Begin Again

by Mulliner, Brittney

  I came back into the conversation just as they began talking about dates again. Great. I wanted to enjoy a girls’ day without having to talk about guys anymore, but I was the only one.

  Alexis was moving her salad around her plate. “I know I broke up with Paul only a month ago, but don’t you think that’s enough time? He wouldn’t be too mad if I asked Justin even if they are both on the team. What do you guys think I should do?”

  Talia answered first. “I’m going to ask Mark and they’re best friends so it would make sense for you to ask Justin. I don’t see a problem with it. Plus, I heard Paul has been out with Malory a few times so they’re probably going together.”

  Mckayla entered leader mode and began planning. “Okay it’s settled, you guys should ask them at the same time. It’s more casual that way . . .” She paused and I could almost see the wheels turn in her head as she formed her plan.

  “We should surprise them after practice one day! You guys can write on their cars asking them to the dance and tell them to look for something to show them who asked them. Do they know your cars?” They both nodded. “Perfect, we can color code it so they know who asked each of them. How am I going to ask Sean? I don’t know if it would be better to do something at school that people see or to do something at his house. Thoughts?”

  I could tell Mckayla was nervous about this but I didn’t want her to take the easy way out. “I think he would really appreciate it being at school. It’s a public declaration that you like him.”

  “I guess that’s true. I don’t want him to think I’m embarrassed or something if I do something at his house. So what should I do?”

  This time Alexis had the plan. “Something simple, you don’t want to overwhelm him either. Tie a balloon to his locker with a note inside asking him. Then you can show up and ask what his answer is.”

  “I think I can handle that. Okay, it’s just you Aubrey. Who are you going to ask? Mike, Luke, one of the football guys?”

  “I don’t know yet. I don’t really know anyone well enough to ask yet.”

  “Maybe you should take Luke up on his offer and see if you’re interested in him. He’s pretty focused on surfing, but you might be able to pull him away from that.”

  Alexis and Talia looked at me with puzzled expressions. “What offer?”

  “He offered to teach me how to surf, but I don’t know if I’ll do it. I can just learn from you guys.”

  Talia balked. “Where’s the fun in that? You have to do it! Text him now and set it up for tomorrow. The dance is a few weeks away, we don’t have much time.”

  “Fine bossy.” I pulled out my phone and sent Luke a quick message. I wasn’t expecting a response at all, but seconds later my phone buzzed.

  “He said yes! Tomorrow at 8 . . . Crap! Does anyone have a wetsuit I could borrow?”

  Chapter 14

  I laid in bed most of the night worrying about tomorrow and surfing and the cold water. It didn’t feel like I slept but next thing I knew my alarm was beeping at me. Once I woke enough to realize why I was getting up so early on the weekend I shot up too excited to stay in bed for another minute. I got up and threw on a bathing suit and dress before stopping in front of the mirror. I considered doing something with my hair but decided against it not wanting to seem like I was making too much effort. I settled on a messy bun and lip gloss before leaving for Mckayla’s house. Luke suggested the beach by her house since it was easy to get to and I knew where it was.

  When I pulled up to the house I was surprised to see Steven standing in the open garage.

  “Morning Aubrey, you’re up early. Are you meeting Kay?” He was standing in board shorts with a towel around his shoulders. He must have just gotten back from surfing himself.

  “Nope, McSteamy. He laughed at his nickname and shook his head feigning disappointment. “I’m meeting a friend down at the beach. He’s teaching me to surf today, and Mckayla told me I could borrow her wetsuit.”

  “You mean you’re finally going to learn to surf after all these years of me offering to teach you? What does this kid have that I don’t?”

  I chuckled and turned as I heard a car approaching the house. I waved when I saw Luke behind the wheel of a small truck with two surf boards in the bed. He hopped out of the truck and came up to meet us.

  Steven leaned toward me before Luke got too close, “Oh I see now. I’m not a young seventeen year old sponsored surf prodigy? I see how it is Aubrey.”

  I laughed and shrugged him off.

  “Hey Mr. P, how’s the surf today?” Luke smiled at me before turning back to Steven.

  “Eh, it was alright, perfect for teaching today. There was plenty of white water for her to get comfortable with.” I looked between the two of them trying to decipher the strange language they were speaking. They kept talking about the conditions as I turned to the garage in search of the wetsuits. I found a black mass in the back corner and began picking up each one trying to guess which one would fit. Finally I found one with pink writing and heart on the chest that looked about the size I would need. I held it up to ask Steven if it was right.

  “Is this one Mckayla’s?” They both turned at my voice as if they forgot I was still there.

  “Yeah that one should be good for you. She has a spring suit in there and a 3/2 mm but it’s probably too warm for that one, so just stick with that one.” There was that strange language again. Shaking my head I moved toward the door to go into the house.

  “Where are you going?” I turned toward Luke who was walking back from his truck with his wetsuit hanging across the board he held under his arm. I must have looked confused since he continued. “Don’t change up here. It’s easier to put it on dry, but I want to take you down to the water first so you can test it. Plus I want to show you what to do on the board before we get in the water. Just hold onto that for now. I have towels in the bed, grab those for me and I’ll get the second board.”

  I fought the urge to run into the house and plop on the couch safe from the water. Steven must have noticed my hesitation. “You’ll be fine, Aubrey. I bet you’ll end up liking it.”

  I had asked to do this. I needed to remember that and focus on the positive: spending alone time with Luke. I grabbed the towels and followed Luke past the house and out to the sand. When we got a few yards from where the water was breaking, he set both boards down so the fronts were pointed toward the houses.

  “We’re going to start out learning the basics here before we get in the water so you are comfortable with the movements, sound good?”

  “I thought you said you wanted to feel the water and test it.”

  He started to remove his shirt but dropped it when I reminded him of what he said. “Here’s the thing . . . I want you to get in the water, and if you feel it now there’s no way that’s going to happen.”

  I looked at the water, it didn’t look cold. Could water look cold? I smiled at myself grateful I hadn’t said any of that aloud. “You’re just going to throw me in there and hope I don’t die of hypothermia? You’re cruel!”

  “Nah it’ll be fine. Lay on your board and we’ll get started.” This time he finished taking off his shirt and I froze at the sight. His broad shoulders and chest gave way to defined abs, an obvious result of his active lifestyle. I had admired his shoulders through his shirts, but I was not prepared for this! I could almost feel the drool sliding down my chin.

  I turned away from him hiding that I was smiling like a madwoman. I took off my dress suddenly wishing I had chosen a more conservative style. I looked down at the bikini making sure everything was in place before turning toward him. I focused on the board not wanting to look at him but I could feel his eyes on me. Once I was lying on my stomach on the board I met his gaze. His boyish grin was going full force as he stood over me. I could feel the blush rising on my face.

  “First you want to make sure you’re in the right spot on your board. Move up a little bit so you’re feet aren’t hanging over the edge.”r />
  I moved myself forward until he said stop then looked down to remember where I was for later.

  “Good, now start paddling. Don’t spread your fingers apart, you’ll move a little faster if you cup you’re hands.”

  I started paddling in the sand feeling a little silly. “Do you feel comfortable with that?”

  “I guess.” I had no idea what I was supposed to be comfortable with. “ . . . so how long do I do this for?”

  “You have to paddle out to get into the lineup, then when you see a wave you want you have to paddle to get into position then paddle hard to get the wave to catch you.”

  “Sounds exhausting.”

  “You’ll discover muscles you never knew you had.” He laughed like he had a secret. “When you feel ready, and the wave is under you it’s time to pop up.”

  He laughed at my confused expression but continued explaining. “Hold onto the sides of the board and get ready to do a push up.” He waited for me to get into position.

  “Now go up until your arms are fully extended.” I followed along aware I was making a fool of myself. “Once you’re here you have to move your feet up toward your stomach in one motion. One foot should be toward the back and one in the middle.”

  He pushed off and landed looking like a ninja. I copied the motion and ended up facing him.

  “Are you a lefty?”

  “No why?”

  “You’re goofy.”

  I mocked being offended. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “You’re right foot is forward.”

  “Is it not supposed to be? Should I be facing the other way?”

  “No just do what feels natural. Do this a couple more times and then we’re heading in.”

  I laid back down pretended to paddle and when he signaled I put my hands on the sides and popped up again. Feeling pretty proud of myself I looked at him and saw him smiling at me.

  “That’s good. Remember where you are and try to duplicate that when you’re in the water. If you’re too far forward when you try to stand you’ll pearl.”

  Was I supposed to know what that meant? I gave him a second to clarify, but he was looking out at the ocean.

  “Pearl?”

  “Oh sorry. That’s when your nose goes under and the board does a front flip. You’ll get messed up so avoid doing that.”

  As if I would have control over that. I took it was a good sign though that he was confident in me.

  “You’re a good coach.”

  “Don’t say that too soon. You haven’t been out yet.”

  He nodded toward the water and started toward it. I followed him assuming we were going to feel how cold it was. I stood next to him waiting for the water to come back and meet my toes. He took another step forward and I mimicked him. After a few seconds he took another and I followed. After another step the water was up to mid-calf level. I was about to step back as another wave rolled in, but just as I began to move a hand wrapped around my waist.

  Before my mind could catch up to what was happening his other hand grabbed me lifting me into the air and over his shoulder. He took several steps deeper into the water with me upside down then threw me in. The ice cold water shocked my body. I was too stunned to move at first but my feet found the ground and I stood up wiping my hair out of my face. I was facing the ocean so I quickly turned and saw Luke running back to the beach. I wadded through until I got to the sand and took off after him.

  “You threw me in! Are you crazy?”

  I was running as fast as the loose sand would allow and gaining on him quickly, apparently he didn’t expect me to retaliate. A moment later I was behind him and used my momentum to launch myself at him. We landed hard on the sand with me lying on top of him. I shifted to lay next to him with our legs still tangled. I was laughing uncontrollably even when he turned his face toward me scowling.

  “Oh you think that’s funny?”

