“Breathe.”
She did. Again.
“I’m going to be rational here,” Sofia said.
“Okay, yes. You’re the scientist.”
“And I’m your friend. I’ve known you since we were kids. Pipeline wasn’t your first wipeout, Ale. Remember when it nearly cracked your skull open? You walked away with a reef cut and no panic. What’s different this time?”
Another breath. “I was stuck. My arm was caught in the reef. I had to dislocate it, break it, do anything I could to get free. My lungs were burning, I was short of oxygen. And, I think that’s the difference. I’d never been trapped under before. Not like that.”
“But you freed yourself. Ale, you knew what to do. Because you’re a pro. You’ve trained your whole life for that moment. You saved your own life. Most people wouldn’t have. You trained wipeouts for years before Pipeline. You know what’s under the water. You’ve never been the problem. And the water has never been the problem. You know how to handle it.”
Tears streamed down her face as she looked out at the ocean, her safe space. Maybe Sofia was right. Maybe that was the root of it.
“Why the fuck do I pay a therapist when I have you?”
Sofia snorted. “Because she probably knows more about the brain than I do. But I have almost thirty years of best-friend training. And I know you. Just like you know me.”
“God, you’re making me cry.”
“Good. Crying’s good. I love crying.”
“And I love you,” she whispered. “Thank you for being my friend all these years.”
“Thank you for being mine, Ale.” A pause. “You will surf again. I know it. Just give yourself time. No rush. Be patient.”
“I’m not patient.”
“I know. But let’s try to be.”
They both chuckled, and Alejandra felt deeply blessed that life had brought Sofia into her path all those years ago in Conil. They’d been two tiny girls dragging boards bigger than their bodies. Sofia had tripped on her leash. Alejandra had helped her up. And they’d been helping each other ever since.
“So, how’s the baby mama doing?” Alejandra asked, drying her tears, and thinking about the idea that Sofia was about to become a mom and bring another human being into the world. A perfect mix of her and Ilias.
“Trying to focus on Salacia, because if I think about my organs moving to make space for a human being growing inside of me…well, I might freak out,” Sofia chuckled.
“If you put it like that, it sounds horrible.” Alejandra scrunched her nose.
“It’s just science, biology, the reality of how babies come to life.” Sofia sighed.
“But do you have morning sickness?”
“Not that much. Sometimes. Mom moved in with me in Ericeira for the time being. It gives her a mission,” Sofia announced.
“And how do you feel about it?”
“It’s actually been pretty good. You know? She spends her days at the beach, then around town, takes care of the house and I have food in the fridge when I come home. I mean, it’s good.”
“How is she doing?” Alejandra asked softly. Maria had always been a very independent woman, disgustingly in love with her late husband. After his passing, she had focused on her daughters and granddaughters, and she hoped that could save her.
“Sometimes I find her crying, but it’s alright. She says she prefers to cry.”
“Like mother, like daughter.” Alejandra chuckled.
“She’s pumped at the idea of another grandson or granddaughter, and she’s buying us stuff. We are planning to move to a bigger house and to spend the last semester in Bogliasco,” Sofia explained.
“Maybe I could join too.” Alejandra smiled. “Not that I have much to do besides recovering.”
