Tidal Waves (L.H.)

Six

The rest of the week goes by pretty quickly. Unfortunately, the work load for school got very heavy very fast so Monday was the only day I was able to go to Ashton's. By the time I finish homework, it's dark and mom and dad won't let me go in the water. They don't know about the night surfing I used to do back in Florida.

Now it's Friday afternoon and I'm suffering through my father's history class. The teachers apparently have an unspoken rule about giving no homework over the weekend so thankfully I'm free. I also want to get home as soon as possible because Thelen and Chris are supposed to be calling me. I miss them so much. They keep talking about coming out here but we all know that won't be happening any time soon.

I stare at the clock as it ticks on, nearing the end of the day. Five minutes and I'm out of here.

"Okay, class," dad says standing at the front of the room. I focus my attention on him. "We'll leave off here and continue on Monday. As soon as the bell rings, you can leave. Have a great weekend." He smiles then sits at his desk and works on a stack of paper work.

When the bell announces the end of the day, I jump out of my seat and bolt down the hallway towards my locker. After throwing my History book inside, I shut the door and turn around, almost knocking over Luke. He quickly steadies me.

"Whoa, where's the fire?" he asks with a chuckle.

"Sorry, it's just that I have friends calling me from back home and I don't want to miss them," I explain trying to get away from him.

"I won't keep you long then. Ashton is having a cookout at his house tonight and I...uh...he was wondering if you want to come."

I freeze at his words. His cheeks burn red from embarrassment at his word choice and I can't help but smile. He wants me to come.

"I would love to. Sounds like fun." I give him a smile, which he returns.

"Really? Okay, I'll pick you up at seven," Luke practically yells.

"I'll see you then," I laugh. Not really thinking about it, I lift up on my toes and press a quick kiss on his cheek then rush out the door.

"Sounds like our girl got herself a date," Chris beams over the phone.

"Yeah, well he better keep his hands to himself or else I'll remove them from his body," I can imagine Thelen rolling his eyes. As I bolted into my bedroom, my phone rang. I answered Chris then three-wayed with Thelen. Now both boys are trying to give me advice over the speaker while I get dressed.

"I think you would like them," I say as I hold up a black dress to my body in front of a mirror. Unpleased with it, I toss the dress aside and go back to my closet. For the past two hours I've been telling Chris and Thelen all about Malibu and the house and most importantly the people I've met.

"Ashton sounds like a nice guy," Thelen comments. I can hear the sound of wax against board and I realize he is getting ready to surf. That thought makes me homesick. What I would give to be in the water with him again.

"Yeah and Kate sounds hot," Chris laughs.

"Sorry but I'm going to get her together with Michael. She's taken, she just doesn't know it yet."

"Look at that, Chris! She's been only been there a week and she's already working her matchmaking magic." I roll my eyes and think that if he were here, I would chuck a pillow at him.