California

I ran outside and collapsed into the sand. I let out what I've been holding in for a while. I scream at the top of my lungs. How could my dad have so much hatred for a person he barely knows? I stand up slowly and run out to where the water makes the sand damp. I grip the sand between my toes and then release it. The water is cold and when it hits my toes it sends shivers up my spine. In the distance I can see a fire burning. I pick up speed and run to check it out. I can see the outline of his face and before I even reach the fire I know it's him.

"Jay!"

"Oh...hey Ellie," he says with a slight smile. "What are you doing out here?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing."

"I come out here to get away from all my problems. You know what your dad said isn't as bad as it seems. I never got arrested. I was part of a protest to preserve the beaches of Los Angeles, but I left before it got out of hand."

"I believe you Jay. I thought my dad would change in 3 years, but I guess I was wrong."

"Some people just never change."

His voice trails off and I scoot closer to him.

"Here, have a marshmallow," he says as he tosses it in my mouth.

I turn to face him, my legs straddled over the log. The silence is enticing. I stare into his eyes and gently slide my hands behind his neck. My fingers are intertwined with his golden locks. Our lips slowly meet and then they lock. His lips are so soft and they fit with mine perfectly. For a while we kiss passionately, but suddenly I loose my balance and we both fall off the log, tumbling into the sand.

"Haha," we both laugh uncontrollably.

Once we both calm down there is silence again. I lay gazing up at the stars thinking about all that has happened today. I look at Jay. His eyes, his smile, his laugh. I'm in love.