Surfers Paradise

Chapter 22: The Final Competition - It's All Led Up to This

It was the morning before the final competition. I jumped up and down in my room trying to shake out my muscles and nerves. I was ready for this. That was a lie, I definitely was not. I was trying to convince myself I wasn't, and it hadn't been working. It had all led up to this. Everything was riding on me: ANS, surfing, proving myself. After today, the weight that had been on my shoulders all summer would be finally lifted.

I wondered what would happen after the competition. Would our lives just go back to normal? I hoped so. I had had enough drama for one summer. Usually, our summers were pretty chill but not this year and I was ready to relax with my friends and surf at ANS.

The drive to the beach wasn't long because it was at the North Shore instead across the island. I got out of the car and grabbed my board then walked onto the beach. It was weird to think I was here a little over a month ago signing up for the competition when everything was still normal and I was so excited to compete for fun.

I signed in and started doing my usual stretches. I saw all of my friends talking and smiling except one. I set realistic expectations and didn't assume Ryan would show up since we weren't friends anymore. But a part of me, the size of a pea, wished — no, hoped — he would be there. I had been waiting for this moment since my first surf competition and even if he hated my guts right now or not, he knew how important this was to me.

I was stretching my arms and noticed it was more crowded than during the other rounds of the competition, which made me feel more intimidated because I sucked so badly last time. But I had to keep my head high.

The weather was gorgeous with clear blue skies and it wasn't scorching hot. The waves were rolling in nicely and everything was nearly perfect. It wouldn't be perfect until I got my dignity and ANS back, having my best friend back would also help but a girl could only ask for so much.

I looked over at my friends once again. I couldn't believe that Sophie had dragged herself over here in a car for 20 minutes and Ryan couldn't. I had completely forgotten that Sophie was still in town because I had been so absorbed in my own little drama bubble. She still liked Brody, obviously, and Bethany was a little less oblivious about it this time.

There were approximately five minutes until we had to line up and I lost all hopes of Ryan showing up. I had to accept the fact that he wasn't my best friend anymore and move on. I thought I could manage that. What reason did he have to show up?

I stood along the beach holding my board in my right arm while my left hand shielded my eyes. Regardless of the other conditions, I was so happy. I couldn't believe I had actually made it far enough to this point where I was surfing at the legendary North Shore. I should've been proud of myself instead of having everything drag me down. I was ready to finish this.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and I assumed it was one of my brothers telling me it was almost time so imagine my surprise when I came face to face with Ryan. Inside, I was so happy and I almost smiled but stopped myself from being so eager.

"Hi," I said concealing my emotions as best as possible while still watching the waves. It hurt to see him even though this is what I had wanted all along.

"Hannah, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have ended our friendship like that. I was being dumb and acted irrationally," he said. I could feel his gaze on the side of my face.

"You gave up on me," I said, sounding more hurt than I wanted to.

"I know and 'I'm sorry' won't cut it. I screwed up. I never should have let you go but I assumed that would've been the better option than getting rejected," he said honestly.

"So, does that mean you still want to be my best friend?" I asked, stealing a glance at him.

"Yes. Does that still mean you want me as your idiotic best friend and will forgive me for my mistake?" he asked with a goofy grin spreading across his face. The heaviness of the mood instantly lifted.