Angelica was a fragile young woman with a mane of thick, curly hair, porcelain skin, and eyes the color of a summer sky. She had always been different—thoughtful, inquisitive, and deeply well-read. She found genuine joy in the simple things: shafts of sunlight, the flutter of a butterfly, or the song of a bird. Where others saw dew, she saw rainbows; she could spend hours watching the shifting shapes of clouds. To put it simply, she viewed the world through rose-colored glasses.
"You act like a giant child, marvelling at every blade of grass," her mother would often tell her. "You need to come back down to earth once in a while. Life is going to pass you by before you even notice it."
"She's a strange one," the neighbors whispered. "Always seems to be floating in the clouds. A real eccentric."
None of these words meant a thing to Angelica. She would only offer a soft laugh in response.
***
"Sweetheart, take a seat," her editor said one day, summoning her into his office. "It's been quite a while since you've turned in anything interesting. What's the hold-up?"
"Mr. Henderson, I've lost my spark. I want to write, but lately, I haven't been able to squeeze out a single line."
"That's not good, Angelica. Figure something out. Go somewhere beautiful. I don't care where you go or what you do—I just care about the result."
"Alright. I'll do as you say."
"I'm not trying to rush you; I value my writers. I know it's hard to work without inspiration. But... if you want to stay on the staff, you need to deliver the work you're being paid for."
"Of course, Mr. Henderson. I'll get it done. Don't you worry."
"I'm not worried. You're a talented writer, but there are rules. I'm just giving you a reminder. Besides, there are plenty of people lining up for your desk. I'll give you two weeks. If you don't have something by then, I'll have to let you go."
"I understand."
"That's all."
***
On her way home, Angelica brooded over the editor's words.
"Hey, girl! How's it going? Where have you been hiding?" a dark-haired young woman called out, catching up to her.
"Hi, Melanie. I'm okay. My editor is breathing down my neck for a new romance novel. He told me I need to travel somewhere to find some inspiration. Now I'm just trying to figure out where."
"Oh, wow! It's fate that I ran into you. I actually have two tickets to a gorgeous spot, and I can't go. Take your sister and just go. Everything is already paid for."
"That's amazing news! Where to? When? And more importantly, what do I owe you? I really can't afford a big trip right now."
"You don't owe me a dime. My boyfriend, George, paid for everything, but work is keeping him tied down."
"It must be nice to have a guy like that. I'm officially jealous," Angelica said, throwing her arms around Melanie's neck.
"Easy there! You're choking me. You'll be flying out to the Appalachian mountains—North Carolina. There's a little hidden gem of a resort near a town called Boone. It's a wellness retreat. It's exactly what you need. Don't worry, I'll send you all the details."
"I can't thank you enough!"
"It's stunning up there. The village is high up in the mountains. Fresh air, wilderness, a river... you'll have the time of your life. Just promise me you'll name the heroine of your next book after me."
"Deal."
***
Thrilled by the news, Angelica immediately shared the plan with her mother and sister.
"Honey, I'd love to go with you," her sister said sadly. "But there's no way I can get time off work right now. You'll have to enjoy the mountain scenery without me."
"That's too bad. I'm a little nervous about going alone."
"What, have you been watching too many horror movies? Scared of some backwoods mountain man?"
"Maybe a little."
"Stop it. What century are we living in? Nobody's getting kidnapped. If anything, the girls are the ones doing the hunting these days." They both burst out laughing.
***
A few days later, Angelica packed her bags and headed to the airport. After a flight to Charlotte and a long bus ride, she finally arrived.
"This is breathtaking," Angelica thought, peering out the window.
The bus pulled into the grounds of the mountain retreat. There were several main lodges and small, individual cabins surrounded by charming white picket fences. Angelica set her suitcases down and stood for a long moment, taking it all in.
"Just get in?" asked a petite young woman walking toward her. "Follow me, I'll show you to your modest little abode."
Angelica followed, her eyes wandering curiously over the property. She was shown to a small timber-framed cabin with a beautiful porch.
"Here's your key, though honestly, nobody really locks their doors around here. Bathrooms are just down the hall, and you'll eat over there," the woman said, pointing to a cozy building that looked more like a farmhouse than a cafeteria.
"Is there anything to do for fun around here?"
"Sure. Horseback riding, swimming in the mountain streams, or fishing. We've got plenty of trout. If you catch anything, bring it to me—I'll be happy to cook up a world-class fish dinner for you. There's also a sauna, some sports courts, and a small pool area."
"No, the fishing and the hiking will be plenty for me. Thank you."
