TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT

Chapter 1

" Are you sure you don't want to come?" Joan asked.

" I can't, you know, I'm still grounded," Eve replied.

Joan hung up the phone without bothering to say goodbye to Eve. Her friend had let her down several times since the beginning of summer, and she was frustrated with her. Their friendship dated back to kindergarten, where they had met. Despite being very different, both physically and mentally, they had clicked instantly. On that day, Eve was alone on the swing, her feet scraping the dust. She felt little fingers tap on her shoulder. Behind her stood a little blonde girl with big blue eyes and a snub nose. Shortly after, she had offered to push Eve. She appeared like an angel with braids behind Eve, diametrically opposed, Eve being brunette with almond-shaped black eyes. Since their encounter, they had never parted. They had grown up together, facing life's problems as a team. No one understood their friendship, and for good reason – one was outgoing and the other introverted; Joan was sociable, while Eve was aloof. Despite Eve's abandonment that day, Joan decided to make the most of the beautiful weather by going surfing. She grabbed her keys, got into her car, and drove to the beach. The most beautiful beach in the area was just ten minutes away from her home, with white sand, an endless ocean, and a view that could rival the Bahamas. Her arm rested on the car door as she watched the palm trees go by and breathed in the salty air. The wind made her long blonde hair dance, and the sun highlighted her freckles. Once she reached her destination, she undressed, took her board under her arm, and approached the water.

"This is the perfect spot," she thought.

She gradually waded into the water. When she was far enough, she set her board down and started paddling. She attempted to stand up, fell several times, got tangled in her leash, and narrowly avoided breaking her nose against the board. Ultimately, she returned to the shore, exhausted and frustrated. Her body collapsed onto the sand, arms outstretched, and she sighed. "Are you okay?" a girl asked, extending her hand. Joan took it, stood up, and brushed the sand off her legs and hair. Her rescuer had a tanned complexion, wavy brown hair, a few strands lightened by the sun and saltwater. She was radiant and immediately piqued Joan's curiosity.

"I'm fine, thank you. Just a bit shaken," explained Joan.

"I saw you surfing, you're pretty good."

"Do you think so?" Joan asked, surprised.

"Of course, you just need to stand up more quickly," the girl clarified.

She paused and offered to show Joan. She guided Joan into the water and they watched the waves for a while, the girl explaining the best moment to position the board. Once on it, she taught Joan to watch the waves and catch the best ones. Joan listened attentively, determined to get on that board despite the salt stinging her eyes. After several unsuccessful attempts, she managed to stay upright on the board for a few meters before falling into the water. Despite the water in her ears, she heard her instructor, whose real name turned out to be Carmen, cheering her on. After an afternoon in the water, they headed, exhausted, to their towels. Joan's body was sore and marked with bruises.

"I don't know how to thank you," Joan exclaimed. "You're the best teacher I've ever had."

"Please, you're welcome," she chuckled. "Honestly, I didn't have to do much."

"Well, I had a blast today," Joan enthused.

"You did some really cool stunts, I must say. I had a good laugh," her companion admitted with a laugh. Joan playfully pretended to shove her.

The sun was setting behind the horizon, and the ocean's surface had turned a golden-orange hue. Joan looked up and saw that day had turned to twilight. An idea crossed her mind. She said to Carmen: