Ocean Secrets

Chapter One: Land Ho

I watched as rolling green hills rushed by. Hidden behind them was the sandy beaches of Vancouver Island. I've never seen the ocean, only in pictures. I grew up in the middle of Canada, where the only ocean there was the oceans of sunny canola fields. Even so, I loved how open it felt.

My family decided that this summer we would stay in a beach house on the island for a few months. It was a family vote, and everyone agreed. Just then I could hear the smooth road turn into gravel. I looked over to see a two story blue wooden beach house. There was windows all over the place, a whole wall on the main floor looked like it was replaced by windows. My mother turned from the front passenger seat to look at me and my brother. "It's pretty isn't it?" She smiled, "You'll have to make sure to thank Uncle Jeff for letting us stay here." I nodded with a smile. Her copper dyed hair was cut short, and she looked at me with sparkling greenish blue eyes. I could tell that she was excited to be here. We haven't gone anywhere for a vacation for a long time. I looked over to my brother whose eyes were darting all over the place. I could tell he wanted to explore as much as I did. Troy's dark brown hair was messy looking, and his almost black eyes seemed light with wonder. Usually he'd be bored or tired, but this was new to the both of us. He probably wanted to go hunting for rocks and shells to add to his collection. I wouldn't say this made my brother uncool, it made him more interesting, after all, he is my brother and my best friend. "This is going to be awesome! Don't you think so Troy?" I asked with a big grin on my face. He nodded, "When do we start exploring?" He asked while he quickly undid his seat belt and leaning in to the front of the van. My mother chuckled, "Let’s get unpacked first." "Alright kids." My dad yawned as he put the van into park. "Let’s get this luggage inside." My dad opened the driver door and got out to stretch. His dark brown hair blew in the wind, the steaks of silver made his hair look dusty and old. He squinted underneath his square glasses, hiding his faded brown eyes. He used his hand to block out the sun that was hanging low in the sky. I rolled the rear passenger door to the van open to get out. I was over whelmed by the salty smell of the ocean. The wind blew my dark rusty brown bangs into my eyes. In this sunlight my hair probably has tones of bright red and lighter browns. I squinted as I looked over the beach. I took in a deep breath, taking in the scenery. "Alison!" My mom called from behind the van. "Can you please take some bags into the house?" "Sure." I replied sleepily. I was feeling pretty tired out from the trip.

I grabbed a big red duffle bag and a back pack, then shuffled my way up the driveway to the door. I waited for my mom to come so she could unlock it. A bit of excitement jumped in my stomach. I couldn't wait to see the inside of the house. Once my mom unlocked the door I followed behind. The house was bright and cheery, and looked even bigger on the inside. To my right was the kitchen and dining room. The kitchen was cheery with white wood cabinets and dark brown colored counter tops. All the counters were lined up against the one wall with the island as an exception. The island had a sink, on the counter behind it was the stove. The dining room hid behind the wall in the entrance, where a coat closet was. The dining room had a matching white table and chairs. The walls behind it were all glass windows. To my left was the living room, where again, most of the walls had been replaced with windows and white curtains. The living room continued the while, brown and blue color scheme. At the far end was the door to the backyard, which, for some reason, had a pool. I thought it was pretty pointless being next to the ocean and all. Beside the back door was where the stairs lead up to the bedrooms and the bathroom. I saw a balcony outside and guessed that the master bedroom led to it. I set the bags in the front room by the door, and looked back to see my dad closing the trunk to the van. After everyone was inside I took off my shoes then started looking for my bag. "Which one is my room?" Troy asked. "First door to the right." Mom said as she sat down on the light blue couch with a pleased sigh. I glanced up at the ceiling, two fans were hanged down from it. "Remind me again to thank Uncle, because this place is awesome!" My Dad brushed passed me poking at my belly. "You kids better not make a mess of this place." He said. "Corse dad." I rolled my eyes and smiled before I continued looking for my bags. Once I found them both, I made my way up the stairs to find my room.

I looked over to the right into the first room, Troy was face flat on the bed. I smiled and shook my head. He must feel tired like me, I thought. The next room was the bathroom, on the other side was the main bedroom, I kept walking till I made it to the end of the hall where the last door was. I gently kicked the door open and walked inside. The room was a really light blue, with a painting of a sail boat hanging above the end of the twin sized bed, which sat in the right corner of the room by the empty closet. I plopped my bags onto the bed and turned to see a window pointing toward the ocean. I turned the nob to open the window to let in the fresh cool breeze. The long clear curtains blew out into the room, brushing against my arm. Just then my mom walked in. "What do you think?" She asked. I smiled at her. "I think it's pretty awesome!" I walked over to her to give her a hug. It really wasn't for any reason, I just thought she deserved one. "So, what are our plans for tomorrow?" I asked, letting her free from my hug. "We could relax a bit, then go and explore the shore line." She replied. "Sounds good to me." I said as I plopped down onto the bed while taking in a deep breath. "Why do the blankets always smell fresher at other people’s houses?" I asked. My mom chuckled, "Dad's ordering take out for tonight, I’m too tired to make anything." "Okay." I said as I sat up in my bed. "I'll just be here relaxing for a bit." Mom nodded "Okay, I'll call you when it gets here." With that my mom went downstairs leaving me in the guest room. I closed my eyes are soon started to day dream. I took a slow deep breath as the afternoon breeze flowed into the room. "This is going to be one heck of a summer vacation." I sighed.