Sweetest Thing (gxg)

7. Things Unsaid ఌ

Saturday Afternoon
San Diego, California
***

Yoaly had every intention to keep her aunt company, but she slept the entire car ride. She had no idea where they were headed, so she was a bit confused when she woke up and smelt salt in the air.

"We're near a beach," she said matter-of-factly.

Valeria glanced over at Yoaly who had her eyes set on the window, looking out at the scenery as they drove. "You're awake. And yes, we're at the beach."

"Where? And why?"

"We're in San Diego. And for why... Why not?" Valeria shrugged. "You've been sleeping for hours. I know you have to be hungry now."

"I am. I'm starving, actually."

"Perfect. What are you feeling for?"

"I could eat anything right now. Literally."

"A good burger has never done me wrong. I know a spot not too far from here. We'll grab a bite to eat and then we can go down and take a walk on the beach."

"That sounds relaxing. A walk on the beach, I mean. I could really use that. Maybe it's what I need to clear my mind a little bit."

"Walking the beach is perfect for clearing your mind. I do it all the time."

"How far do you live from the beach? I don't think I've ever asked you that."

"It's about a ten-minute drive from where I live now. It used to be about a half hour."

"It looks so beautiful from the pictures you've sent me. I can't believe you've never invited me to come visit you."

"I've talked to your parents about it multiple times, but your father would never let you come stay with me. I didn't want to ever bring it up to you knowing you couldn't come."

"But I'm an adult now. I don't need their permission to do anything."

"No, but you still value it. You always feel like you're doing something wrong if it's against your parents' wishes and that doesn't sound like a very fun vacation."

Valeria was right about that, so Yoaly didn't even try and argue with her about it. As much as she wishes she didn't, she does still care what her parents think about her. Perhaps too much sometimes.

When they got to the restaurant, they got a small table near a large, open window. Valeria ordered a cheeseburger, with more toppings than what your average person would like on a burger, Yoaly stuck to crispy chicken tenders, and they shared an order of onion rings between them.

"How do you just know about this place anyway?" Yoaly asked Valeria after they'd finished eating. They were both full for the most part but were still picking at the plate of onion rings and sipping on their soft drinks. "You didn't even use a GPS to get here."

"I lived here for a couple of years before I moved back home."

"I never knew that. I know you moved a lot, but I never knew San Diego was one of those places. I also didn't know you lived anywhere for more than six months during that time, let alone a couple of years."

"If I'm being honest, I followed someone here. So I won't lie, this place has a lot of bittersweet memories for me. Though, they're more sweet than they are bitter."

"When you say you followed someone here," Yoaly started as she stirred her straw around in her now watered-down cup of Sprite. "Are you talking about someone you were dating?"

"Oh, Yoaly," she let out a laugh that sounded just as sing-songy as her speaking voice. "To be young, dumb, and in love is all I'll say to that. It always happens to the best of us."