The Unwanted Tutor

Chapter 7

I might not have been the biggest Anthony fan, but I strangely enjoyed talking to him.

We sat on the bench for a little while longer, going from exchanging stories to peaceful silences.

Anthony opened up a little more and told me about how much he missed New York.

"Life was just better there, I loved how vibrant the city was, how the subway was always crowded, I loved it. I'm glad I moved here though," He glanced at me, "Because of you but it's hard not to feel homesick."

"Yeah, I get it. I think people here are too chill, it's too relaxed sometimes. I don't like quiet, I like noise. Maybe I would be better in New York." I shrugged.

"The ocean is lovely though, I can admit that." Anthony stared at the choppy water.

"I think so too. I've never seen the Atlantic before, does it look the same?" I asked.

He thought about it for a second before he answered, "It's more gray than blue. It also doesn't sparkle as much as this. Beautiful in its own way, but easily ignored. I'd give anything to see it again."

Anthony looked sad as he slouched down on the bench. I actually felt sorry for him. I racked my brain, thinking of something I could do to make him feel better.

"Hey, want to go down to the water?" I asked.

"What? No, Garrett that's alright. I'm not properly changed for that." He glanced down at his black pants and looked at my shorts.

"Do you ever wear anything besides pants and a button down?" I asked.

"I dress for myself, plus, I like to be a professional. I want people to take me seriously." He replied.

I wasn't sure if that was a dig at me so I just ignored it. "Come on, just lift your pant leg up. It'll be fun."

"Fine, I've never been in the Pacific before. I guess this is a good opportunity." We stood up and headed down the sandy shores towards the ocean.

"Careful," I said as we reached the water. "There's jellyfish in here."

"Jellyfish?" Anthony raised an eyebrow.

"Don't worry, I'll piss on you if they sting you. Just be careful." I took my shoes and socks off, enjoying the warm sand on my feet.

"Easy for you to say," He murmured. "And you should be wearing sunscreen." He added.

I waited impatiently as he picked up his bag and pulled a bottle out. "What?" He asked when I gave him a weird look, "I like to be prepared."

I sighed and took the bottle from him. I squirted it on as Anthony unbuttoned his shirt all the way.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Taking this seriously, I told you I've never been in the Pacific before." He took his shirt off and draped it over his bag.

"Whatever, here." My face was turning pink as I handed him the bottle and headed out to the water.

I stopped when I reached just a little bit under my knees. "It's nice! Come here!"

"Hold on!" He picked his bag up and took his camera out.

"You want another picture of me?" I laughed.

"Just another one for my collection!" He called, "Smile!"

Anthony got the polaroid out and shook it. He nodded at me and put the photo and camera back in his bag. "I'm coming!"

I turned around and touched the water, I could see something caught under a rock. Curiously, I moved the rock back and saw a seashell.

"Anthony!" I called as I picked it up, "I found something for you!"