"My pleasure. I'm Sarah. Let me know if you need anything."
Angelica nodded happily.
"Get settled. Lunch will be ready soon. I'll give you a shout if you like."
"That would be wonderful. I'm starving."
Sarah smiled and mentioned that her husband, Mark, organized the horseback tours. Angelica readily agreed to go for a ride after lunch.
"Everyone here is so sweet and welcoming," Angelica thought, finishing a hearty meal.
***
Her daydreams were interrupted by the voice of a rugged man—Mark.
"Horses are ready. We can head out whenever you're set."
"I'd love to."
Angelica was ready in minutes. It was a hot day, so without much thought, she grabbed her bag with a swimsuit and bug spray, wearing a light, breezy summer dress.
"Whoa. You won't get very far in that dress. You really ought to be wearing jeans," Mark told her. "But, if that's what you're comfortable in, no problem."
Angelica looked around. She was with a small group of about ten people, all of whom were in jeans or hiking shorts.
"Great. I'm the odd one out again," she thought.
Mark helped her onto her horse, gave a quick briefing, and the group set off. The riders were giddy with excitement, and Angelica was right there with them.
"Keep together now! Don't fall behind," Mark called out occasionally.
The views were unparalleled. Picturesque landscapes, crisp mountain air, and the constant song of birds. It was almost overwhelming.
After half an hour, the group began to descend, passing through a small mountain settlement. Angelica was so busy taking mental notes and looking around that she lagged behind. She was so distracted that she didn't notice a jagged piece of scrap metal sticking out of the ground. Her horse caught its leg on it, sliced it open, and began to limp.
"Your horse won't be able to walk much further if you don't tend to that wound," a voice said.
A young man had appeared seemingly out of nowhere from the nearby cluster of houses. He was tall, tanned, and athletic, with a short, neat beard and striking green eyes. Angelica looked up from her notebook.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Your horse is hurt. Look at the blood."
Angelica looked down and saw that the horse's leg was indeed covered in red.
"Oh, no... so much blood..." Angelica turned pale and promptly fainted.
"Whoa there!" The young man caught her just before she hit the dirt.
***
A few minutes later, Angelica opened her eyes. She reflexively pushed the handsome stranger away and nervously smoothed out her dress, which had ridden up.
"Thank you for catching me. I've hated the sight of blood since I was a kid."
The man gave her a brilliant white smile and turned to the horse.
"We need to wash the cut. Now." He pulled a canteen of water from his saddlebag and began rinsing the wound. "You'd better sit right there, or you'll end up on the ground again," he added.
After cleaning the cut, he pulled a spare shirt from his bag and tore off a sleeve. He bandaged the leg tightly and patted the horse on the flank.
"Good girl. She'll be fine," he said, turning back to the astonished Angelica. "I'm Caleb. I live just up the road."
"Thank you, Caleb. From both of us."
"Don't mention it. My parents live in that house over there. If you're ever passing by, stop in." He flashed that smile again.
"I will. Definitely."
Angelica took the horse by the reins and walked to catch up with her group. At that moment, Mark's son, Billy, came riding back toward her.
"Where did you go? We've been looking for you for twenty minutes!"
Angelica took one last look at Caleb.
"There he is," she thought. "The hero of my novel. Strong, handsome, kind. He's the story."
***
Bursting with inspiration, Angelica couldn't wait to start writing. She fell behind the group again, sat on a large boulder near the river, and began scribbling down her thoughts. After a while, she looked at the rushing water and dipped her hand in.
"Brr. It's freezing. But I have to go in." She looked around to make sure she was alone, pulled her swimsuit from her bag, changed quickly, and waded in.
The water was icy. Once she got used to the chill, she swam out a bit further. But her slight frame was no match for the powerful mountain current. In a split second, she lost control. The river swept her off her feet and pulled her under.
"Help!" she managed to scream before the water swallowed her voice.
Suddenly, there was a splash, and her fragile body was hauled up into a pair of strong arms. When Angelica opened her eyes, Caleb was leaning over her.
"You're a restless thing, aren't you? How many times a day do I have to save you?"
Angelica gave a weak smile.
"That's twice in one day. And you still haven't told me your name."
"Angelica."
"Beautiful. You need to get warm. Here, take my shirt." Caleb draped his dry shirt over her shoulders. "You must be hungry. Come on, I'll introduce you to my mom. She makes the best homemade biscuits in the state."
Angelica nodded.
"Don't worry. I'll drive you back to the resort later. If I leave you to walk, you'll probably fall in a hole or step on a copperhead. I'd rather not have to save you a third time."
