AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I love that kid. There is a forty-year-old confident man in there, who understands life isn’t just about vulnerabilities. Wise beyond his years.
“Cash did the best. As usual,” Jeremy says.
“Thanks, man.”
The two new residents of Hawaii have become fast friends. Jeremy is much quieter, but when he speaks I’ve noticed the other kids listen. He’s smart. Skinny or not, I see an attractive man in the future. He will fill out.
“Love the suit, Leilani. Is it one of yours?” Paula asks, admiring the orange and purple throwback print.
“I made it out of one of my dad’s baggies. Don’t you love it?”
“Nice. Oh. Here comes the girl I spotted watching us.” Then, leaning in, “Check out the man she’s with. That’s no dad bod. That’s some Hawaiian sugar there.”
Trying to casually glance in his direction, my eyes meet a smiling face. He lifts a chin in a silent hello. Is that for me? I look away in case it is not.
“He’s looking right at you,” my friend says under her breath. “Good body. Nice face. Thick hair. All boxes checked. At least the ones verifiable now.”
“This is Alana!” Ahn says, walking up and motioning for two of the kids to make room.
“Hi, Alana. Sit. You’re just in time for our wrap up.”
“Hi.”
All eyes are on the young girl, and she is not happy they are. Discomfort in the extreme.
“So, we are the Wave Riders,” Paula says, snapping her red bracelet. “And this is an introduction to the wonderful world of surfing, class.”
The blank stare is all the girl has to offer.
“You met Ahn, and I’m her mother Paula. Also the instructor. Let me go around the circle. This is Cash, Jeremy, Monica, and Henry. And this is our guest star and my best friend, Leilani.”
“Hi.”
The kids all say their hellos, some quieter than others, and she nods and sits beside Ahn as if she can disappear into the sand.
“Don’t worry, we won’t hold you to remembering,” Cash says. “It takes a few days.”
Alana tries not to make eye contact with any of us. But with kids, it isn’t necessary. They have a way of ignoring signs of discomfort and pulling whoever is new into their world.
“Okay. Let’s start. Cash, tell our guest about llano.”
“So we each say what the up and down of our morning was. You’ll catch on.”
“Doesn’t have to be about surfing,” I add.
The fear of having to participate is all over her adorable face, peeking out of a hood. She is going to be a doll when she gets past this awkward stage and grows into herself. All she has to do is get out of her own way and bear the slings and arrows of the age. It sounds so much easier, now that I am long past the battle.
“Don’t worry. You can just observe and enjoy,” I say.
Tight shoulders visibly relax.
“I’ll start,” Monica says, tucking legs beneath her.
“My down was the class ended too soon. But my up was that my mother could afford another lesson.”
“Your mom is so cool. I love her,” Paula says, touching Monica’s shoulder. “Now you, Cash.”
He is without question, the teen idol of the group. Just fifteen and a little ahead of the curve of adolescence. Already used to admiring glances. They are always recognizable. Not just to the girls either. The boys want to be him. He is likable and has an ease about him.
