Paradise

            The memory replays itself over and over again. Even though two summers have passed, I can only think of his strawberry chap stick and mint flavored breathe. The feel of his coarse hands on my sun burnt neck. How everything fell away but us, in that moment. How nothing in my entire life has ever compared to those precious seconds.         

            I open my computer and sign into Skype. He’s always on at this time of night and for that I’m grateful. I just want to hear his voice, even if it is across the country; it’s no different to me.

            The call connects and I find myself looking into the pale gray eyes of the guy I’ve loved since summer 2009.

            “Hi,” I whisper. “Did I wake you up? I’m sorry.”

            He smiles that crooked half way one that makes me want to jump on a plane and fly toCaliforniamyself. “No it’s okay, love. I’m always awake for you. What’s going on?” 

            And then I start to cry.

            Through my tears I can only remember those four days.

            July eighteenth, 2009. The Chartermont cruise had been sailing for four hours and I was already entirely bored. My mom, who I honestly love with all my heart, dragged me hear for my sister’s wedding. Yeah a wedding on a cruise.

            Go figure.

            But the sun was high in the sky and the day was a lot cooler for the reason we were on theAtlantic Ocean. My sun glasses tamed the harsh glare as I stood on the cruise railing and put my head out in the wind. My hair flew behind me and goosebumps grew on my tan skin.

            “Hi, you’re Peyton, right?”

            I whipped my head around to see a guy a little older than me standing behind me. His hair was sandy blonde and little freckles dotted his nose. Though, the only thing I could pay attention to was his eyes. They were such a pale blue they looked almost grey. His shorts hung dangerously below his hips and his shirt was loose, but tight enough where I could see the sharp indentations of his chest. “U-um. Yeah. How do you know my name?” I said blushing furiously.

            “Oh well um. I saw you. In the dress rehearsal. Someone yelled your name, and well, yeah. You had on the turquoise dress with the ugly flowers.”

            “Well at least I’m not the only one who thought they were ugly.” I climb down from the rail to stand before the boy. He’s a lot taller up close.

            “I’m Keegan,” he says.

            “Peyton,” I said. “Peyton Elizabeth. But you knew that. And I’m completely bored. Just so you know, I don’t want to be here. My mom is the reasoning behind this stupid trip.”

            He smiles and something spins in his eyes. “Same. My Dad thinks it’s cool to have ‘family outings’ but there’s nothing fun about spending four days in a three bed suite with six people.” He laughed and I laughed. “So, Peyton Elizabeth, since we are in a mutual boredom I think we should become friends.”

            My heart stutters that this older, gorgeous boy wants to be friends with me, Peyton. Peyton the five foot nothing brown haired girl with tan lines and freckles. “Okay Mr. Keegan. I think we should too.”

            Little did I know that such a random friendship would turn into the best time of my life.

            “So Peyton Elizabeth, where do you think we’re going? Just give me your best guess.” He said. Whenever he smiles his eyes crinkle and define his strong jaw line making my heart combust.