Walking on a Tightrope

Chapter 3

I struggle to catch my breath, and piece together my thoughts. Standing in front of me is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, and the minute my eyes hit her I know she is going to cause me trouble. The way she seems so bubbly, yet shy. How her blonde hair drapes over her shoulders and is slightly damp. The minute we make eye contact I know there is some connection between us, but what that connection means is my question. I hear Tucker catching up to me so I use the last of my energy to snap myself out of my daze before he notices. But damn is she beautiful...
The surf instructor announces "Ok now that everyone is here lets get started!" He starts by telling us ocean safety such as when it's safe to swim and when it isn't. I've already heard this lecture so many times from my family, so through my boredom I end up staring at her. She is paying attention to the instructor so she doesn't notice the way my eyes travel to her like they were made only for her. Tucker is also listening intently so he doesn't notice either, which is good. If he knew about it he would use all of his power to keep us apart. Eventually the instructor finishes his speech of how to carry the boards so we go to grab them, then head out into the ocean. As we are doing so the girl comes up to me and introduces herself "Hi, I'm Skylar. I've been helping the instructor over here for a few years now" she says with a bright smile. Why would she come to me of all people? I am mundane compared to her. With my short and small stature and straight dark brown hair I look like almost every other 'typical' girl. She has blonde hair and crystal blue eyes that shine like the ocean is trapped in them. I try not to fumble my words when I respond and say "Uh. Hi my name is Blake, this is my first time coming" I laugh awkwardly. Once we're out in the water; we start the instruction.

 I am pretty much just free-floating waiting for the instructor to come and help me catch a wave. Then Skylar comes up, and starts a conversation. She is a typical beautiful beach girl, blonde hair, blue eyes, tan skin. Light freckles dot her face and over the bridge of her nose, she is tall yet elegant, there is just something about her.... "Hey Blake, how are you liking it so far?" She says causing me to jump and fall off my board. She starts laughing so hard that it causes me to join in. "It's great. I love just floating on the water." She responds and says "I can see that" we laugh. I feel free in a way I can't describe. The instructor calls us over and asks Skylar "Since you are more experienced would you like to help Blake catch her first wave while I go work with the others?" she says "Yeah, of course" she tells me to get on the board, lay on my stomach and to start paddling right before the wave hits. She helps me gain speed as I paddle like an idiot, once the wave picks up the board I go to stand up. It feels great; the wind in my face. Until I fall flat onto the water. I hear Skylar start laughing and I get up and drag the board back to where we were hanging out. I reach where she is standing, well, floating, and my hair is hanging over my face from the splash I made. She asks me "How does the salt taste?" and giggles more. It's a beautiful sound, really. Her laugh mixed with the sound of the waves crashing. "It tastes amazing" I say sarcastically and roll my eyes as I move my hair out of my face. She then says "It takes some getting used to, that was great for your first try!" She laughs before adding "Now get back on your board, just sit on it like you would on a horse for now until another wave comes our way" I do as she says then she asks "So what do you like to do in your free time?" I instinctively say "What free time?" She laughs. "I take it you're a busy girl?" I laugh and say "yeah I am a math and science nerd so I spend most of my time doing homework. How about you, what do you like to do in your free time?" She responds by saying "This" and she gestures to the whole beach. She continues and says "I'm a beach girl. I lifeguard at this specific beach, and help out the instrucor over there." She points to the surf instructor. "I love the ocean and am basically a fish" we laugh. She looks up and points out while saying "Oh look a wave is coming! Go back on your stomach and start paddling I'll help you gain speed" I do as she says and as the wave picks up the board I stand up. She yells "Look towards the way you want to go!"

 I look straight ahead, and I ride the wave all the way to the shore. I see Skylar catching the next wave and she soon joins me on the shore. She holds up her hand for a high five and I oblige with a chuckle. I can't ignore the shock I get from her touch, it's like actual sparks are flying. In response she says "That was amazing! You're a natural" We laugh. "I wouldn't say that" I add. She asks "Would you like to grab something to eat after? The camp ends for the day at 12, maybe we could get lunch?" Without thinking I say "Yeah, sure. I just have to tell Tucker" I point to the guy who keeps falling off the board she laughs then surprises me by asking "Is he your boyfriend?" I should say yes he is. But those aren't the words that come out of my mouth, instead my heart betrays me by saying "No. But he wishes" I give a light hearted laugh and she joins. The rest of the camp day is fun, I catch a few more waves and before I know it noon comes around. The instructor finishes saying bye to everyone and then tells Skylar she is good to go. I ask her "Where do you want to go to eat?" She responds immediately "I know just the place"