***
The locals turned out to be incredibly friendly. Seeing a guest, they practically pulled her into their homes. Everyone tried to tempt her with good food and warm hospitality.
"We have good people here. We're always happy to have company," Caleb said to Angelica, who had retreated back into her own head and hadn't said a word for a while.
Caleb just chuckled at her. As they approached his parents' house, an older woman stepped out onto the porch, her hands dusted with flour.
"Son, we have a guest! Why didn't you call? I would have set the table properly."
"We haven't even made it into the yard and you already knew," Caleb teased.
"That's how it works. People around here know everything about everyone. Come in, don't just stand on the porch."
Caleb's parents were just as charming and hospitable. They fed Angelica, gave her fresh coffee, and promised to send her back with some homemade jam.
"Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I've really enjoyed myself. It's a little stuffy in here, though—mind if I step outside for some air?"
"Of course. Caleb can stay and help me clear the table," his mother said sweetly.
***
Angelica stepped out into the yard. She saw heavy clusters of grapes hanging from a trellis and walked over to pick a few.
"You're not from around here. Caleb bring you?"
A girl with coal-black hair pulled back into a long braid had walked up behind her.
"Are you talking to me?"
"I am. I'm Clara, Caleb's fiancée. Don't touch him. He's mine. Get back to your resort and don't show your face around here again. Or you'll regret it," she spat, vanishing behind a high fence the moment she heard Caleb's voice from the house.
"Oh, is that how it is?" Angelica muttered. She walked out the gate and headed down the road.
A bit further down, she met an old man on a tractor who offered her a lift. Half an hour later, she was back at the retreat. When Caleb came outside to find her, his guest had vanished.
***
The next day, he ran into her again by the river. This time, she was out fishing with a group. Angelica was trying to cast her line, but it was hopelessly tangled. She tried to pick it apart, but only made it worse. With one clumsy tug, her skirt got caught on the hook.
"Caught a fish, have we? I see you need saving again. From yourself this time," Caleb said, laughing.
Angelica tried to walk away quickly, but she was completely stuck. Caleb stepped in to help.
"There, saved you again. Why did you run off so fast yesterday? I didn't even get to say goodbye."
Angelica looked at him seriously.
"Thank you. Но we shouldn't see each other anymore. Your girlfriend isn't a fan. Just go back to your life."
"I take it Clara talked to you. She isn't my girlfriend. She just likes to think she is for some reason."
"I'm sure she has her reasons."
"Don't worry about her. I'll spend my time with whoever I want. Here, let me show you how to actually catch a trout."
Caleb stood close to Angelica, and together they cast the line. The fishing trip was a success. Working together, they caught a beauty, which they later cooked back at Caleb's house.
***
"This is all very nice, son," his mother whispered later. "But this woman is around here a lot. Careful she doesn't break your heart and just leave. You don't really think she'll stay here, do you?"
"We'll see, Mom. Maybe she will."
After a delicious dinner, Angelica thanked them for their hospitality and went out for a stroll down the street. While Caleb was finishing a conversation with his mother, she wandered quite a distance. Suddenly, a car pulled up. Two men jumped out, covered her mouth, and forced her into the backseat.
"Sit still and shut up. You were told to stay away from Caleb, but you clearly have a hearing problem," one of the men growled, pulling a bag over her head.
The other tied her hands, and the car sped off. They stopped somewhere high above a steep ravine. They dragged Angelica out and stood her right on the edge.
"Tourists go missing all the time. No one will even notice you're gone," the kidnappers laughed, pulling the bag off her head.
"Let her go!" Caleb shouted, stepping out from the trees.
As it turned out, a neighbor's kid had seen the struggle and told Caleb. He had jumped in his truck immediately. The kidnappers were Clara's brothers.
"Relax, man, we were just trying to give her a scare. Clara asked us to."
"I'll deal with you two later. Right now, I'm taking Angelica home." He untied her and led her to his truck. "Looks like saving you is becoming a habit."
"I guess so. Thank you for everything."
And with that, they kissed.
***
They spent another week together, lost in each other's company. However, the vacation eventually came to an end. Angelica had to go home. Caleb didn't want to let her go, but it was hard to keep a free-spirited, dreaming writer in a small mountain town. She was a city girl at heart and wasn't ready to stay.
But when she got back, she wrote a vibrant, soaring romance about a brave, strong man who saved the life of a fragile, romantic beauty. And who knows? Maybe one day, Angelica will find her way back to the mountains to see her hero again.
0 comments