birds // hs

0.1

"That's the last," my stepfather sighed as he set the last one of my suitcases on the curb. I wasn't listening; actually, I was too focused on the adorable little house in front of me.

My grandpa's house was a small, three bedroom cottage just a few miles from the sandy beach, only a bike ride away from heaven.

"Rachel!" My grandpa called loudly as he ran down the front stairs and towards us. He wasn't old or hunched over, or even bald for that matter. He had my mom when he was only seventeen so he was fifty-seven, the age of most people's parents (a/n I imagine him looking like Jeff bridges). "Well shit, darlin', aren't you all grown up?"

"Language, dad," my mom scolded. "Thanks for taking her, she really needed this."

"I'd do anything to have my little Rach," he grinned as his leathery arm draped over my shoulders. "Have you guys eaten lunch? I made sandwiches."

"We have to get back on the road," Richard shook his head. "Thanks again, Paul."

Pops smiled. "Of course."

They drove away in their little Porsche and I laughed as I saw the neighbors gape from the front porch, some even taking pictures. I guess this really is a small town.

_________________

"Bring those plates in here and I'll wash them up for you," Pops yelled as I sat on the front porch.

The breeze was warm and smelled like sand and salt, the best smell in the world. Even the stars had decided to contribute, a full moon complementing them in the clear night sky as they twinkled. I could tell this porch would definitely become my favorite place here.

I carried in the dishes and helped Pops wipe down the kitchen before he wandered into the living room, saying something about weather and the fishing for tomorrow.

"Pops," I called as I grabbed my phone and a key. "I'm going for a walk on the beach."

"No swimming," he chortled to himself. I rolled my eyes.

I jogged down to the street and towards the small town square, which consisted of a few clothing stores, an antique store, two diners, a small informational building, a hotel, a grocery store, and a schoolhouse. Even at nine o'clock, it was still light up with string lights and lanterns, the streets showing signs of the new summertime. Kids were laughing and running down the sidewalk, their parents only shaking their heads and saying 'Oh, let them go. They're just glad to be out of school'.

There was a smile on my face as I passed all the buildings and headed down the slight incline towards the water, the sound of the waves guiding me in the darkness.

I had only walked a couple of feet when a lifeguard approached me, his hair bleached by the sun and his cheeks tinted red.

"Is this your necklace, miss?" He panted, clearly out of breath.

I shook my head with a sad smile. "No, sorry."

"Damn." His eyes widened and he let out a nervous laugh. "S-sorry, I didn't mean-"

"It's fine," I smiled, brushing some hair behind my ear. "I'm not a mom."

"It's hard to tell in this lighting," the boy teased. "I'm Niall, by the way."

"Rachel."

"Rachel," he repeated, seeming to taste my name on his tongue. "Rachel. You new here?"

"I just got here a couple hours ago."

"Rachel!" He said suddenly, like he was realizing something. "Paul's granddaughter!"

"How did you-"

"He's been talking about this since last summer!" Niall laughed as he shook my hand very vigorously. "God, I can't believe you're real."

"So he told you about me?"

"He told everyone," he chuckled as we walked along the shoreline. Even though I just met him, Niall was nice company. "He got everyone around here all excited about you coming."

"Really?"

"You're just as pretty as he said."

"Oh, thank you," I blushed, even though it was dark and he couldn't see me. "I didn't even know he was excited."

"Well next time you introduce yourself, just mention that you're Paul's girl. You'll see."

"I'll remember that."

"So you got a job?"

I looked at him. "Job?"

"You don't," he grinned, shaking his head. "Hell, if there's one thing you need to know about this place, it's that it's boring as shit. You need a job."

"Alright," I nodded as I warmed up to the idea. He was right, a job would be fun and I could make some extra spending money. "Where should I apply?"

"I know there's a life guarding job open, are you certified?"

"I was one at my pool last summer," I offered quietly. "I don't know if-"

"Perfect!" He rubbed his hands together and dug into his pocket for a second before pulling out a pen. "Here, give me your arm."

I held out my arm and he scribbled his number across it, putting a cute little smiley face after it. Good lord.

"Meet me here tomorrow at ten, okay? Text me when you get here."

"Of course," I agreed with a small laugh. "Just right here?"

"There's a big stand just a little ways down. That's where I'll be."

He shook my hand again and I laughed. "Ten o'clock?"

"Ten o'clock."

"Perfect."

omg plz vote

I have so much planned I'm so excited omg!!!!