Tidal Waves (L.H.)

Three

                 

"I'm going to miss you so much," Chris says pulling me to him for the fourth time this morning.  In about ten minutes, I'm going to get into the truck and follow the van my dad rented all the way to California.  My parents told me the news only a week ago.  Everything happened so fast.

            I decided to have a small party at North Shore with all the people I've met and hung out with during my life here in Key West.  Some of those who showed up I've known since birth while others I only knew through mutual friends.  But none of that mattered.  I was leaving and that meant never seeing them again. 

            Although they came to my farewell party, Chris and Thelen both showed up this morning to say their final goodbyes.  So far I've managed to keep the tears in and my breathing normal even though it feels as though I'm drowning.  Trust me that is the worst feeling in the world.  The waves keep pulling you under as you fight to reach the surface.  I've only experienced this twice during my whole surfing career so far and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

            Thelen gives me a sad smile as he opens his arms for me.  I gladly walk into them, burying my face in his chest while his arms keep my close.

            "I'm not going to say goodbye because we will see each other again.  I'm only going to say see you later," he whispers into my hair.  I simply nod, not being able to come up with the words to say something back.  He pulls back only enough so that our faces are inches apart at most.  "Go kick butt in Malibu."  He gives me a toothy grin and it's enough to make my lips turn up.  This is why I've always kept him close.  He knows exactly what to say to make me feel better.

            "Skylar, we need to go now," dad says softly from the drivers seat in the van.  Mom sits behind the wheel in our truck waiting patiently.  They decided that mom would drive the truck with a trailer attached to the back while dad follows behind in a moving van.

            Thelen places a quick kiss on my forehead and lets go of me completely.  "I'll see you later, Hall," he says referring to my last name.  It also happens to be the first name he ever called me by.

            "See you later, Sanders," I smirk, playing along with his name game.  He rolls his eyes while a smile is still plastered to his face. 

            I reluctantly climb into the passenger seat of the truck and buckle my seat belt.  The next week is going to be incredibly long.  The entire trip will take us a total of five days.  That means five days of solid driving and staying in cramped hotel rooms with my parents.  Each day will take me further from my home and closer to a new, strange place.

            "Sky, wake up.  We're here," mom says gently shaking my knee.  My eyes blink open and I see my new home.  The five days of travel ended up being absolute torture.  Thankfully, it's over and I can smell the ocean from the car.  The scent of seawater and the salty air is the most comforting thing to me other than actually being in the water.  It calms my nerves and brings a smile to my face. 

            I follow my parents into the house.  All the shades on the widows are pushed back, letting light fill every inch.  The house itself is significantly larger than the one in Florida and is on the beach as promised.  As I walk further in, I stand in front of the large sliding glass window that faces the water.  Waves emerge from the sea then crash onto the sand, filling my ears with their songs.  I am just itching to get out there and let the ocean consume my thoughts. 

            "Come help us bring in boxes."  Dad pulls me from my thoughts and I walk back out to the truck and begin unloading the brown boxes.