One Summers Day

Avery

The waves were tall and powerful, crashing against the shore with a deafening roar.  The sun was shining brightly overhead, casting a warm golden glow over the water.  I paddled out into the surf, feeling the cold water against my skin as I propelled myself forward.  As I reached the break, I waited patiently for the perfect wave, scanning the horizon for any sign of movement.  Suddenly, I saw it.  A massive wall of water, rising and cresting just a few feet away from me.  With a burst of energy I started paddling, feeling the wave lift me up and carry me forward.  The wind rushed past me, my heart pounding in my chest as I rode the wave, carving back and forth across its face.  For a moment everything else faded away, and I was lost in the thrill of the ride.  As the wave began to peter out I paddled back out ready to catch the next one.  For me, there was nothing quite like the rash of surfing, and I knew I would be chasing that feeling for the rest of my life.

I waited a while for a second good wave to come, but the ocean seemed to have gotten tired or given up, so I swam back to shore.  Thats where I saw Maddie tanning with at least a bucket full of tan lotion.  

"Averyyy, that was so good!  You should like be a competitive surfer!" Maddie said as her brunette curls bounced around her face with excitement.

"Thanks Mads." I said as I started to dry off using a towel.

"You know I am famished, we should totally get some lunch." Maddie exclaimed.

"If you're famished imagine how hungry I am." I responded as I began to pack up my things and shake the sand off me.

"Are you free this Saturday?" Maddie asked.

"Yeah, why?" I responded.

"I am throwing a little beach party.  I thought I should invite you, so you could meet some people, as you don't know many people." Maddie said.

It was true, since I just moved here the only friend I had currently was Mads as she lived next door.  I guess I got lucky then.

"Yeah I'll go, what time is it?" I asked.

"Oh it starts at five but I would recommend coming more at six.  This is gonna be so exciting!  I'll come over to your apartment and we will decide what to wear together ok?  Now my friends are really nice, just be your natural self and you will be fine." Maddie exclaimed.

We eventually found a taco stand and an empty picnic table.  After about an hour of relaxing after a long morning, for me not for Maddie, we both headed home and said goodbye.

"Bye Mads see you later." I said as I put my key into the door.

"Byeee." Maddie said.

As I walked into my apartment I kicked my flip-flops off and dropped my beach bag on the floor.  The apartment is filled with natural light, and the salty ocean breeze drifts in through the open windows.  The walls are painted in bright, cheerful colours, and the decor is beauty and ocean themed.  A surfboard leans against the wall, and there is a storage area for beach equipment.  The living room is cozy and inviting, with comfortable furniture for lounging after a long day of surfing.  The kitchen is small but functional.  The bedroom has a large window with a view of the ocean, and the bed is covered in a colourful beach-themed comforter.  I take a deep breath, feeling grateful for my little slice of paradise by the sea.

I have always felt connected with the sea, and it had always been my dream to live next to one.  Especially as a little girl.

After making myself a cup of coffee, I went to the balcony to admire the view.  As I looked out to the far horizon, the sea seemed to stretch out endlessly before me.  The sway of the nearby trees and the sound of the nearby amusement ride going up and down created a peaceful and relaxing  atmosphere.

I looked at the time and realised I needed to get ready for my shift.  There wasn't a specific uniform but I felt like my outfit, bikini and shorts, was too revealing for their liking.  So I quickly put a plain white top over it and went in my car as I drove to work.

I worked at a smoothie place.  It was nice, about ten minutes away from my house, I get to talk to interesting people while I make the smoothie, and at the end of my smoothie I am allowed a free one.  My personal favourite so far is the mango one, but I haven't tried all the flavours yet.

After my shift the the sun started setting.  I decided to get in the car and bring my berry smoothie with me.  It had been like three weeks since I moved to California and I already feel like I have the hang of things.  I just need a few more friends and maybe a cat and I am good to go.

It was a normal Saturday afternoon, I had forgot about the party I was supposed to be attending until I heard Maddie knock on my door.  When she saw me in my pyjamas and disheveled hair she looked slightly frustrated.

"You forgot didn't you?" she asked already knowing the answer.

"I had a hard work shift yesterday." I defended myself.

"Alright well lets go through your closet see what we can do." Maddie said as she invited herself into my bedroom.

She looked through all my dresses until she found the perfect one.  She held it up and showed it to me.

The dress was a perfect combination of short and flowy, made of a lightweight material that allowed for easy movement.  The blue hibiscus print was eye-catching and added an element of fun to the overall design.

"We've found your dress!  Now just wear some flip flops, brush out your hair and apply some natural makeup." Maddie said, I could tell how happy this made her.

After a long hour I was ready.  My tote bag ready full of snacks.  Maddie always says food is the way to peoples hearts, well its certainly the way to hers.

As we drove to the beach I could see a few people already gathered around.  Maddie must have sensed I was nervous and she turned to me.

"Its gonna be ok Avery, I will introduce you to everyone.  Now, are you ready?" she asked encouraging me.

"Yeah, I'm ready." I said with fake confidence.

I held my breath and walked over to Maddie's friends hoping to God I wouldn't slip and fall.