Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
Sitting in front of the convenience store, I bounced my feet, feeling the chill of the early morning breeze despite the sun having already risen. Its rays stretched across the street but lacked warmth, leaving a quiet stillness in the air. I glanced at Ella across the table, sipping her chocolate drink, a soft smile on her face as she gazed at the slowly waking world around us.
She wore her familiar ribbon hairband, her shoulder less top and jean shorts giving off a casual vibe. Her pink backpack, stuffed with clothes for the trip, rested on the chair beside her.
"Nice hat, dude. You're really gearing up for the beach with those sunglasses, huh?" she teased, a playful smile on her face.
"Thanks. My brother lent them to me," I replied, adjusting the black bucket cap Joseph also lent me. I was dressed for the occasion in a black T-shirt, matching shorts, and a black bag slung over my shoulder, packed with a change of clothes.
Ella took another sip of her drink, glancing around. "I'm so excited for the beach. Think they'll be here soon?"
"Samantha said they're close," I answered, checking my phone for any updates.
Just then, a black car pulled up in front of the store, and the rear window rolled down to reveal a familiar face—Samantha, her brown curls framing her excited brown eyes.
"Jonah! Ella! We're here!" she shouted, grinning from ear to ear.
"Hello, dears!" Mrs. Rossi chimed in from the back seat next to her daughter, just as cheerful.
Ella and I stood up, heading toward the car. "Good morning!" Ella greeted them with a bright smile.
"Good morning, Ella!" Samantha replied, practically bouncing in her seat. Mrs. Rossi smiled warmly at us.
"Whoa, Jonah, nice sunglasses!" Samantha said, her eyes sparkling with approval.
"Thanks, Samantha. Good morning," I responded, smiling back.
"You'll be sitting in the front seat next to my dad," she added, nodding toward the front seat.
"Oh... I see," I said, feeling a slight pang of nervousness. This would be my first time meeting her father.
I opened the car door and saw him—Mr. Rossi, wearing a Hawaiian shirt and dark sunglasses. His curly hair matched Samantha's, but the stern expression on his face made me feel uneasy, like a deer in the headlights.
"G-Good morning, Mr. Rossi," I managed to stammer as I slid into the passenger seat.
He gave a silent nod, his gaze still on the road ahead.
I sat there, a heavy tension settling on my shoulders. It felt like he wasn't too thrilled about my presence.
Ella got in next, greeting Mr. Rossi with a polite "Good morning," before turning to Samantha, who was practically bouncing with excitement.
"Yay! Backseat buddies!" Samantha cheered.
"Yay!" her mom echoed with equal enthusiasm, making everyone chuckle.
Ella smiled as she settled into her seat, and soon we were off, making our way to the beach. The tension in the car slowly eased, the excitement of the trip growing with each passing minute.
The three girls chatted cheerfully in the back, their laughter blending seamlessly with the music playing softly in the car. It was a song in Samantha's language—Italian, I assumed. Though I couldn't understand the lyrics, the acoustic melody and the carefree summertime vibe of the song drew me in, making me enjoy it more than I expected.
YOU ARE READING
Timeless Regrets.
RomansaA young, silent college student accustomed to his predictable routine encounters a girl from another country, whose vibrant spirit shakes him from his self-imposed isolation. As their friendship blossoms, he is forced to confront the regrets and pai...
