The Pier, Part 3

I slipped into the car, but my arrival went unnoticed.

“Serena, you can’t just hit boys. Even if they hurt your feelings. You learned this  years ago! You use your words.”

Serena sighed. “You just don’t understand mom. He was flirting with Gwen! Boyfriends aren’t supposed to flirt with other girls.”

I smirked. Serena has a boyfriend in grade 6 and he’s already cheating on girls? Someone needs to teach that kid a lesson or two about girls. “Ser, what’s your boyfrie - sorry, EX boyfriend’s name?” 

“James. James Curtis.” 

No wonder.

“I guess cheating runs in the family. Remember Jesse, Serena?”

“Umm... oh,yeah! He was the blonde one”

I remembered that long, sandy blonde hair. Those sea green eyes. That freckle above his lip. He was a gorgeous guy. “Yeah that’s the one. He is James’ older brother. He cheated on me too. Its ok, there are other guys out there. Trust me, Ser, you could do waaaay better.”

“Good!” She replied enthusiastically, and we all laughed, including my mom. I glanced at the clock. 4:02. Crap. I’m meeting Reese at the beach at 4:15 and I need to get changed. I jumped out of the car and rushed upstairs. I carefully took off my outfit and put each piece away properly (I take very much pride in my room) and pulled on my favourite bikini, threw on a cut off t-shirt, and packed a beach bag. I pulled my hair into a high ponytail. With one quick glance in the mirror, I grabbed my board and dashed out the door. I pretty much live on the beach, Pier View North, so it wasn’t a far walk. 

As I walked towards the water, I smiled. Reese is my best friend and next door neighbor. I’ve known him since we were both 3 and we have been inseparable since. 

“Hey Reese” I said cheerfully.

“Averie! What’s up? How was your first day?” He hugged me. Woah. Someone got hot over the summer. I haven’t seen him for a month because his family took a trip to Australia. He has perfect white teeth that popped against his tanned skin. His hair is sort of long, and very dark brown. His eyes are the warmest chocolate brown. His body has a new toned,muscular feel and look, probably from surfing. As I buried my face in his chest, I took in his familiar scent. We broke away and chatted about school. Since he goes to an all boys school, St. Anthony’s Preparatory for Boys, I only get to see him when we meet everyday after school. 

“Oh crap! I left my board in the garage,” Reese said, “I’ll be right back.” And he ran off. I peeled off my shirt and coated myself in lotion. I had the perfect tan at the moment and didn’t want to mess it up. I pulled on my rash-guard, and double checked that my bikini was tied.

“You ready?” he asked.

“Yeah, brah” I giggled. He laughed along with me at my attempt at surfer slang.

We surfed for and hour, and he tried to help me with a new trick, Toes on the Nose. I fell. A lot. But surprisingly, Reese caught me every time. When we were finished, we dug our boards into the sand, and laid out to dry. We talked and talked. Thats what I love about Reese. It’s never awkward when were at a lack for words (which is hardly ever).  He had just said something funny, and we were laughing so hard we were almost in tears when my phone started ringing. Drop everything now, meet me in the pouring rain. Kiss me on the sidewalk, take away the pa- 

“Hello?”

It was my mom. “Hi, Honey. Dinner’s ready in ten so can you come back?”

“Sure mom. See you in five” I closed my phone. “I gotta go for dinner. Text me later?”

“Okay. Seeya, Av.” And he burrowed me into his chest again. 

“Bye Reese’s Pieces!” I smiled back as I made my way home. Wow he has changed sooo much. But is deep down the same Reese. Oh gosh, I know I can’t fall for him and risk our friendship, so why do I feel this way?