New Hobby (Stallion and Beck )

[ghostsprincess]

I had spent a long day in the swamps, the mud and grim sticking to my long legs but thankfully starting to flake and fall off as I strolled down the path to the Costello's house. Earlier that week I had gotten an order from a boy named Stallion for several pounds of crawfish and a gallon of shucked freshwater oysters. I knew that they were for a party of some kind, so I had made sure to clean all the catch up as best I could in the tide pools on the way there; this was to give them a lighter flavor and get rid of some of the grit from the swamp, as well as to make the seafood more aesthetically pleasing. Once they had been cleaned, I had bagged the crawfish carefully in a new net to keep them clean and then placed the oysters in a large plastic jug; both of which were the slid down into a roll around cooler to keep them fresh. After that was completed I started to travel again and watching the sunset off to my left as I strolled along. My mind was wondering as to whether they wanted me to stay or not; if I delivered to parties or sometimes even the restaurants would offer me dinner in addition to the regular price of the seafood. I wasnt to concerned about it, but I always hoped to get a free meal out of the day's work. It was always better to eat and laugh with the people I knew; rather than going home and eating alone. I got snapped out of my thoughts as I spotted a flash of movement down towards the water.It was a simple seal, moving along the beach, but it brought a smile to my face as I had always loved the playful creatures.Then soon after that I was on the wrap around porch of the Costello's house,knocking on the door. I knew that I was half a mess by this point; sand and dirt covering my bare feet and lower legs and my rolled up pants soaked to my thighs from the brackish water. But I had an easy smile on my face and knew I could always wash up and dry off if I was asked, so now I was waiting on someone to answer and leaning my tall frame back against the handle of the cooler

[Knuckles]

With the weather starting to warm up, it's almost time for hitting the beach for a wonderful season of surfing with the trout. My eyes glance across the hall looking at the board sitting against the wall waiting for the moment my feet stand upon it riding the waves high and proud. My feet carry me across the floor through the kitchen picking up a rag off the counter top before moving on to the board. It's important to keep it clean and well buffed so when the moment comes, I can run through the door with my board held high over my head. My parents never missed a day at the beach when the weather was good, and I won't miss a day either. I grab the board from the wall and sit down in the floor rubbing the rag all over the top making sure it's smooth with no blemish or anything. Tomorrow I'll hit the waves. A large grin spreads wide across my face not caring who sees me because my entire life is built on being at the water with the sea animals. The board flops down in my lap moving around gently as my hand runs along all sides of it.

A knock on the door causes me gaze to flow into the sky wondering who could possibly be here right now. It just doesn't make sense, really, because nobody ever comes here when I'm here alone. I scoot the board off my lap before tossing the rag over my shoulder. I run a hand through my hair like I'm brushing it, yet all I'm doing is making it bushier. My eyes glance at my reflection as my feet carry me in front of a window. My white short sleeve shirt is worn nearly stained as it's my cleaning shirt- the only one I'll buff my board in. My shorts sit at the top of my knees showing my well formed legs. I reach the door and look outside and find a guy standing with a cooler. What is he doing here? My chin drops to the ground. I forgot about making an order for a party. I forgot it was supposed to arrive today, and here it is standing before me. "Oh, hi." My voice is quiet not wanting anyone to hear. "I'm sorry I kept you waiting." I place a grin on my face before looking at the cooler, and my stomach growls begging for the fresh seafood.

[ghostsprincess]

    I chuckle softly at his expression before asking "Where's the party?" I knew it wouldnt be just him eating, since there was so much food; but I also knew that there were no other people in the house at the moment. When I walked up, I simply thought they were relaxing in the kitchen or living room as I small thing; but clearly there was no one else there.Though hearing his stomach rumbling I then add in a light chuckling tone "Or are you just as hungry as I am?" I was normally good with people and so the lack of others didnt bother me. 
    Now that I had stretched out my tall frame from leaning on the handle of the cooler,I coudnt help but notice the surf board behind him on the table, and the sticky sweet smell of the resin in the buffing wax.Surfing had never really interested me before, as I spent most of my time inland.Although I did have a lot of friends that surfed regularly.I was a bit curious, my hazel eyes now tracing over the smooth, clean lines of the board and then back to Stallion. He looked slightly muscular, so i figured that a new hobby could help put a little meat on my thin frame. My thoughts now went to how I could get to talking to him and see if he could teach me. I knew that if he were to teach me how, I could bypass getting laughed at before I went and surfed with my other friends. 

[Knuckles]

My hand rubs over top of my stomach in attempt to hide the loud rumbling coming inside. My grin grows from ear to ear. "Well, it's just me for now anyway." I chuckle slightly wondering what's possibly going to happen. Here's a guy standing before me with all kinds of seafood meant for a party, but no party will be happening. This seafood will be kept for a long time giving me time to eat alone, away from everyone. It's a perfect moment knowing what all is possible. "Pretty hungry myself. Been busy this morning eating isn't exactly on my mind." I look around wondering where my family could be. They aren't my biological family, but they are all I have. Ever since I've been young, they've adopted me into the family. It's really truly awesome, but it'll never replace the feeling left inside the moment my parents went away forever. While it's nice to be here, alone without anyone bothering me, it's still nice to know there's someone in my life to care about me. Maybe I can save the food for later and ask them if they want to eat it with me. It's only five of us, but we can have our own little party.

I look at him, and it's like he's looking through me. My head cocks slightly towards the side wondering what he could possibly be staring at- it's rude to stare, at least, that's what my mom always said. "Thanks for bringing all the food. I- I uh, didn't except it this soon." The words aren't much, but it's better than letting him walk away without anything. My hand rummages through my pocket before turning in the direction he's staring. My eyes lock with my surfboard laying neatly on the table, and my grin grows larger. I stand around while people ask me how I can afford such a thing. It was hand crafted by a really good friend. Every year before the first big surf, I always clean it making sure it's ready for use. The last thing I want is to lose my footing and slide into the ocean trapped beneath the weaves. Oh, you surf too?" It's impossible to hide the excitement growing in my voice as my gaze turns back towards him. Oh, I'm Stallion, by the way." I hold out a hand in front of me hoping he won't leave me hanging. "And it's nice to meet you."

[ghostsprincess]

    As he mentions he didnt expect it so soon, I couldnt help but grin before adding "Well I try to get the orders in within the week theyre placed." This much had built up part of my reputation and I couldnt help but be proud of what I had to offer. But then I practically go big eyed as I really see the splendor of the surf board behind him; I couldnt tell what kind of wood it was, but it shone like gold and now I could make out the swirls of some sort of tribal design ontop of it. I knew it had to be very,very expensive and now it was no wonder that he had spent so much time waxing and polishing it.
    His words snapped me back into focus on him as he asks if I surf; after shaking my head I give the simple response " No... But I think you might be able to help that ?" I had thought he was a decent surfer, but now with that expensive board, I knew he had to be committed. Then as he says his name was Stallion a little thought clicked in my head, I had heard or met him before somewhere. But without question, I hold my hand out to shake his as I say " Nice to meet you too. My name's Beck." Now I was thinking to how I could work out this whole surfing thing. The thought came up to keep delivering him food and things, but since he seemed to be eating alone; I didnt think that would be the best of plans. So next, in t rying to keep him talking while I form a plan I ask " You want me to come in and help you unload it all?" then bending to finish flaking off the mud and grime from my lower legs and feet

[Knuckles]

One way to gain a reputation is getting something done in a nice and timely manner, and I must hand it to Beck, he's done a fantastic job at making sure my order is prepared. Yeah, I wasn't sure it would be here so soon, but the way it's here now sitting in front of me only causes my stomach to rumble more. Yet the more I look at the food, the more I catch him glaring at my board like it's some piece of art waiting for someone to use. It feels nice when someone shakes my hand in a welcoming manner, but at the same time, the way he's moving makes me suspicious of his motives. It's very rare anyone stares at my board as long as he has- maybe he's planning a way to snatch and run. Then he asks if I could help him learn to surf. My heart leaps inside my chest threatening to bust through the walls. My mom and dad taught me to surf at a young age, but nevertheless, I look at him with a huge grin fighting to keep myself looking good, and strong. "Well, I can try I suppose." I've never taught anyone to surf in my entire life, but it's always worth a shot.

I take a deep breath looking around before looking back at coolers holding the yummy seafood waiting to be devoured falling into my stomach forever. "I see you looking at my board. Tomorrow's a good first surf day of the season. I always take a day before the surf to polish it, and clean it. Gotta make sure it's safe." It's hard to believe that the surf season is in place. It seems like forever since my parents taught me how to surf, and they taught me everything I know about the water, well, not everything, but a lot. If it wasn't for the Costello's, I wouldn't be here. He offers to help carry the food indoors, and seeing as there appears to be a lot of seafood placed before me, it wouldn't be beneficial to decline. "Yeah, I can use some help. Just be careful inside as it's not my house. I don't want to mess anything up." I lean forward picking up one of the coolers before pointing my hand leading towards the kitchen. "Just set it down on the counters, and I can always put it up later." My feet carry me through the door before turning quickly keeping him in my site as he is a stranger in my eyes.

[ghostsprincess]

     I couldnt help but chuckle slightly as the large grin that was spreading over his face, but I saw a shade of something else once I mentioned surfing. Maybe he didnt want to teach me after all; it wouldnt be the end of the world, but it still would have been nice. So as I see the shade of sadness fade I smile and nod before adding in a light tone "Trying counts in my book." shrugging slightly as I study his reaction. I made sure to tread lightly now and stay on his good side. As I was studying his board however, I couldnt help but notice that he was looking at me oddly, so then I shift my focus back onto him.
    Then as he starts talking about surfing I try and soak it all up as best I could, knowing I would need to take this into account a little later on. I always tried to listen to people and read what they were feeling, to most it made me seem more endearing and friendly but really; it was to keep them from thinking badly of me. So now as I take the other cooler inside I was sure to stay well behind Stallion and then gingerly place the cooler onto the counter. Another precaution I had taken was to clean my feet on the mat and make sure no dirt would be tracked onto the tiled floors.
    However, one thing I couldnt ignore and obey my rules with was the ruin of good seafood; if the oysters didnt get cold soon he might run the risk of flirting with red tide and that was never a good thing. So I start once he had finished his sentence " Uhm , you might want to go ahead and put these in the fridge... The cold pack has been with me all day and I would hate for all this to go to waste." I didnt mean to push him one way or another, but seafood was one thing I knew and I'd be damned if all of this went to waste over a little time talking over a hobby.

[Knuckles]

Living here is my home- I've known nothing else. My hands move around carrying the cooler into the house as my eyes continue following the guy as he stares constantly at my board. Yeah, surfing is more than a hobby for me; it's a way to keep my parents alive. The first moment my feet stood on the board without falling head first into the waves was one of the best days of my life. "I did it mommy! I did it daddy! I did it! I did it! I did it!" It's truly amazing remembering how they looked at me with joy in their eyes. Everything was perfect, and I believe if they would have let me go to the beach with them on that horrible day, that I wouldn't be here today with a person wanting me to teach him to surf.

I'm about to place the food on a counter when he speaks up saying it would be best to put the food in the refrigerator, and he's right. I hadn't thought about how long he'd been outside using the same cooling pack until now, and it's obvious he doesn't want me to lose all the seafood he's brought here. "Yeah, I never thought about that." My hand reaches towards the refrigerator door opening it slowly before looking at all the food sitting inside that'll probably never be eaten. "Uh, yeah, just sit the stuff on the bottom shelf. It'll keep them cold until I'm ready for dinner." I slowly start placing the oysters one by one on the shelf. Mom liked these. Dad liked these. I just hope they last forever. I look over at him wondering why he's wanting to surf, but it's something I'll never know as surfing is all I know.

"So you're interested in surfing?" I ask trying to keep a conversation going. It's been a while since I've stopped and talked to anyone especially about something I enjoy, surfing. Nobody ever really pays attention to my odd hobbies because I surf with the intentions of one day finding my parents. It's been so long since they left, but some part of me hopes they're alive. They're dead. It's been too long since the accident. They're gone. I take a deep breath before turning away momentarily looking at the board. "I'm sure we can find you a board somewhere for starters. This one belonged to my father. It hold a very special place in my heart."

