huge rocky boulders on either side.

"Is this one of yours?" Daisy glanced at Miriam.

"No, this was done by an unknown artist, it is part of a collection, the first of seven."

"Seven?"

"I have only been able to procure five paintings over the last couple of years, until recently when this one was finally found, but the last one, I am afraid might never be recovered."

"Recovered?"

"It was stolen and reportedly destroyed in a fire." Miriam's shoulders sagged and she smiled sadly, "The seven paintings tell a story but, without the last one-they are just paintings. "

"You said might never be recovered. You don't believe it was destroyed?" Daisy queried.

Miriam shrugged, "I have hope."

Daisy looked at the painting again, "why do I get the feeling there is so much more to this story."

Her aunt chuckled, "You should come by the studio and see the rest of the paintings."

Daisy swallowed, "maybe."

"When you are ready," Miriam nodded.

"Shawn said you had paintings of the lighthouse."

"I do, one done by myself, and another by Zachariah Muller."

"Really? Shawn said they think he killed his wife." She turned to face Miriam.

"Zachariah Muller was many things, but I don't think he was a murderer. I will take a photo of his painting and send it to your phone tomorrow. Then you can decide for yourself."

Daisy took a deep breath, "I should just go to the studio and see it for myself, perhaps I should invite Shawn to come with me."

"Okay, if, you are sure, I will still send you a photo."
Miriam studied her niece for a moment before asking, "Are you going to tell him?"

Daisy hesitated before answering, "I don't know, maybe. I mean, we have only just met, and we hardly know each other."

"I will support you whatever you decide," Miriam placed her hands on Daisy's shoulders, "I am here for you. You know that, right?"

"I do. I know I haven't made things easy for you, but I want to do better."

Miriam pulled Daisy into a hug.
"You already are, love, you already are."

Tuesday - Summer Holiday

This morning has been easier than yesterday, waking up with minimal apprehension for the day ahead. Daisy smiled at her reflection in the dressing table mirror.

Today was going to be a great day.

She finished braiding her hair and inserted a daisy-shaped clip on either side just above her ears. She did not have any swimming gear so the pair of green shorts and matching T-shirt she wore would have to suffice.

"Daisy!" Miriam hollered from downstairs.

Daisy jumped up and rushed to the bedroom window, just in time to see Shawn getting out of the truck. She blew out air and inhaled, her chest tightening suddenly.

Breathe, just breathe.

She swirled away, grabbed her beach bag, and headed for the door, on the threshold she paused. Her mind quickly calculated that she had everything she needed.

She rushed back to her dressing table, pulled open a drawer, and grabbed a small container. She popped the lid and shook out a small pill. She hesitated for a second before reaching for the glass of water on the bedside table, then quickly took a sip and swallowed the pill.

She dropped the container back into the drawer and sprinted from the room.

*

Shawn beamed a smile at Daisy coming down the stairs.

"Hi," he greeted the moment she reached him.

"Hi."

"Ready?"

"Yes, yes I am," she announced confidently, picking up the picnic basket next to the door. She hugged Miriam and rushed out the door, "bye!"

"Goodbye, Mrs. Shaw."

"Goodbye, you two. Have fun!"

"Hey, wait up," Shawn jogged to catch up to Daisy who was almost at the truck. "You seem excited."

Daisy paused, "excited?"

"Excited."

"Well, yes, I guess I am."

Shawn took the picnic basket from Daisy and tucked it away in the back of the truck before opening the passenger door. She reached for the sidebar and immediately his hands slipped around her waist to help lift her in.

"Thanks," she smiled, shuffling into her seat.

He nodded and shut the door. Walking around the truck to his side, his eyes darted to her. There was a notable difference in her demeanor.

"Had a good night?" He asked, sliding into his seat.

"Yes, I slept very well," Daisy answered firmly, and it was the truth. She could count the nights she had slept well in the past few months on one hand.

"It should take about 30 minutes to get to the beach, not too far," Shawn informed.

"Okay," Daisy smiled.

*

Daisy emerged herself into the scenery, drinking in every detail. Tall trees lined the road, leaving wide enough gaps in between to admire the vast blue of the ocean. Sandy beaches made way for a rocky landscape the further they drove. Waves crashed, stretching foamy fingers up to the sky.

The truck suddenly swerved gently when Shawn left the main road and continued along a narrow dirt road, edging closer toward the sea. The sparse trees vanished, leaving only huge rocks and boulders. Daisy closed her eyes, lifting her face to the salty breeze.

Her eyes flew open when the truck abruptly stopped, throwing her forward. Her hands shot out to brace herself against the dashboard, her seat buckle cutting into her shoulder.

Shawn swore under his breath, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

Her eyebrows raised when she spotted the red convertible parked on the side of the road.
"Someone you know?"

"Unfortunately," Shawn uttered, then, "I'm sorry, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Daisy assured, settling back into her seat, "are you?"

"I will be," Shawn shifted the truck in reverse and backed up for a small stretch of the road, before turning off and going down another path. After a few minutes, he parked the truck.

"This part of the lagoon should be clear of any unwanted company, shall we?"

Daisy grabbed Shawn's arm before he could get out.
"Want to talk about it?"

His face inadvertently gave her an answer and she dropped her hand.

"Not worth telling," he offered lamely and slid out of the truck.

Daisy sighed but pulled her bag closer and waited for him to open her door. A tiny knot jerked deep in her stomach as she watched him. It was clear whoever owned the convertible had upset him. She wished she could wipe the tiny scowl line that edged between his brows away.

Shawn was still broodingly deep in his thoughts when they breached the cove and stepped onto the white sand. Daisy scanned the area as he led them to a shady spot next to a giant boulder. Only a few people were sunbathing, and the water was invitingly bare.

Shawn set down the picnic basket and threw open his towel. Daisy followed suit, getting her towel from her bag and laying it next to Shawn's, trying hard to ignore the uncomfortable odd silence.

Her earlier excitement was numbing into a dull ache deep in her chest.

"Shawn- "

"Want to go for a swim?" Shawn tugged his t-shirt over his head, kicking off his sandals. He raked a hand through his hair before removing his glasses and dropping them, with his t-shirt, onto his towel.

"Your glasses," she murmured stupidly, averting her eyes, slightly worried at the odd lurching within her stomach at the sight of his naked chest, "don't you need them?"

"I will manage," his crooked smile confirmed half-heartedly, and he extended a hand.

For a second, she hesitated, but then quickly removed her sandals and slipped her hand into his.

*