  I nodded still laughing too hard to respond.

  He grunted pushing up and landing on me with his full weight. He stared down at me with those deep brown eyes. My eyes moved down his face to his lips which were inches away from mine, just one move away from touching. I was frozen in the moment too shy to do anything but wait. I watched his eyes move from my eyes to my lips and sucked in a breath.

  I laid there for a few moments confused. Was he going to kiss me? The opportunity had definitely presented itself! Slowly I sat up trying to follow him and act like nothing happened. “So should we give it a try?”

  He shot a look at me clearly not understanding so I pointed to the boards.

  “Surfing? Should I try to get up?”

  He shook his head before standing up and reaching his hand out to help me up. I took it and met his eyes when we were next to each other again. He looked like he was about to say something, but turned and led the way to the boards.

  ☀☀☀

  After about an hour in the water, I had stood four times and rode one wave in. I was feeling pretty good about myself, especially when I saw Luke’s face lite up after I stood up. He was cheering me on the whole time and whatever awkward moment we experienced seemed to pass. We brought the board onto the sand and laid them down. I crumbled onto the ground exhausted.

  “You did great for your first time. Did you hate it?”

  He was running his hands threw his wet hair showing off his biceps. If I had any pride left I would have looked away but after biffing so many times I didn’t worry about what he thought of me anymore.

  “I definitely don’t hate it. I’m going to be so sore though. I can already feel it.” My arms felt like lead and my legs felt like Jell-O. Overall not a great combination.

  “That’s what the hot tub is for. Grab the towels and I’ll get the boards back to the truck. We can head over to my house and relax for a while.”

  “That sounds perfect. Except for the moving part. Is that definitely a requirement?” I was still laying down looking up at him. The idea of moving was not appealing.

  “If you’re still down by the time I get the boards tied down I will come back for you.” He winked before he grabbed the boards and walked away. I was considering standing up and following him, but I was interested in what he had planned so I stayed laying down starring up at the cloudless sky.

  Moments later I heard thumping coming toward me. I looked behind me and nearly jumped out of my skin. Luke was standing over me with a mock angry face.

  “You know what this means?” Before I could answer he picked up my legs dangling me upside down. He walked me toward the water, not the direction I was hoping for! I started squealing like a fool and reaching to grab him. He was laughing hard too and almost dropped me when I got my hands at his waist.

  He dropped me just short of the water. I scrambled to get up and pushed him.

  “What is with you and throwing me in the water?” I laughed and was walking back to get the towels when he slipped his arm around me. I looked up to see his amazing smile and couldn’t help but smile back. It was too hard to even pretend to be mad at him.

  “You’re trouble. I just need to keep you on your toes.”

  He looked at me and I thought he was going to kiss me. I recognized something in his eyes. Desire maybe? Instead, he looked away and dropped his arm.

  “What’s wrong?” I hated how insecure I felt. Before everything happened in Chicago I would have never doubted myself.

  He continued to face away from me. “Why do you have to be with Mike?”

  “What do you mean? I’m not with anyone.” Where did he hear that? I’ve only been at the school for a week and already rumors were starting. Great.

  “I heard he took you out on Friday and he’s telling people you guys are together, exclusively.”

  Since he wouldn’t turn around I walked in front of him and made him look at me. “Mike took me on one date. I told him that I swore off men. He just took me out to prove not all guys suck. It was a sympathy date if anything and nothing happened be
tween us. I have no clue where he got the idea we were dating.”

  He finally met my gaze and smiled. “I’m glad you aren’t dating him. I don’t know if I could handle competing with him.”

  “There’s no competition, Luke.” Did I just say that out loud? I grimaced, but he caught my chin and made me look at him again.

  “Good.” He leaned in and kissed my cheek so lightly I might have imagined it. I watched him walk away and tried to remember how to breathe.

  Chapter 15

  After Luke telling me what Mike had said about us I was ready to confront him in class. Mr. Cox went through his normal routine of a ten minute lecture before dismissing us for the remainder of the period. Mike scooted his desk up next to mine. I must have let my feelings show since he immediately asked me what was wrong.

  “Did you tell people that we’re dating?”

  He looked surprised for a second but played it off. “I may have mentioned our date to a few of the guys, why?”

  I was really trying to remain calm so I counted to three before replying. One-two-three. “I wasn’t aware that it was a serious date, or that we’re together now.” Well there was no way I could hold back the sarcasm. Oh well! I tried.

  He got defensive, as if he was the innocent one in this. “I never said that. I just told them we went out. I can’t control what other people think, but I didn’t make it seem like it was a big deal.”

  I didn’t want to fight with him. He was the first friend I made at the school, and I didn’t want to lose him already. “Alright, I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page. Just friends right?”

  He laughed like it was the first time a girl has said that to him. “Of course. I have enough other girls giving me drama. I like us just being friends.”

  “Good because I need your help.”

  He signed dramatically as if I was such an inconvenience. “What now?”

  “I want to ask Luke Keller to the formal, but I don’t know if he already has a date, or someone he’s interested in.” I waited for his reaction and he seemed unfazed.