Adriana Sousa lives for surfing. So, when she gets onto the State team she won't let anyone or anything distract her. Baxter Radic is an excellent distraction, one Adriana can't seem to stay away from. Drawn to him like she is to the ocean, she has...
Light plays off the wrinkles and folds in the water.
Creating swirling patterns of beaming white that make me squint my eyes. I didn't wait for Summer, like Poppy and Bodhi. The waves were beckoning me, calling my name. I couldn't resist. When they do finally get in the water, Poppy is the first to reach me. Duck diving under frothy waves, until she's finally next to me, looking out to the horizon.
"You should really give them a chance, Adi." She leans in and whispers, her wet hair falling over her shoulder.
I look away, watching a wave roll towards us, debating if it was worth leaving this conversation. "Maybe after Nationals."
I don't want any distractions. That's why last night, I promised myself to steer clear of a certain pink haired surfer. Whatever attraction I have for him must be squashed down and locked away. Poppy huffs, looking at Summer trying to catch a small wave.
"They... Can be a lot. But maybe it'll benefit the team if you have more of a relationship with them." Poppy knows me well enough that she knows that just might convince me.
I shrug and begin to pull myself through the water as a wave rushes towards us. Poppy's up beside me, the water from her board flicking up, glistening in the sun. I laugh, the wind catches it and carries it away. We reach towards each other, nearly toppling off our boards as we swerve through the water.
The rest of the morning is spent weaving breathlessly through the swells, breathing in the fresh scent of the ocean, letting the sun pour over my skin. Laughter mixes with the whistle of the wind, and the bellow of the sea. I catch some waves, others I try to let go. When we do finally wash ashore, my hair is tangled, but I've never felt quite so free.
"Hey." Summer calls. I'm dragging a brush through my hair, trying to make myself look presentable for our first group training session. Having changed out of my wetsuit, the bike shorts and small tank feel much better. "I know you weren't really trying out there. But you really are amazing."
"Thanks. You're... a quick learner." I try. Poppy cringes, but Summer just nods and smiles. Her eyes were still rimmed red from the salty water.
"So, Baxter?" She tilts her head. My face must change because Poppy quickly swoops in, demanding we leave the beach now or we'll be late for training.
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Anchor cove sports centre. The sign reads. The building is tall and imposing, jutting out against the landscape. Sand litters the road, the ocean just peaking over the top of the building. The large expanse of water, a deeper blue than this morning. The camper rolls up the road as Manu shouts, "Okay, okay! Let's go, let's go, let's go!"
Poppy swings the door open, warm air rushing along my exposed arms. My loose hair swaying slightly in the breeze. Sweat tickles my neck, my mouth feels dry. I'm not sure if it's the heat or nerves.
