New State New Life **Editing In Process**

Merry Christmas?

"We're almost there I promise" I said

"The beach is really this far away?" He asked

"It's only 2 hours" I said "Everything is far away back home you should be used to this"

He shot me a smile and soon I pulled into the shore town. Driving around, I turned down a familiar street and parked in the free parking lot.

"I heard beaches are expensive" Connor said

"It's the off season so, free parking" I laughed "And this beach is free"

He nodded and we both got out. Grabbing my backpack, I handed it to Connor who shook his head but put the bag on his shoulders. Leading him down the street, I turned and jogged up the wooden steps before walking onto the beach.

"Ahh, only locals and no screaming children" I smiled

"You're something" He said

"And you deal with me" I said

"Surprisingly" He sighed

"Hey, you wanted to come. And you show up at the house all the time even when I don't want you to. So who surprisingly deals with who" I said

"When did you not want me?" Connor asked

"This spots good" I said

Walking behind Connor, I opened the bag and pulled the sheet out. Setting it on the ground, I sat down and looked up at the boy. Patting the spot he just looked at me but sat down.

"You didn't answer me" He said

"Look at the ocean. Have you ever seen the ocean?" I asked

"I'll tell you if you answer my question first" Connor said

"What question" I asked

"When did you not want me to come over?" He asked

"When you hadn't been talking to me and I was pissed off at you" I shrugged "And a couple nights here and there, I mean you coming over wasn't a bad thing, but I wanted to be alone"

"Oh.. Why don't you tell me to leave?" He asked

"I did for the first part" I said

"Well, issues" Connor laughed

"I know. Jerk off" I huffed

"Hey, you love me" He said

"Questionable" I said

"What about when you want to be alone" He asked

"Well, being alone with my thoughts can be destructive and a waste of gas. So when you show up and plop yourself on the couch, it forces me to stay home and focus on you" I said

"So you don't mind?" He asked

"No, I don't mind" I replied "Sometimes, Braxton facetimes me and I end up talking to him for a couple hours"

"You guys became good friends" Connor smiled

"Yeah, he's cool. He's like a brother. I mean i've never had a brother so i'm assuming thats what it feels like? Maybe. Who knows" I said

"Yeah. He likes hanging out with you. And he says you're an extra sister. Considering he has an older one. She lives in Montana but about three hours away" Connor said

"Huh, I didn't know that" I said "So.. Ocean"

"Yes, this is the first time i've seen the ocean" He smiled

I smiled back and put my head on his shoulder as we sat there and watched the waves crash for a little bit. I also pointed out all the boats in the distance.