- surfing feelings ⛅️ | ari gibson | a surviving summer fanfiction

part 9 - the results

The water instantly made my head go numb and my eyes tried to adjust with blurry sea water obstructing a clear view of the horizon. The sting of the salt was tolerable, but it never meant it didn't hurt. I dunked my head in the water again and flipped my hair over to see. The waves made me bobble up and down like a fisherman's hook while I tried to feel for a good wave. Sheridan Morehouse finally swam by me. She smirked and began to speak. "It looks like someone finally came out under the rock. At least Ari still knows how to surf, you on the other hand can't hold a wave."

I turned to her smiling. Even when we were little, Sheridan and I had always known each other. We used to go to the same school. But I saw how Anchor Cove changed her. It turned her overconfident and egotistical. I can't deny she's one of the most talented surfers in our age group, but I won't deny that she's a total jerk. That's why we all has such a great hatred for Anchor Cove riders. They love picking on small fry. At least now with her distracted on me, I felt a good wave come my way and swam for it while she blanked. It was too late before I managed to grab it.

My feet clenched the board tightly when I remembered Manu's tips. When Manu gave me Marlon's tape, it reminded me to balance my whole body and don't focus all my weight just to my feet. That's how I got bad cramps last time. Marlon had a way of making everyone hate but also love him. But he was also a great surfer. Maybe Brazil has awesome instructors. I still remember the day he moved here from Brazil and had that bad haircut and outfit his mom made him wear. I followed the wave and tried to flow with it until the very top crest of the wave I curved in the air. I know Manu told me to always be careful and judge my actions, but he can't deny his advice would be wrong in this moment and time.

The wave fell out and I swam and tried to naturally surf on my second one. Getting my rhythm, I curved out my bottom turn and did a snap into the wave. The heat was over and I just hoped it was enough. I didn't even want to beat Poppy, I just wanted confirmation for Subtropix. I paddled back into the beach and nervously picked at my surfboard coating. When I looked up, I saw the whole Boardriders gang whooping and running towards me. I didn't hear the rankings over my loud thoughts and the waves behind me but I was lifted in the air by Marlon and Manu on their shoulders.

"Mina! You got first place!" Bodhi yelled. I couldn't believe my ears but I felt my eyes tear up. Poppy came to me with a satisfied face and a medal in her hand. It was silver which meant she got second. She may have won yesterday, but today I got first. I didn't want her to think I was a stick in the mud with her goals. At least she didn't look mad but then I remembered what Bodhi had told me back at the house. I love seeing Poppy win. I know Poppy isn't out to get me. I'd just hate for a freak fight to happen like at Ari's first comp.

Speaking of Ari, I saw him walk to me on Marlon's shoulders holding the coveted gold medal. The girls partition was over, now it was the boys' turn. When Marlon put me down, I walked to him. "I believe this is for you." Ari said and saluted holding the medal out. I laughed and pulled him into the group. Him and Marlon still stood apart awkwardly but I could ignore it today. Right now was my moment. The moment of getting first. Even advancing Poppy.

I turned to Ari and saw him already looking at me. "What?" I smiled.

"Nothing." He looked away. Bodhi turned towards me and gave me a knowingly look. I guess she caught onto something. Ari put the medal in my hand. "Your new wetsuit is nice. Also, good job."

"Thanks, Ari!" I grinned and his grip around my hand and the medal lingered for a bit. I felt my face heat for a moment.

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Ari and Marlon were up against Griff Temple from Anchor Cove and another AC boy. What Poppy said about his haircut was true. It was atrocious. I don't even know how he can mentally and physically be okay with it. Even with thin blond hair, it looked choppy and three different hairstyles in all different areas. During their heat, Ari and Marlon just sat on the flat water while Anchor Cove took all the good waves. I was biting my nails off waiting for one of them to start paddling to the waves. It looked like they were talking about something.

"The Boardrider boys have serious time to make up for." The announcer said. I wanted to punch him in the face. That guy's stupid commentary did nothing to help.

Eventually they looked at each other and began surfing. I finally breathed in what seemed like forever. Unfortunately Griff got first while Marlon got second and Ari third. I sighed disappointedly but at least they beat one Anchor Cove member. I saw the two come up laughing by and patting each other on the back. Maybe they finally solved their differences since they seemed buddy-buddy again like before the accident.

"You did good, Ari." I said and gave him a shoulder squeeze. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and leaned down to face him. His face was happy and warm. I felt his breath on my nose.

"Thank you, Mina. What you said last night really helped me. Marlon apologized and we're back on track."

"That's great!" Ari gave me a huge hug and looked like he was skipping away. I felt a huge sense of relief and pride.

Griff and I were asked to go up on the podiums to hold hands and take pictures for the press and competition.

"Mina really pulled her weight today." Marlon smiled and tried to look at Bodhi but she kept avoiding his gaze.

I suddenly got a sick feeling in my stomach.

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When we were packing up, Bodhi came up and tossed me my now clean towel. "Marlon's mom insisted on washing everything or else her sister-in-law will kill her. Talk about OCD."

"Honestly. Thanks, Bodhs." I said distracted in a monotone voice.

"I'm thinking of breaking up with Marlon."

I dropped my towel and stared at her.  What?