Tybee Island

'Well you aren't like that now'

Stepping out of Liam's car I swung my bag on my shoulder slamming the car door. I stood still. 'Thanks for inviting me today' He looked back heading towards the front door. 'No problem. Just look after yourself. You scared me when you got all panicky' I raised my eyebrow. 'I scared you?' He patted my shoulder. 'Yes. What was that all about?'

I went quiet. 'I get panic attacks.' 'Does your dad know?' 'No. And neither does my mom so if you say anything I swear...' 'I wont' he said hushing me. 'Ok.' I walked away as he opened the door. 'Aren't you coming in?' 'No' I yelled. 'I'm not speaking to Dad.' Liam nodded and walked in.

On the beach I found my favorite rock perching on it. I would sleep here tonight without fail.. Luckily I had a book in my bag titled ' Another Day' about an abusive relationship. Depressing but so emotional.

Reading for an hour I then laid out some shells spelling out my name. I was super creative when I had the time and energy which wasn't a lot of the time. Breathing in the crisp air I threw rocks into the sea as far as I could half of my brain focusing,the other part reflecting on today.

Liam and I hadn't killed each other the entire day therefore we were kind of making progress. There was something about him. I didn't know what it was. Just something. The sky was darkening as I was engrossed in my thoughts and a sharp wind made me shiver.

It was dark and cold. What was I thinking? An idea came to mind. Going into my phonebook I called Billy. The phone rang then he answered. 'Hello?' 'Billy.. do me a favour?' 'Ok' he said wih uncertainty. 'Grab my blankets from the room?' 'Sure.' 'Throw it down the window.' 'Cool' He was such a lifesaver.

Running directly below my window he yelled 'CATCH' throwing it

down. Catching it I smiled. "Thank you!'

Grabbing dads deckchair from the porch I headed back down to the beach. Getting comfy I wrapped up watching the waves. The smell of spaghetti hit me making me ravenous. Dad had clearly cooked.

Footsteps were heard from behind,myself jumping up grabbing a rock to hit the mysterious character. Missing I heard a laugh. 'Calm down trouble' I sighed in relief my heartbeat returning back to normal.

'Don't do that' I said shoving him. 'I brought you dinner' 'Thanks.' 'Your dad is worried' I rolled my eyes in response. 'Bye' I yelled. Sitting back down he grabbed a chair next to me. 'Go?'

'No' 'That rhymes see?' 'Ha.. funny' Tucking in liam observed me then spoke. 'Why don't you like me?' 'I do' I murmured. 'What?' I covered my hands with my face. He moved them holding my hands tight. 'Did you say you like me?' 'No?' 'As a friend?' 'NO' I bellowed. Removing his grasp I laughed. He the moved his hands to my waist tickling me.

I wriggled around in a fit of giggles. 'STOP' He had a mischievous smile across his face. 'Please.' 'Please what?' he winked. I hit him repeatedly himself finally letting go. 'Ow' I snarled. 'So.... why are you even here?'

'Rude.' 'No.. I mean on tybee island' I cleared my throat. 'My mom shipped me out here with my brother to get along and get to know my dad. Back home wasn't great. I never attended school or classes. I treated my mom like a dog ' He looked at me. 'Well you aren't like that now'

'I am' I said quietly. 'No you aren't' 'Just leave me alone' I said turning away from him. He moved me back to face him. 'Your tired' 'So?' 'Sleep' I fixed my blanket facing him covering my face. 'Aren't you gonna go home?' I said curiously.

'Nope. I am gonna stay here'