Unexpected Love

18. Backyard question

April

Spring fever set in and it seemed like everyday I was outside. Bradley would chase me around his yard and I would giggle and laugh so hard when he caught me and tickled me.

I was slowly but surely moving back in with my dad. We spent lots of time together and today we would be going to the beach. I didn't know what to expect but I really hope Bradley makes a huge impression on my dad.

I sounded so childish for a 15 year old girl. But I missed out on a lot of years of fun. I was sitting on the porch steps of Bradley's house waited by for my dad to arrive. The door opened behind and Bradley sat down beside me and held my hand.

"I'm excited to spend the day with you and your dad Arie."

"Me too, I feel like today is just going to be amazing!"

"You have everything you need?" He asked excitedly.

"Yeah, my dad has most of the stuff so I only have my phone and my bathing suit on."

"The one that you refused to show your own boyfriend?" Brad asked me in a hurt expression.

"Yep, that's the one!" I laughed and kissed his cheek. "It's a surprise for you!" He groaned and gave me a side hug.

A car rolled up and honked at us.

"Hey dad! Did you remember everything?"

"What do you think darling?" He laughed.

"Yes!" I yelled loudly.

"Correct! C'mon guys the waves are good this morning."

"How would you know Arie's father?"

"Call me Greg son, and I asked my buddy Tom, he's a good surfer."

"Wait," I started. "Are you taking us surfing?"

"Yeah, you haven't surfed in like 5 years so why not start again?"

"Omg, thanks so much dad!" I squealed like a little white girl getting a new pair of ugg boots.

As we arrived at the beach my excitement went through the roof. My dad was taking me back to my childhood happiness. I could be happy and bubbly again.

He parked the car and I hesitated getting out. I opened the door and got out. Closing the door with my foot, since my hands were full, I walked to the beach, threw everything down, took off my cover up, and ran into the cool water.

Brad did the same and sprinted down the hit beach and grabbed me and we fell into the waves. Last but not least my father came running into the water with 3 bogey boards. His shoulders revealed the tattoos he had gotten when I was born.

I took one of the bogey boards and hugged him. A placed my hand on my name tattooed above where his Heart is. He smiled at me then dunked me under the water.

I came up out of the water and spit the salt water out. "You still act like a teenager dad!"

"I missed 5 years of fun sweetie! I'm allowed to act like a teenager!" He yelled back at me. I rolled my eyes and trudged through the water towards them.

----

The sun was setting and I was curled up in Bradley's arms staring at the fire my dad made in our back yard.

"My life is so unexpected." I whispered so only Bradley could hear. He was playing with my wet hair and nudged me in the shoulder with his.

"I hope it's a good unexpected life."

"It is, I'm glad to have you and my dad..."

"I guess it was unexpected to have love again."

"Unexpected love?" He questioned.

"Yeah, unexpected love."

He kissed me and I smiled against his lips which made him smile too.

"I love you Arie, I love you so much. Will you promise to stay with me? Please? I know it may be a lot to as--"

I cut him off with a kiss then said "Yes, of course I will stay."

And I meant it.