Loren's point of view
-------------------------
I've never liked crowded spaces. Too many people in one area, it makes me nervous. I get a weird feeling in my stomach. Too much commotion made me dizzy. Of course, Alyssa picked the busiest day to go to the boardwalk. But after I saw him, it wasn't so bad.
"Loren! Wake up!"
I swear, my little sister Cameron, she never sleeps.
However, it's understandable, considering she has been waiting for this beach trip since January. It's now July, and all I've heard about for the past 7 months is how great the ice cream is on the Ocean City Boardwalk. I guess I was kind of excited too. I don't go many places anymore. The only friend who's stuck with me through everything is Alyssa. I know I can count on her for anything. Which is why I decided to bring her along on my family beach trip. Plus, she goes there a lot, and knows all the cool spots and places to hang out. I get on my phone and call Alyssa. She's been ready since 8am. We don't have to leave until 10am but that's typical Alyssa. Organized and prepared. Me on the other hand? I take life as it comes.
The whole car ride is spent listening to Cameron sing along to 5SoS and scrolling through Instagram. Alyssa is sleeping. Makes perfect sense since she's been up all morning. Usually I would be up for a small nap, but for some reason I couldn't fall asleep. I guess I am kind of excited. I haven't been to the beach in ages. We live in Pennsylvania, which isn't far from the beach at all. We just never have the time to go. My family is always on the run. There's no downtime. So I should probably enjoy this rare occasion while it lasts.
After 2 hours of ear piercing singing to amnesia on repeat, we finally make it to the beach. We pull up to our beach house. Just as I remember it. Not that I was expecting any drastic changes, but it's refreshing to see, after being gone so long. I go into my room that me and my sister used to share. Since I'm bringing Alyssa this time, Cameron agreed to sleep in the living room. Alyssa runs in the door after me. "HURRY UP. STOP REMINISCING. WE HAVE TO GET TO THE BEACH." Why she's so excited... I have no idea. I feel like I'm missing something. Alyssa is always up to no good. In preparation for whatever she has in store, I throw on some mascara, my new blue bathing suit, and some shorts. I look in the mirror. I've been exercising all winter, and my hard work seems to be paying off. I grab my sunglasses and rush out the door after Alyssa.
The boardwalk isn't far from my beach house. Before we know it, were walking down the wooden road, people everywhere. Alyssa has this look of determination on her face. Its scaring me a bit. She weaves through the people. She knows where she's going, and seems to be running short on time. I don't ask any questions. I'm feeling claustrophobic. All these people around makes my stomach turn. Finally we get to our destination. It's a small ice cream shop called Aunt Ruby's. We turn the corner and right outside the doors I see him. He's with his friend, who I've seen before. I think he goes to my school... Alyssa has been talking to this boy named Ryan. I'm pretty sure this is him. He's pretty tall, brown hair, blue eyes. He runs up and hugs her. But that's not what catches my attention. My curiosity is drawn to the boy behind them. He's super tall, about 6'. Our eyes meet, and suddenly he's all I see. The feeling in my stomach goes away and the people around me disappear. Yes, he's all I see. He's all I want to see. We make eye contact for a good amount of time before I break the silence.
"Hi...I'm Loren"
He stares at me for a quick moment before responding. He's blushing. And he knows I can tell. He grins.
" I'm Joey. And I've never seen a girl as beautiful as you in my life ".
My heart melts. I need to get to know him.
