The Other Shore

Chapter 2: Morning Surf

Chapter 2: Morning Surf

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I woke up early the next morning, craving the ocean. I pulled on my blue wetsuit, and jogged out the door, hunting for my board.

I found it in the back shed, next to the old jeep that was going to be mine as soon as I finished high school.

I snatched it up and headed for the waves. The scent of sea salt and sand drifted into my nostrils and relaxed the tension I had been feeling. I ran to the water's edge, slowing down a bit as the cool sensation began to slip over my feet.

When I got far enough out, I laid down on the board on my stomach and begin paddling out into the ocean. I stopped, and pulled myself up to straddle the middle of the slick board. I closed my eyes, tilting my head up at the cloudy sky. My feet dangled in the chilly water, and the palm of my hand rested on the surface.

It's like I could feel the movements of the ocean, like I could feel its breath, it's soul. I always pick the waves I ride in like this. I wait until I feel the ocean wants to move with me.

I don't know how long I actually sat out there, just feeling relaxed by touching the ocean and focusing all of my energy into it. It seemed like I was alone. I was thankful of the serenity the water caused me.

Suddenly, I felt it. Like the pulse of a heartbeat, my heartbeat, I felt the wave coming. It would be here in a matter of seconds. I could see the water just barely starting to form my wave along the horizon.

And then I saw it, I saw my wave build and build until I could finally catch it. I turned around, paddling and paddling until I felt it churn behind and beneath me, I pushed myself up to stand on the board and ride the wave.

The air howled against my muscular frame, and the ocean water splashed everything from my face to my feet. My hair whipped behind me as the water curled beneath me. I felt like I was truly flying. The cool whirl carried me to my limit, and felt supreme as I rode the wave with all I had. I was finally letting myself go for the first time in what seemed like forever.

The joy ended all to soon, as my board and I were dragged to the home shore. The incredible feeling remained though. I couldn't quite describe whatever it was that I was feeling. It felt beautiful in some way.

I caught my breath then headed back out for another wave. When I reached my resting point, I repeated the process; placing my hand on the water's surface and letting my feet swing in the water. After only a few minutes of the relaxing water smoothing over me, I felt a movement signaling the wave coming on.

I shifted on the board, getting ready to paddle off and into the rising wave. It kept getting closer and bigger. The sweeping wave was soon near enough for me to push into. I heaved myself to stand on the board as I rode the wave. The water sprayed my face constantly, refreshing my senses. I couldn't help but smile as I finished the wave.

I grabbed my board and tucked it under my arm as I jogged back to the shed, placing my board away until the next time I got the chance to surf.

I pulled on a tank-top on over my wetsuit. I walked into the house silently, careful not to wake my dad up. He usually slept until 10:00 on Saturdays, so I should be safe.

I cautiously avoided tracking sand in the house, which would give me right away. I slipped back into my room and closed the door, changing into some clean shorts and a t-shirt. My damp blonde hair was tied up in a bun, and I applied a touch of foundation and mascara to my tanned face.

My mind was only wandering to one specific place: the other shore. Tanner's question had sparked an interest in me. Now I was constantly drifting to thoughts of the uninhabited place. I was dying to know what truly was out there. My freedom, possibly?

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Here you are, my lovelies! The next chapter to The Other Shore! Thank you all so much for reading!

XOXO,

Carson