That Summer

Chapter 1

The sun rays kissed my now bronze skin. I've never been so happy.

My birthday is in late June. So I've always been the youngest in my class. Not to say that I was in any way immature from my youth. Quite the contrary, I was always an old soul. To Kill A Mockingbird and Great Expectations were my favorite books in 5th grade. I wanted to go to music festivals and live as a hippie all through high school. Travel the world, you know? For that reason, I've been counting down the days to my eighteenth birthday since I can remember.

So here I am. Finally! Now 18 years old, laying on the beach on my graduation trip. My parents coddled me and made sure, for my first trip alone, I would be completely prepared. Literally. I have every map, medicine, piece of clothing, and food known to man. The complete relaxation I feel right now is worth it though. Especially with my best friends here to enjoy it with me. Emily planned this trip from start to finish and I couldn't be happier. We couldn't focus on the last edition of the school newspaper (which is pretty bad considering I'm the editor) because we obsessed over booking and planning this whole vacation. We made it though! Published before the deadline and drove out graduation night.

The waves started to calm and the sun didn't seem as bright as I opened my eyes to turn over. Geez!! I've laid out here until 5:20! I scrambled to get my towel and phone, still blaring my Pandora station, and rushed back to the cabin we rented.

"Did you fall asleep or something out there sunflower?" Vanessa smirked from the couch.

"Oh hush! I just didn't realize it was this late," I snapped back.

"Oooo, someone's a bit touchy, "Vanessa chuckled, "Just relax. You've got time." She was already busy picking out her new outfit. Vanessa is honestly a perfect human being. She has pale blond locks that get darker underneath. It has a curl like mine but she has a more windswept look. She's 5'10", slender, and drop dead gorgeous. We affectionately refer to her as a born model. And, her fashion sense! She always has the best combinations. Most people try too hard to mimic what they see on a mannequin instead of creating their own cute look. But, only Vanessa could wear a burlap sack and make it look good.

It was a full knock-out, drag-out to get the best room. Vanessa and I chose to share and ended up winning. Our room faced the beach and has it's own living space in addition to the two full beds. That way on a day like this when I'm running behind (always), I could come straight in from the beach to my room, take a shower, and be ready to go out for dinner.

Tonight is our last night in North Carolina. To end this part of our trip on a high note, we decided that after going to Mellow Mushroom for pizza we would do some last minute shopping then go to a club. Since I'm finally 18, I think this is the best night so far and it hasn't officially started!

The shower takes longer than usual since I had to shave, exfoliate, and wash my hair like 3 times. Even though I normally don't care about my appearance - I prefer the natural relaxed look - I am extremely hygienic. I also like my skin to be soft and my legs smooth. I check the clock to see I have 28 minutes and counting..

I decided to wear my long brown hair down in its natural curly wave to save some time. I push it out of my face and run some brown eyeliner over my top lid. I have dark brown eyes so when it comes to makeup I stick to the basics and don't try anything too exotic. After sweeping some mascara over my lashes, I brush my teeth and run to my suitcase. I yank on a pair of plain white jean shorts and after a quick consideration, pull on dark red tank top. Apparently red is my color? I don't know. I've been told it compliments my skin tone and makes my eyes warmer. I figure if I'm going to care about my appearance, tonight would be the time to do so. I come into the living room with my Toms, Keens, and Vans in hand.