CHAPTER EIGHT – JUST A DREAM

As they walked, Rebecca told them everything about her encounter with Luca. She described his charming smile, his mesmerizing eyes, the way he had made her feel seen and special. "He sounds dreamy," Sarah sighed. "What did you say his name was again?" "Luca. Luca Castelli." Jake frowned. "Castelli? I don't think I've heard that name around town before." "He's new," Rebecca explained. "Just moved here." A mischievous glint appeared in Sarah's eye. "You know, I heard that new guy has been hanging out at Rosie's Café in the evenings. We could always swing by there, see if he's around..." Rebecca's heart leapt at the suggestion, even as she tried to play it cool. "Oh, I don't know. It's pretty late already..." "Come on, Becca," Jake urged. "Live a little. Isn't that why you snuck out in the first place?" After a moment's hesitation, Rebecca nodded. "Alright, let's do it." The trio made their way to Rosie's Café, a cozy little place that stayed open late to cater to the town's night owls. As they approached, Rebecca felt her pulse quicken. Would Luca be there? What would she say to him if he was? They entered the café, the bell above the door announcing their arrival. Rebecca's eyes scanned the room eagerly, but her heart sank as she realized Luca wasn't there. "He's probably just not here tonight," Sarah said, noticing Rebecca's disappointment. "Come on, let's get some coffee anyway. We're already out, might as well enjoy it." They settled into a booth, ordering coffee and pastries. As they chatted and laughed, Rebecca found herself relaxing. Even though Luca wasn't there, she was enjoying herself. There was something thrilling about being out late, away from the watchful eyes of her parents and the expectations of the town. As the night wore on, Rebecca found herself opening up to her friends in a way she hadn't in a long time. She told them about her frustrations with her family, her dreams of seeing the world beyond Gilda's Bay, her secret passion for writing that she'd been nurturing in stolen moments. "You should go for it, Becca," Jake said earnestly. "You're too talented to be stuck in that bakery forever." Sarah nodded in agreement. "Maybe this Luca guy is a sign. A chance for you to break out of your shell and go after what you really want." Rebecca smiled, warmed by her friends' support. "Maybe you're right. I just... I don't know how to make that happen." "One step at a time," Sarah said, squeezing her hand. "And we'll be here to help you every step of the way." As the clock approached 2 AM, they reluctantly decided it was time to head home. They walked back together, parting ways at the old oak tree where they'd met. "This was fun," Rebecca said, hugging her friends goodbye. "We should do it again soon." "Definitely," Jake agreed. "And next time, maybe we'll actually run into this mysterious Luca of yours." Rebecca laughed, shoving him playfully. "Goodnight, guys. Thanks for everything." As she made her way back home, Rebecca felt a lightness in her step that hadn't been there before. Even though she hadn't seen Luca, the night out had been exactly what she needed. It had reminded her that there was more to life than the bakery and her family's expectations. Reaching her house, Rebecca carefully climbed back up the trellis and eased herself through her bedroom window. She changed quickly into her pajamas and slipped into bed, her mind buzzing with the events of the night. As she drifted off to sleep, her last conscious thought was of Luca's smile. She fell asleep with a smile of her own, eager to see what dreams might come. In her dreams, Rebecca found herself walking along a sun-drenched beach, the warm sand between her toes and the salty breeze tousling her hair. The sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore filled the air, mingling with the distant cries of seagulls. It was nothing like the small lake in Gilda's Bay – this was a vast, endless ocean, full of possibility and adventure. As she strolled along the water's edge, a familiar voice called out to her. "Rebecca!" She turned, her heart skipping a beat as she saw Luca jogging towards her, his smile as dazzling as the sun above. He was wearing board shorts and a loose white shirt that billowed in the breeze, looking like he'd stepped straight out of a romance novel. "Luca!" she called back, unable to keep the joy from her voice. "What are you doing here?" He reached her, slightly out of breath but still devastatingly handsome. "I came to find you, of course. I couldn't stay away." Rebecca felt herself blushing, even in the dream. "Really? But... how did you know where to find me?" Luca's eyes twinkled with mischief. "In my heart, I'll always know where to find you, Rebecca. We're destined to be together." He held out his hand to her, and without hesitation, she took it. His touch sent sparks through her body, and suddenly the beach around them transformed. They were no longer by the sea, but in a bustling city street, surrounded by towering skyscrapers and the vibrant energy of urban life. "Where are we?" Rebecca asked, looking around in wonder. "New York City," Luca replied with a grin. "I remember you telling me how much you've always wanted to visit. So, I thought, why not make that dream come true?" Rebecca's eyes widened. "But... how? My parents would never allow it." Luca pulled her close, his eyes intense. "Rebecca, with me, you can do anything. Be anything. Your parents, the bakery, Gilda's Bay – none of that matters. It's just you and me, and the whole world waiting for us to explore it." As if to prove his point, the scene shifted again. They were suddenly in Paris, standing beneath the Eiffel Tower. Then Rome, with the Colosseum looming behind them. Tokyo, with its neon lights and bustling streets. Each new location appeared in a blink, a whirlwind tour of all the places Rebecca had only ever dreamed of seeing. Through it all, Luca never let go of her hand. He was her anchor in this storm of experiences, his presence a constant comfort and thrill. Finally, they found themselves back in Gilda's Bay, but it was different somehow. The small town seemed brighter, more vibrant. As they walked down Main Street, people smiled and waved at them, their faces full of admiration and approval. "See?" Luca said softly. "Even here, we can make a difference. Together, we can bring the world to Gilda's Bay. We can make it a place of color and life and excitement." Rebecca looked around, amazed at the transformation. The bakery, once a symbol of her confinement, now looked warm and inviting. Through the window, she could see her parents smiling proudly at her. "Is this real?" she asked, hardly daring to believe it. Luca cupped her face in his hands, his eyes full of love and promise. "It can be, Rebecca. All of this can be real, if you're brave enough to reach out and take it." He leaned in, his lips mere inches from hers. Rebecca's heart raced, her eyes fluttering closed as she waited for the kiss that would seal this perfect dream... BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Rebecca's eyes snapped open, the harsh sound of her alarm cutting through the last wisps of her dream. She groaned, reaching out to silence the incessant noise. As consciousness fully returned, the details of her dream came flooding back. The beach, the world tour, Luca's declarations of love and promises of adventure – it had all felt so real, so vivid. For a moment, she could almost feel the ghost of his touch on her skin, hear the echo of his voice in her ear. But as she sat up in bed, the reality of her small bedroom in Gilda's Bay came into sharp focus. The faded wallpaper, the cramped desk piled high with schoolbooks, the calendar on the wall marking the days until the next church bake sale – it was all so far removed from the exciting, romantic world of her dreams.