We meet at the sea

We all need someone.

Aaliyah's morning had been slow. Similar to most of her other mornings this week, she had spent most of her time on her day bed.

She had been holding herself accountable to ensuring that she meditated and journaled her feelings each day. Mia had been the one to suggest it and she felt like it had been making a difference.

Her mind was more calm, it made painting easier. What wasn't calm was the weather, it hadn't cooled down overnight.

By the time it had reached noon, Aaliyah moved back inside. The heat was unbearable, she wondered if they would continue to get days like this where the sun was relentless.

Aaliyah had a lot of free mental capacity, almost too much to spare which led her thoughts to one place or to one particular person.

Cruz was probably the most interesting thing about Fern bay. Aaliyah found it ironic how Cruz was like the ocean she swimmed in every day.

She knew there were depths to the woman that perhaps she couldn't comprehend. Aaliyah saw it for a moment when Cruz had mentioned her past.

The pain and fear that Aaliyah had seen in the ex marine's eyes was just the surface of what Cruz felt.

Aaliyah had not missed the scars over parts of Cruz's body. Some small and some large as if they were physical manifestations of how the war had left the surfers mind.

She wanted to make use of the fresh fish Cruz had caught, Aaliyah wanted fish tacos but needed taco shells. She sighed knowing a quick stop at the store was impending.

Aaliyah sighed in relief as she opened the door, the air conditioning blasted her the moment she stepped in. Air conditioning on her hot skin would have to be one of the best feelings in the world.

"Hi there." Jamie smiled from behind the counter.

"Good afternoon?" Aaliyah looked at her watch, it had just past twelve.

"Only just." Jamie laughed as Aaliyah headed towards the bread section.

Aaliyah found her taco shells then realised she needed salsa. She hunted the salsa down, it took some time to find because it was with the corn chips.

She made her way to the counter and placed the few items down for Jamie to scan.

"It doesn't look like it right now but we are supposed to have a storm blow through here later today." Jamie mentioned.

Aaliyah wasn't sure what to expect. Would it be dangerous to be out or would she have to board up her windows?

"How bad of a storm?" Aaliyah asked as she paid.

"Not too bad. Thunder, lightning, probably some strong-ish wind and rain. Nothing to worry about" Jamie shrugged.

"Okay, that's good to hear." Aaliyah's shoulders relaxed before picking up her bag of goods.

"Well, stay safe out there." Jamie spoke.

"You too." Aaliyah smiled as she opened the door.

Hot, sticky air swamped her as she made her way back home by foot. The walk was short but the heat made it drag on.

By the time Aaliyah reached her front door, she felt like she needed a cold shower. She knew though that it wouldn't help, she would get out and get sweaty all over again.

She turned the A/C back on, willing it to cool the house down instantly but it could never. Aaliyah stood under a vent relishing the cool air as her body temperature cooled slightly.

As Aaliyah cooked up the fish, Aaliyah's phone pinged. She reached for it thinking the person messaging her would be Mia checking in.

It was Cruz, Aaliyah was slightly surprised she had messaged first. She paused to flip the fish over before opening the message.