I couldn't believe that I was finally visiting California for the first time. During the cab ride to the place we were staying I just kept gazing up at the grand palm trees. Eventually we pulled up to my grandmother's house, my cousin, Collette racing forward. Her copper red hair was tied up into a high ponytail and her pale blue eyes were sparkling.
"Hey, you finally made it out here," she beamed after engulfing me in a hug. "It's been so long since I've seen you."
"I know. I can't believe you moved out here two years ago," I commented as my parents worked on getting our things out of the car.
"Sorry we weren't able to pick you up. Grandma and I just got back from her dentist appointment. She would've put it off, but she's already rescheduled it before."
"That's okay. I can't believe how nice the weather here is."
"Oh yeah, it's the best. It can get pretty hot in the summer, but we get such a nice breeze off the coast." She started leading me into the cute, little house, taking me up the stairs to her bedroom. It was beautiful with sunlight pouring in through her big window off to the side. "We have an inflatable mattress for you, so you can room with me."
I just went over to gaze at the beach down below, smiling softly as it seemed like we were at a resort.
"You want to go down to the beach once you get settled," she offered.
"Yeah, but I might just want to lounge in the sun. It was a long plane ride," I slightly laughed.
"I bet. You coming all the way from Maine is crazy."
"Tell me about it. Do you ever miss living there?"
"A little bit sometimes. I enjoyed growing up together and the fall weather, and all the snow in the winter, but it's been good for me coming out here. You know, ever since I lost my mom, Maine hasn't seemed as happy."
"I understand." I gave her a sympathetic smile as she gave me an appreciative one back.
"So... Do you want to sit in here for a little bit before heading out?"
"Yeah, do you have anything small to eat?"
"We have some fresh apples downstairs or peanut butter and crackers. I know that Grandma's going to be fixing a fancy meal tonight. She literally picked up salmon just yesterday to grill."
"I love grilled salmon. Usually I only get it at Red Lobster," I shared.
"Oh yeah, theirs is really good too. Oh! And she's going to make fries special just for you, because I reminded her that they were your favorite side dish. Plus, I wanted them too." She giggled a little bit before we both sat on the end of her mattress together.
"Have you met any celebrities out here yet?" I looked over at her as she shook her head.
"No, I haven't had any luck, and you would think with how long I've been here I'd see at least somebody."
"If you could pick anyone to see in person, who would it be?"
"Hm..." She squinted her eyes up towards the ceiling in thought as she rocked her legs. "Probably Johnny Depp. I think he's so handsome and charming." She sighed dreamily before composing herself to talk again. "What about you?"
"Definitely Leonardo DiCaprio."
"Oh yeah, he is the celebrity heartthrob right now. Did you see Titanic?"
"Yeah, it was so sad, but I also loved it."
"Because of Leo," she teased.
"Well, for the most part, but it was written really well."
