A Californian Summer

Always Double Knot

Dad's two story house was perched atop a hill overlooking the beach. He only had one neighbor close by, the Stevens family. The two houses were mere reflections of each other, both perfectly matched. They were both two stories. The only difference was a small balcony dad had built for me on the side of our house. Between the balcony and the window of the neighboring house was about seven feet. The neighboring house had been vacant for quite some time until last year after we had left from our last trip. Dad had mentioned there was a kid my age there, he didnt mention a name. I quite frankly don't care.

The air smelled strongly of salt and fresh air. Nicholas and I  worked on unpacking the car as dad worked on setting it in our rooms.

"Bea, why did you have to pack four duffel bags and a backpack?" Nicholas whined as he threw them on the beachy grass.

"Hm I dont know, why did mom have to pack you around for nine months?" I rolled my eyes as I carried in the last of the bags.

"I really missed you guys!" Dad gawfed, pulling us into a giant hug. He smelled of laundry detergent and cinnamon. It reminded me instantly of when both of my parents were together.

"I missed you too, dad," I smiled as he released us from his bear grip.

"Woah, you cleared the trees in front of the window! You can see the beach and ocean now!" Nicholas beamed. He was very excited.

"Yup, I also fixed up the stairs. I really didn't want anyone breaking an ankle on them," he said.

I stepped onto the swing-around porch to see his improvements. He was right, the long winding steps from the hill to the beach are fixed.

"Dad can we fly kites later?" Nicholas asked with enthusiasm. Dad nodded and lead us back into the wide open front room.

I immediately plopped into the plush brown couch. It felt as if you just melted into it. It was relaxing to say the least. I sighed and smiled, very tired from the long drive.

Dad must've read my mind,"how many stops did you take?"

"Well we—" I started before being rudely interrupted by the brat.

"Two, one for cleaning her car because I got car sick and threw up—"

"Yeah thanks for vomiting all over my new car, Nich." I rolled my eyes.

"The second one was because Bea was getting too tired, so we slept for a good four hours at a truck stop." Nicholas continued, completely ignoring me.

"Sounds like quite the drive," Dad beamed and headed into the kitchen. "Food anyone?"

That was the last thing I heard. My eyes drifted shut, slowly falling into a heavy slumber. I deserved it though.

"Why's she drooling?" an unfamiliar voice said.

"Because she's a troll," Nicholas responded.

Their footsteps became distant. I could hear a couple others conversing in the kitchen.

"Ah, look who's finally awaken," Dad's voice said from the other room as I sat up.

What the heck? Who are all these people?

"Uh, yeah..." I grumble, feeling my hair to insure it's not horrible looking. I comb through a few pieces with my fingers before sitting up.

"Beatrice, I would like you to meet the Stevens," Dad says ushering me into the kitchen.

"Hi, Bea, I'm Cathleen. This is Iris and Theodore," she says nodding to a little girl and a boy around my age.

That must have been the one who asked why I was drooling. He seems nice, but I don't think I'll befriend him.