Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
--Robert Frost

After an exhausting 6 hour flight, not to mention the long drive into the country, Gabrielle arrived at Caroline’s parents luxurious estate. The expansive layout was surrounded by country charm with a refined touch. Caroline rushed to the door, leaving John, their parents all around handy man and sometimes chauffeur, to tend to all the luggage. Gabrielle, not used to these types of surroundings, was immediately nervous and held on to her suitcase a little tighter than normal.

Caroline was beaming, realizing it had been over three years since she had been home. She didn’t understand, until just then, how much she missed it here. For a second, she even forgot why it had been so long. Pushing all bad thoughts away, Caroline put on a smile and enjoyed the moment.


“Oh my! That can’t be my Miss Caroline! Oh, I’m just bursting from the seams! Come here child and give me a proper hello,” said the Bennett’s long time house keeper, Mrs. Greene.

“It’s great to be home. I can’t believe it. Everything looks exactly the same. Even you,” Caroline teased. Mrs. Greene held her close. She was so happy Caroline was finally home.

“Oh come John, let’s get the girls inside. Grab those bags. Sweetie, he’s got those,” Mrs. Green said to Gabrielle. “Set that down and come inside.” Gabrielle complied, a little nervous to disobey.

“Now, you ladies come inside and tell me what brings you home,” called Mrs. Greene as she lead them inside.


“We are here for a few weeks. I guess we both are ready for a change. Things have not been the way we planned. I’ve hit a wall at my job. I’m bored to death and not really challenged. Mom said a couple weeks here to regroup maybe what we need. Brie, she just needs to get away.” Caroline pulled Mrs. Greene aside and explained the recent activity of Gabrielle’s last boyfriend. She shook her head in disgust.

“Men. I swear, can’t keep it in. How is she holding up?”

“She’s doing the best she can. I guess I’m hoping this trip will distract her. I know we have to go back, but I just want her to be ready for when we do.” Caroline sighed, thinking of the pain her friend was feeling. She was pushing back her own unease of being home. This trip was about Brie.


“Between you and me, I would like to leave Mountain Desert all together. Please, don’t tell anyone. I don’t want Mom to create this whole thing in her head and, well you know how she gets,” Caroline whispered.

“She means well. We all just want what’s best for you and Logan. When’s the last time you’ve seen your brother? You know, he sure has grown up. Not the same boy. Well, unless I’m cooking,” Mrs. Greene joked.

“We crossed paths a couple of years ago at my apartment. He stopped by for an hour with a group of guys. They were on a ‘road trip to hotties’ as he called it. Not the best moment. I see Mom and Dad pretty much monthly now. They made the Waterview Hilton their home away from home.”


“Are you ladies wanting these upstairs?” asked John, not looking forward to hauling these bags upstairs.

“Of course they do, dontcha think? Really john. Now, move quickly. We have things to do,” bellowed Mrs. Greene as she made her way into the hall.

Caroline and Gabrielle headed upstairs to their rooms, wanting to relax a bit before dinner.


As Gabrielle made her way into her room, she looked around at all of the wonderful decorations. She had never stayed in a room this nice before. It was like being at a five star hotel. Only here, she wasn’t a stranger among people. Needing a minute before heading back downstairs, she leaned against the door and let her body slide down.

She closed her eyes and wished with all of her heart that things were different.