The Waves Are Ours |Virgato|

Chapter 6: Surf

Chris let out a yawn as he trampled down the stairs early the next morning. Light was barely filtering into the room, but he could hear the light tone of conversation from downstairs. Sure enough, Erick and Richard were already down in the kitchen dressed for the beach. Erick was sitting at the bench, munching on toast and Richard was hovering over the toaster, waiting for his to cook.

Richard and Erick both muttered a small greeting and Chris replied as he slid into the seat beside Erick. The toaster let out a loud pop, click noise and four slices of toast appeared from the top of the machine. Chris stared at the device, still mystified by its ability. He'd seen it a few times now, but there was something about it that amazed him.

"Toast?" Richard questioned, offering Chris two of the slices.

Chris nodded eagerly, accepting them hungrily from Richard's hands. "Thanks."

Placing the plate down in front of him, he spread a strange red gelatin substance on top of the toast and began to eat. Even after trying both pizza and pasta yesterday, he was still delighted by the exotic taste of land food. Seaweed seemed so plain to all of it.

Richard took the seat beside him and began to eat. There was silence for a moment as the three of them ate at the bench.

"So Chris, Erick and I are about to go down to the beach for a surf. Do you want to come?" Richard asked as they ate.

"Yeah, since you're up early, why don't you come in with us Chris? Richard has a spare board," Erick nods in agreement as he finishes his slice of toast.

Chris wasn't sure what to do for a moment. He didn't exactly think it was a good idea to wake Joel up early, especially if he might be angry when he did. Erick was staring at him expectantly, but Chris felt like a deer in the headlights.

"Please?" Erick smiles.

Chris turns back to Richard, who nods, gesturing him with a shooing motion. He bites his lip. It would be fun though, having done this a million times to Luna. It was only natural that land people did the same thing. Chris nods and grins, following Erick who races up the staircase two steps at a time. The two of them trample down the hall until they come to Joel's bedroom. Carefully, the two boys tip toe into the room.

The curtains are still closed, a small hint of light filtering through. The room is blank, only essential items seem to be left out and a small photo frame is perched by the bed, depicting Joel and a person Chris can only assume to be his mother eating ice cream together. He smiles a little as his eyes move to the bed. Inside is a lumpy form covered in blankets that moves up and down with each breath. He can just make out the top of Joel's head.

Erick nudges Christopher's shoulder before he gestures to the curtains. Taking the hint, Chris pulls them wide open, sending a strong beam of light bursting into the room. There's a displeased yell from under the covers.

"Rise and shine, Joey! We're going to the beach and you're coming with us," Erick declares.

Joel lets out a long yawn as he rolls over, emerging from under the covers. He stays there laying in his bed, peaking through with tired looking eyes. His eyebrows narrowed, before they close yet again. Erick lets out a loud sigh before sitting himself down on the bed next to him. He shakes Joel's shoulder gently.

"Maybe later," Joel grumbles, rolling back over again, "Let me sleep a bit longer. It's vacation."

Erick shoots a frustrated glance at Joel. He turns to Chris with a small grin.

"Come one, Joel. You can't stay in bed all day," Erick says.

Joel doesn't respond or move.

"Fine, you leave us with no choice," Erick smiled. He ushered Chris to come closer to them. Chris hesitated for a moment, realizing what Erick intended for them to do. Erick began to count without speaking. Chris nodded.