Tidal Waves (L.H.)

Seven

My body falls further into the ocean as another wave crashes around me.  I struggle and claw my way to the surface only for the currents to threaten to pull me further under.  Bubbles surge toward the sky above me and I try my best to follow them.  Thankfully, I'm able to time the waves right and my head pops out of the water and I take in as much air as possible.   My board sways along the surf next to me.  I quickly grab it and haul myself back on top, taking a moment to catch my breath.

            I've been in the water since the minute I woke up this morning and it is currently five in the afternoon.  I decided to spend as much time surfing as I can today since I have another week of school starting tomorrow.  Yesterday was spent the same way.  After an hour workout, I went straight to the water, not coming back to shore until the sun began to dip behind the horizon. 

            I'm still slightly upset about Friday night.  I mean, sure, I haven't known Luke long but being rejected still hurts regardless.  Maybe I'm just overthinking things and he never thought about kissing me to begin with.  It's probably for the better anyway.  I found out about a local upcoming competition that I'm training for.  It's not a major contest but it's better than nothing right now.  I'm anxious to see the other surfers and if I can even keep up with them.

            As the waves begin to pick back up, I paddle further into the sea and wait.  A decent set rolls through and I pick a wave.  I jump to my feet when I feel the wave surge beneath me, determined not to wipe out this time.  I turn off the lip of the wave and into the white wash before settling back into the barrel.  After a few more seconds, the wave dies down and I dive into the channel, wasting no time to resurface.  After I climb back on my board, I see my dad motioning me to come back in.  Reluctantly, I paddle to shore then lean my board against the house before going inside.

            "I thought you might like to see this," he says pointing to the TV.  He has it on a sports channel that happens to be showing a surfing competition.  At first, I'm confused.  Why would he call me out of the water just for this?  But then I notice it's a recap of a competition in Daytona.

            Forerunner in this competition, Thelen Sanders, has definitely been able to make a name for himself.  A male voice commentates while a video of Thelen plays.  The nineteen year old from Key West has dominated his heats all weekend and there are no signs of him stopping any time soon.  We were able to catch up with Thelen yesterday.  Let's see what he had to say.

            Thelen, what do you hope to accomplish here today?  A female sports caster asks as Thelen stands beside her.  Even though I haven't been gone long, he looks so different.  I can tell he has been working out too, getting in shape for the competition season.

            Well, he begins with a cheeky smile, I just want to do my best each heat and hopefully continue to the next round.  He gives a toothy grin to the camera.

            Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you place this weekend, you'll be moving on to the US Open in Huntington Beach, California.

            Thelen nods, That's right.  And I guess that's my ultimate goal for this weekend.  The US Open would be a great opportunity for me and my career.

            I wish you luck today and thank you for talking with us.

            The broadcast is cut as the station goes to a commercial and I can't help but smile.  Thelen surfing in the US Open.  That has always been a dream of ours.

            "That's amazing!" I beam, turning my attention to dad.  Mom has joined us in the living room after she heard Thelen talking.  "I really hope he can make it."