𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐃𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 - ꜱᴜʀᴠɪᴠɪɴɢ ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴇʀ

ii.

As the Shorehaven surf state champion team tryouts reached their dramatic finale, the pressure on Stella intensified with each crashing wave. This wasn't just a competition; it was a make-or-break moment that held the power to shape her destiny. Failure wasn't an option—it was a terrifying prospect that loomed like a dark cloud over her aspirations.

For Stella, surfing wasn't just a hobby; it was her passion, her escape from the chaos and dysfunction of her home life. The waves became her sanctuary, offering solace and serenity amidst the tumult of her reality. But beyond that, surfing represented her ticket to freedom, her chance to break free from the suffocating grasp of her troubled household.

As she paddled out into the pool, the weight of the moment pressed down on her like a heavy anchor. With every stroke, every maneuver, she pushed herself to the limit, determined to prove her worth and secure her rightful place on the state champion team. The roar of the waves mingled with the pounding of her heart as she rode each crest with skill and precision, her focus unwavering despite the fierce competition swirling around her.

The stakes couldn't have been higher. If Stella failed to clinch a spot on the team, her dreams would crumble before her eyes, leaving her stranded in a life she desperately sought to escape. The thought of returning to the suffocating confines of her troubled home sent shivers down her spine, fueling her determination to succeed at all costs.

As the final moments of the tryouts ticked away, Stella's heart raced with anticipation. Every wave she caught, every maneuver she executed, brought her one step closer to her goal. And when the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the competition, Stella knew that the moment of truth had arrived.

Standing on the poolside, breathless with anticipation, she awaited the judges' verdict, her future hanging in the balance. For Stella, this wasn't just about winning a competition—it was about seizing her chance at a better life, of breaking free from the chains that bound her to the past. And as she awaited the outcome, she knew that whatever the result, she had given it her all, leaving everything she had out on the waves in pursuit of her dreams.

As Stella glided through the water with effortless grace, the rhythmic strokes of her arms propelling her forward, she felt a sense of exhilaration wash over her. The water embraced her like an old friend, offering sanctuary from the chaos of her tumultuous home life. In the tranquil embrace of the pool, she found solace and strength, each lap bringing her closer to her goal.

Amidst the splash of water and the rhythmic hum of her own breath, Stella's mind drifted to the tryouts, replaying every dive, every turn in her mind's eye. The intensity of the competition hung heavy in the air, a palpable energy that fueled her determination to succeed. But amidst the thrill of the moment, there lingered a sense of uncertainty—an uncertainty that wouldn't be lifted until days later, when the phone call would finally come.

As she emerged from the water, the cheers of her friends echoed in her ears, a chorus of encouragement that filled her heart with pride. Their proud smiles and congratulatory gestures spoke volumes, reminding her of the unwavering support she had in her corner. Despite the judgmental looks from Wren, Stella found solace in the acceptance and love of her true friends, knowing that with them, she could be herself without fear of judgment or condemnation.

Back at home, the days stretched on in agonizing anticipation as Stella awaited the verdict. Each passing moment weighed heavily on her mind, the uncertainty gnawing at her resolve. But amidst the anxious anticipation, she found refuge in the warmth and camaraderie of her friends, who rallied around her with unwavering support.

When the anticipated news announcement loomed on the horizon, Ari extended an invitation to her, urging her to join him at his place for a gathering with their mutual friends, including Wren and her brother Bax. While they had crossed paths before, their interactions had been limited to the occasional surfing sessions on the beach. Despite their familiarity, they had never engaged in meaningful conversation until that one fateful night when a shared moment of intoxication led to an unexpected kiss.

As she stepped through the doorway, a palpable sense of anticipation mingled with the warmth of familiarity enveloping her. Wren's gaze bore into her momentarily, but her attention was swiftly diverted as Summer approached, a grin spreading across her face. "Yo, I think I would've died without you here," Summer exclaimed, prompting a soft chuckle from Stella, her smile radiant yet tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

Before she could respond, Ari materialized, enveloping her in a bear hug, his enthusiasm contagious. "So glad you could make it!" he exclaimed, his joy infectious as he gestured towards the gathering of friends clustered around.

As the conversation flowed effortlessly, Wren interjected with a sly smile, "So your mom couldn't make it, I guess?" Stella's heart skipped a beat, momentarily thrown off balance by the unexpected question. She hesitated, her mind racing to concoct a plausible excuse to maintain the facade. "Uh, no, she was stuck at work," she replied, her tone betraying a hint of unease despite her best efforts to appear composed. It was a lie, a feeble attempt to conceal the true reason for her mother's absence, a fact that lingered unspoken between them, silently acknowledged yet deliberately ignored in the spirit of preserving the illusion of normalcy.