California Beautiful

Chapter 1

Chapter 1|♡| Since when do I blush |♡|

I glanced out the window of our 2010 Chevy equinox. A half finished box of Oreos in my lap as my mom, dad, and I cruised down Oceanview Highway to our beachfront house that we had rented. Ok let's rephrase that.....My parents lugged me to our rented home for the summer by trying, and succeding to bribe me with Oreos, a king sized Twix, and of course the fact I'd get to miss the last two weeks of school so my dad could start work early on some project thing in Myrtle Beach. I don't know. They lost me at Twix. Trust me, it's not like I'm missing anything at school. We never did anything in those last couple weeks anyway. Unless you count roaming the halls with some friends as doing something. I don't.

Before you get the wrong idea and think I'm some kind of socially awkward, rude, lazy bum (I won't take it personally if you're already thinking it), I'll have you know that I'm actually the captain of the girl's varsity track team. I just have a really soft spot for anything that involves chocolate. Like really soft spot. Still wondering about the socially awkward part? Well although I'm one the fastestest runners in the entire Eastern region (which automatically gained me some popularity. Did I mention I'm captain? And the first one my age to acheive it! Probably, but I'm saying it again) I don't have many friends. Plus, with my family always moving around to different places I liked it better that way.

My thoughts came back to the present when the car stopped and my mom announced that we had arrived at my new home for the summer.

Oh joy. *note the sarcasm*

I got out the car and ran my hand through my messy blonde hair. I was hoping to tame the beast as I quickly took out my compact mirror and checked my face for any crumbs. Satisfied with my appearance, I looked around. The house that my parents rented was a nice little 2 story, cottage like structure that was all white. With a closer inspection, I saw two wooden swing chairs that were decorated with many soft, blue-green throw pillows by the front door.

"The keys are in the mailbox and your room's on the top floor." my dad informed me seeing as I was already making my way towards the front door, one of my suitcases in hand.

True to his words, the key was in a small beige mailbox that had the number 453 on it in silver writing. I let myself in and took a good look around. The living room was a big turquoise and white room that lead straight into the kitchen. Inside the kitchen, beyond the farthest wall in the back, was a white marble staircase that lead upstairs to what I'm assuming is my room. I hastily made my way up them securing my bag on my shoulder every couple of steps.

•♥•

I walked back into the kitchen after bringing all my bags into my room and stuffing them under my bed. I hate organizing things. My dad was making coffee, and my mom was at the island counter reading ...something.

"Can I walk down the shoreline?" I asked. It was barely 2 o'clock and I was already bored out of my mind. Besides, after the ten hour drive from New York to South Carolina my bones were aching to get some exercise.

"Did you unpack?" My mom asked not bothering to look up at me. "Gee mom I feel the love" I thought.

"Um... I brought all my bags into my room. What about you two? Did you unpack?" I responded. My mom just laughed at my feeble attempt to change the subject.

"Yes we did and sure, go ahead. Just stay out of the water." my dad answered with the #1 DAD mug in his hand. Both my parents are extra careful when it comes to water ever since... I mentally shivered at the thought. Stupid water!...Scratch that. I don't need to give water any reason to hate me. Call me superstitious if you want.

I walked upstairs to change into athletic shorts, and a tank top that read 'Train like a Beast, look like a Beauty",  grabbed my Nike sneakers, and ran down the stairs through the front door and onto the beach.

Now as I run down the beach finding steady pace, I let my mind wander to the very... interesting conversation I had with my Mother yesterday before we left New York.

*flashback*

I walk down the stairs after successfully stuffing half my room into 2 suitcases and 2 duffel bags. As I'm walking down the front porch my mom stops me.

"Taylor I know your a very... Independent girl . But can you please try to make some friends on this trip?" That's where my mom's wrong. True I'm independent but, I wasn't always this bad. I used to have two best friends. No matter what happened, where I moved, they were always there. We were like the 3 musketeers. Then the accident happened. I had shut everyone out ignoring their texts, and invitations to hang out. Soon after, they stopped trying to make me happy again. I didn't tell my mom that of course. I just covered my mouth in mock terror and turned to her. I prefer not to think about the past and just pretend everything's right in the world. Even if it's only for a little while.

"Socializing? The horror?! Actually talking to-- people?!!"  I fake gasped. My mom just smiled at me and kissed my cheek.

I was so absorbed in my thoughts that I didn't notice the white ball wedged in-between the sand. Well I didn't notice it until I tripped over it. Someone was immediately by my side helping me up.

"Thanks" I mumbled brushing sand off my arms and hands.

"No problem. You took quite a tumble." the sound of his voice made my head snap up.  He was tall like 5'10 which was only like 3-4 inches taller than me. Then again, everyone is a midget at my school, so who am I to say he's tall. And his eyes. Oh god his eyes. They were a really bright blue --almost gray-- and fit his face perfectly. He smiled at me and held out his arm. "I'm Jason." I shook his outstretched hand slightly blushing when i realized I was staring. Since when do I blush? "Taylor." I smiled at him. I turned around and grabbed the volleyball I tripped over.

"Someone must of left this in the sand." I said turning it around in my hand.

"Actually it's mine. My names on it. Right there." he pointed at the ball. Staring up at me, the name Jason was written in Black Sharpie. Now I feel like an idiot I thought. Suddenly a girl ran up to him. She was about my height and drop dead gorgeous. And not because of her straight jet black hair, or her bright green eyes. It was the fact that she walked with so much confidence and looked like she didn't care about what people thought of her. With her Plaid shirt, jean shorts, and a leather bow in her hair. She was practically glowing. I wonder if their dating...? Wait what! I just met the dude.

"Jase what's taking you so lo- oh hi!" She turned and smiled at me and waved her hand. "I'm Alex."

"Oh uh, Hey. I'm Taylor." I waved back. Suddenly someone called out from behind them.

"You guys are so slow GET OVER HERE!!"

Alex turned back around and shouted "CALM YOURSELF DOOFUS!" and smiled apologetically at me.

"We gotta go before someone chops Matt's head of. See you Taylor." Jason ran off.

"Later Taylor! It was nice meeting you" Alex chimed. I barely got to say bye before she ran off in the direction Jason had went.

A/N: I know it's kinda short... but bear with me!!!! I just wanna thank you for clicking that little read button  up there *points* and I hope you like it!

Bai!