Haunt You x Conrad Fisher

Chapter Eight

Conrad

The water helped me forget everything. The calmness of the water before the madness of the waves crashing consumed my entire mind.

As I laid on the surfboard waiting for the wave to come, my mind was completely at peace. Surfing is all about control of the unknown. It was the one place I still had control of. I know a lot of people might see surfing differently, at the unknown possibilities and anxiety but not me, if you were the one laying on top of that board, you were the one in control of the wave not the other way around. The adrenaline that rushed throughout your body right before taking the stand is one of the best feelings in the world. It completely takes over, leaving you to want more.

The water was the one place where I still have control of my life and it was mine and only mine. This was my sacred ground. One I wasn't willing to share with anyone else. No one else in my life would be able to understand this power and rush you get from controlling the wave. It takes a special kind of person.

I looked back quickly seeing the wave begin to rise and I pushed my body up with my hands against the board, "and here we go."

~~~

I left my board out back as I grabbed a towel walking into the kitchen. Rubbing the towel in my hair, I tried my best to stop drops of water from falling onto the kitchen floor. The last thing I wanted was for mom having to clean up after my mess. She's been looking a lot more tired lately.

I looked up and saw my mom sitting on the couch reading a book. Shit, I just realized I can't let her see me. I know Laurel was talking to Jeremiah and Steven earlier about mom wanting to paint some self portrait of us. I was definitely not in the mood for that right now. I tried my best to tiptoeing around the back of the kitchen hoping she wouldn't see me. As I made it to the stairs, silenting thanking she didn't hear me, I took a step up until I heard her voice.

"Hey Connie," she called out and I stopped in my steps trying to resist making any more sounds. "Connie, sweetie?"

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. I could just ignore her but the guilt wouldn't let me. "Yeah?" I rasped.

"Would you change and meet me out back? I want to paint your portrait first," she called out.

And I instantly now regretted answering her the first time. I should have just continued up the stairs and pretended I didn't hear her. The guilt disappears and is replaced by annoyance. "Why me?" I groaned, walking over towards the entrance of the living room leaning my bare shoulder against the doorway. I knew she wouldn't give up now that I answered her. This woman will literally follow me upstairs until I agree to it.

"Because everyone else has things to do," she looked at me with a smile that knew I would do whatever it was she asked of me.

I tried my best avoiding eye contact with her and said, "I have things to do, too, mom. Remember, I have to help the Medina's with their sailboat."

Her grin grew wider and I furrowed my eyebrows as to why. "Sweetie, it's barely day two here for them. I am sure the Medina's can wait while you spare a few hours for your mother. I can call them if you like," she said.

I quickly answered, "no! Please don't call them like I am a five year old that can't go outside and play." I sigh. "Sure," I said, finally giving in.

"Great, I'll see you outside in ten?" she asked.

But she didn't need to ask because in reality, I would do anything for her. I nod in agreement, "see you there."

~~~