Chasing Waves

Chapter 9

[Dinner At Cupcake Caine’s]

Yes,

My parents really had to choose to go to dinner at Caine’s after I vented my anger on him,

And when everything was awkward between us.

Perfect timing.

Absolutely perfect.

So there I was,

Sitting at their dinner table,

Looking at my plate of food as if I was really interested in what I was spooning into my mouth.

Okay I was interested

The food was delicious.

Caine’s mom could really cook.

While I was doing that, I could feel Caine staring at me.

And I could hear my parents conversing with his parents animatedly about something.

I didn’t know what.

I didn’t really care.

But I didn’t look up.

I didn’t really want to see Caine’s expression…

That much.

Suddenly, Caine put his fork down and said,

‘Dad, Mom, Jen and I are going out for a while. We need some fresh air.’

I looked up.

‘We are? And we do?’

‘Yes, we are. And we do.’

Then he looked at his mother for permission.

She nodded before returning to her conversation.

He smiled and grabbed my arm and pulled me

Out into the night.

[The Salty Air… As Always]

‘So tell me, what is going on?’

Caine asked as we neared the beach.

He was pissed.

I didn’t even have to ask him if he was.

It was that obvious.

He was pissed.

‘Nothing.’

‘Then why does it seem like we just fought?’

‘Because I got mad at you for no reason and it’s pretty awkward?’

‘Oh…’ and he laughed. ‘You’re a funny kid.’

The cheek of him.

But I did it anyway. I had to apologise.

‘I’m really sorry. For venting my anger on you.’

He smiled and replied ‘Like I would be that petty as to hold it against you. That… problem seemed pretty bad anyway, it’s okay if you were feeling really low.’

I smiled back wanly.

I was so glad he understood.

He was such a great friend.

‘So tell me what happened.’ He looked at me with a serious look on his face as we sat down on the sand.

I looked at him.

This guy was one of my closest friends since forever.

I trusted him right?

Furthermore, he understood me.

And so I did,

I did tell him.

I told him everything that happened.

From the day I became friends with Syria

To this very day.

I told him.

Every

Single

Thing.

[Caine Was Quiet]

For once.

He was quiet.

Even after I finished relating all the events that happened

And wiping some tears away-- Memories hurt too much,

Far too much--

He

Was

Still

Quiet.

After a while however,

He spoke,

his usual smile back on his face.

‘Well, you don’t have to worry so much. All this will be over before you know it. After all, you have me. The amazing Cupcake Caine.’

I laughed. ‘Wow, you are so very humble.’

‘What? You have me. And I really am amazing. And you, Missy, have always been dying to hang out with me as teenagers.’ He replied with a wink.

I stuck my tongue out at him cheekily and gave him a light push. ‘You wish.’

And we just sat there,

Listening,

And watching,

The rise

And fall

Of

The

Waves.