Teach Me How To Love

Chapter 1: Class of 2003

Passion. If passion isn't in everything I do, it isn't worth doing. Before I enjoyed over the top themed birthday parties, before my first surfboard, before the anticipation of where I would spend my summer this year, and before meeting a doe-eyed girl on the beach, I knew I wanted to be a marine biologist. Every choice I make is in pursuit of this dream. But sometimes, shiny pretty objects can set my focus off course.

I steer to the right, down the arrival lane, minutes away from picking up my cousin at the LAX airport. I haven't seen her since Spring Break and the way she left had me a bit worried. Lilah stands on the curb with her small carry on; she waves me down once she sees the tropical blue Ford. I'm marking down the days till she starts at Cal State Long Beach and drives up with me.

"There she is-" I jump out of the driver's seat and dash behind the car, "my favorite Senior!"

"Hi!" Lilah gives me the biggest hug, I know she's happy to see me. Growing up without siblings makes cousins that much closer.

"Is this all you brought?" I set her light baggage in the backseat.

"Yes! I was going to ask you if we could go to the mall. They gave me graduation money and I'm in desperate need of new clothes. I can leave them at your house for the Fall."

"That's great! Let's get some food then?" I close her door and hop back in.

"Please, I'm starving." She buckles her seat belt and wastes no time. "So catch me up, you left me in suspense. Who did you meet?"

"Uh, it's a funny story, but before we get into that, how are you? You feel okay now that you're back?"

She nods, already avoiding the topic.

"Are you ever going to tell me what happened?"

"Oh, I love this song!" Lilah adjusts the volume, refusing to acknowledge the question.

"Nice dodge." I nod, grinning, and shift to drive. The music is too high for conversation, and there's no sense in fighting over the dial, so I shout over it. "You know this song is about suicide, right?"

"He's talking him out of it- C'mon, I thought you liked Third Eye Blind."

"We'll circle back to my previous question later."

"Shhh! You're going to miss the best part." She cranks it louder.

"Can you put the past away?

I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend

I would understand,

I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend

I would understand..."

With the windows down, we belt out the remaining lyrics to Jumper and other radio hits as we head down the highway. I imagine her meeting Brynn and how well they would get along, feeding off each other's energy. This weekend could work. I have so much to tell, knowing she won't judge me, but first, I want to make sure she's OK. I have a feeling it has something to do with the last guy she dated, Jordan.

I park near the food court, our first stop, and treat Lilah to lunch. I drop hints that I'm still waiting for an answer, but she shoves and punches my arm. At least it makes her laugh. Then the tables turn and she insists that I go first.

"I may have started something. . ." After wiping my mouth, I crumble the napkin and squeeze it in my palm. "I met this girl a few weeks ago at The Pit, she's naïve but cute."

"Does this girl have a name?"

"Brynn. Now this part I'm not too proud of, see, I'm coaching her on how to be a better kisser."