The Pick

The Pick - Chapter Nineteen

Chapter 19

"Honey,?" My mom called through the kitchen. 

"Yeah?" I called back. 

"Jake's here!" 

"Send him up!" 

I felt myself get giddy. After spending several days in the hospital, I was finally able to go home and relax. Jake walked in, holding a familiar envelope in his hands. I tried to think of what it was for, but couldn't place it. Oh well. 

"Hey, Livie," Jake's voice was like silk. I smiled hugely at him. 

"Hey Jakey," I replied, trying to mock his tone, but ended up failing epicly. He laughed at my attempt and sat across from me on my bed. We both sat cross-legged for several moments when he tossed the envelope at me. 

"What's this?" I asked, curiousity getting the better of me. 

"Where Nationals are being held," He looked into my eyes.

An insanely huge smile took over my face, I was about to find out where the biggest surf competition of the year was going to be held. The best part? I was competing in it. 

I slyly slid out the papers from the envelope and found the sheet that informed me when an where this was going to take place. 

My heart sank when I read where it was being held. My breath hitched in my throat and I stood there shell shocked. Jake was standing by my side in no time, supporting me, willing me to stand up, not to fall. 

He lifted me up bridal style, causing me to snap my head and meet his gaze. He smiled sheepishly and set me on my bed. 

When I was finally able to get any words out they were sweet, simple, and to the point, "It's in Malibu," 

Jake's face went to worried, to confused, to fearful. He knows what I'd do if I saw that excuse of a man anywhere. I would personally chop his head off for what he did to my mother and I. And my sorry excuse for a sibling would also be there. 

This could not get any worse. 

Oh wait, yes it can! It's in 3 weeks time. How am I supposed to train in 3 weeks!? I checked the plane tickets. We were scheduled to leave in two days. I sighed and looked at Jake and handed him the rest of the papers. 

I laid down on my bed and closed my eyes, needing time to think. I felt weight lift off the bed and a blanket was set on top of me. I smiled as I drifted off into a peaceful realm of rest and beauty. The last thing I remember was Jake whispering something. 

"I still love you," 

~*~ 

I was squirming in my seat anxiously, wanting to get off the plane already. It had been 4 1/2 hours since we got onto this flying death trap and I was starting to get nauseous. I reminded myself we only had half an hour left and that I was a fighter. I can survive a five hour flight. 

The flight attendant came on, "Attention passengers please fasten your seat belts, we will be landing shortly and experience a little turbulance. Thank you," 

The bell clicked on and I fastened my seatbelt. I looked at Jake sleeping beside me and buckled his seatbelt too. I then shook him awake. 

He slung an arm around my shoulder, "You nervous on this plane?" He laughed at my nod and squeezed my shoulder. I rested my head on his shoulders. Braydon on my other side clasped my hand in his and gave me a reassuring smile. 

These boys know me too well. 

~*~

When we stepped out of the airport we were met by a limo with a driver holding up a sign that read, Montgomery and Macbeth.