Surfer Girl // A.I (completed)

thirty-seven

< Friday >

{ Ashton }

My family arrives today and I couldn't be more excited. I got up early and cleaned my house and made sure my guest rooms were good to go and the pull out couch in my basement was together for Harry.

Tatum won't be able to be here until the middle of the night. She had to go to Lemoore, California -which is 3 hours away- to go to Kelly Slater's surf ranch. Basically, she's training on human made waves. She's doing this to try and get herself back and ready for competition and strengthening her knee.

Tatum was staying with me during the holidays because 1) I wanted her here and 2) Grace's family is in town and they're at the apartment.

I went grocery shopping yesterday so I should be set for the entire time my family is here.

I was excited about the holidays. Not only will my mum and siblings be here, but also my grandparents. Tatum hasn't met them yet but I know they will love her. They all know Tatum has never celebrated Christmas before so I know they are just as excited as I am for this.

****

I got to the airport and parked, then walked in and waited by baggage claim.

Harry was the first to tackle me in a hug, quickly followed by Lauren,

"I missed you guys" I whispered, hugging them both tightly. I pulled away from my brother and sister and hugged my mum then my grandparents,

"Oh my! We've sure missed you sweetheart" my grandma kissed my cheek,

"I missed you to Grandma" I smiled, "How about we grab bags and go get some lunch"

"Yes! I'm starving" Harry groaned.

****

We reached a not too crowded restaurant and we're seated right away. Our food came out fairly quickly as well.

"Where's this girlfriend I've heard all about?" Gramps shot me a look with a smirk as we ate lunch,

"She's up in Northern California. She had surf training to do at this surf ranch thing" I answered,

"What's a surf ranch?" Harry questioned,

"You surf there but it's like man-made waves"

"So is she okay to surf? I mean she tore her ACL. That's a long recovery" my mum was very concerned,

"She can do some light surfing. Right now it's just getting her back into it and keeping her strength" I explained,

"Well, I can't wait to meet the young lady. Between what your brother has told me and your mom, I heard she's pretty great" Gramps nodded,

"She really is" I smiled.

****

We got back to my house and I let everyone get settled. Harry came into the living room after throwing his bag down, and plopped next to me,

"When's Tatum getting here?" He asked,

"She won't be here until the middle of the night," I told him. He nodded and sighed.

Everybody else joined and my mum and grandma put a couple of presents under the tree,

"Your Santa presents are in a bag. I got Tatum some too" my mum beamed. I smiled. She continues to do Santa even though we don't believe anymore. I don't know how Tatum's gonna feel. She didn't want me to make a big deal about her never having Christmas.

****

I ended up grilling out for dinner and started a fire in my fire pit. We talked as a family for a long time, then Lauren and Harry went to bed which meant I got to have more adult conversations. I know my grandparents are dying to ask about Tatum, but they didn't want to take away from Lauren and Harry being with me,

"So how long have you and her been dating now?" my grandma asked,

"Six months on the 22nd" I smiled, "So in a few days"

"Well, I can definitely tell you love her. You're all giddy" Gramps laughed. My mum smiled at me,

"So are you going to tell us about her?" Grandma pushed, making me laugh,

"She's amazing. Absolutely gorgeous. She's a surfer, as you know. She's 21, so she's still young but that doesn't really matter. She's from Hawaii and she didn't have the best childhood. We relate well with the childhood aspect" I nodded,

"We can't wait to meet her. Your mum has told us lots and Harry seems to like her" Gramps smiled,

"Harry loves her" I laughed, "Gotta keep an eye on him" I joked,

"What time is she getting here?" Mum asked, patting my leg,

"Around 3 am" I recalled her text from earlier, "I have a feeling she'll sleep for a while so it may be late morning before you meet her" I turned to my grandparents.

****

When my mum and grandparents went to bed, I got in mine. I set an alarm for 2:30 so I'd be awake when Tatum got here. I probably didn't need to set an alarm. I wouldn't sleep well until she got here. It just worries me her driving that long by herself in the middle of the night.

****

I was standing in my open garage when Tatum pulled in. She hopped out and tossed a bag on her back and dragged towards me. She was exhausted. Her eyes were bloodshot from keeping them open,

"Hi baby" I pecked her lips. She just hummed and leaned on me, eyes closed. I could tell she showered up there. I could smell her body wash and shampoo,

"Want to get in bed?" I asked. She nodded against my chest and pulled away, walking into my house. I closed the garage and followed her to my room.

I couldn't help but laugh as she tossed her bag onto the floor and just started stripping. I handed her a shirt as she pulled sleep shorts on. As soon as the shirt was on, she was passed out under the covers. I smiled and climbed under next to her.

< next morning >

I was obviously up before Tatum, and made my way into the kitchen and started getting breakfast ready.

Everyone, with the exception of Tatum, was up and in the kitchen by 8:00 and eating breakfast,

"Can we wake her up? Please?" Harry begged as he stuffed eggs in his mouth,

"No Harry. She didn't get here until 3. She's tired" I sighed, knowing he was just going to keep asking. But I spoke too soon. Tatum walked in, dressed in leggings and a T-shirt, hair up, and a big smile on her face.

"Tatum!"