[ghostsprincess]

     I could see more hidden emotion flashing behind Stallions eyes as we walk into the house and it finally clicks where I had remembered his face from, although it was from a friend of a friend, I remembered him form the stories that had been passed around. His parents had dissapeared surfing and this board was the only thing besides him that had washed up. It didnt looked banged up, and it was a miracle this much made it through.Now I finally peel my eyes off from the beautiful board to look back at him as we unload the food into the fridge.
    As I stacked in the small containers of craw fish I couldnt help but notice all the food in there that hadnt been touched. It seemed off to me as to why he would have all this food, for just him and none of it seeming even picked at. I knew something was a little off here, but I just let it slide for the moment and focused on evenly spacing the food so it would cool down evenly and not take the chance of icing over and ruining the tender meant inside.
    Now I was able to focus back on him and then reply to his question " Well, I thought a new hobby might be nice...I dont have much else to do besides work." giving him another easy shrug. I was trying to keep the mood light for this first meeting and  make some small talk. However, once he mentioned the board, I realized I didnt even have a board to start with. I couldnt help but laugh a bit at myself before looking over at him and replying " I just realized I've never even looked at buying a board before... I guess I jumped the gun a bit."

[Knuckles]

With all the food in the refrigerator, I can finally rest a bit. It's been a long day, and it's just growing longer. All I wanted was to spend the day making sure my board was ready for the surf tomorrow. I take a deep breath before looking around. The house is so empty today, I have no idea where Magnus or anyone is really. Maybe I could spend the day swimming towards the reef where my parents were last seen alive, but it wouldn't do anything. It wouldn't bring them back- they're gone, gone forever. I sigh looking around the house wiping my hands off on my shorts. "Thanks for the help." It's few words, but this guy is making me nervous. The way he keeps staring at my board, and then looking at me; something's up, and I'm not sure I like it.

It's fun having hobbies, yet surfing is more than a hobby. It's a masterpiece waiting for performance. The audience glares at the waves wondering what each surfer will do. Sometimes, I watch as many beginners fall into the water head first as they haven't had much training, and others are extremely awesome making the waves look like nothing. I love thinking that I'm one of the better ones as I've been surfing since the age of four. I'm usually one of those falling face first into the water when I was younger, but not that I'm older, surfing is easy. It's natural running through my veins. "Yeah, it's nice having hobbies. I find it a nice stress reliever while riding the waves." That's when he laughs about not having a board and jumping too far ahead.

"There's many places around to find a board. Some or cheap, and others are quite expensive. It really depends on what you're looking for. This surfboard belonged my father as I mentioned before. Nothing in the world would ever buy this board. It's priceless. There's a couple shops that sell them, or you can always craft your own- which I don't recommend as it takes a lot of work." It's nice knowing about something other people want to know about. I could stand here for hours boring Beck with history of how this surfboard is amazing, and how some are better than others. People I've met, don't seem to realize that though, so I just let it slide.

[ghostsprincess]

    I kept seeing him glance around and then getting nervous, so I leave a little space cushion between us to keep sure that he didnt get to nervous and mess up this whole thing. So now I make sure to train my eyes on his own, only politely looking away every now and then. I had learned this little technique from when I was still living with my father it seemed to keep from being so hard and harsh with me. At this time I didnt know it make me look like a kicked puppy, but it always seemed to help with keeping people calm and not upset.
    So as he was explaining about the different kinds of boards, I made sure to keep my eyes off of it now.Soon I nod and reply " Yeah, I think I'd just start with something cheap."However, I couldnt help but smile as he mentions the board again.It was truly beautiful, with shining dark wood and yet the paint was still bright and didnt seem to be affected by the lacquer or wax on it. I always wanted to know more and different things about ,well everything. Now I could see that there was another little spark in his eye and I knew he could have just dived into the subject, so then I ask " Is there anything I should know when I go buy one? Money isnt a huge deal, but I dont want to buy something I dont need."

[Knuckles]

With a quick motion, I shut the door to the refrigerator. I don't want anything getting ruined by keeping the door open so long since he desperately wanted me to put the food in so it wouldn't ruin outside. I've never been one asking for help, but he offered. I prefer doing things by myself because it makes life go smoother if you ask me. Slowly, my feet carry me towards my board with a huge grin plastered against my face spreading from ear to ear. I'm living in my father's footsteps because it's all he knew. He taught me, and I'm going to teach someone else. I look through the hall my eyes bouncing from door to door wondering if it's a good idea to give this person I just met a board of my own. I've gone through many boards before finally returning to my father's home where this one was. I figured he'd want me to have it since I'm his only child and will always be his only child.

My eyes stop on the door belonging to my room where many surfboards rest in my closet from all the use. I've never dreamed of giving them away, but it's the least I can do for the guy for all the help he's given me when he didn't have to. I run my hand along my chin before looking back at him with a huge grin. "Just start small. Not too small, of course, but nothing too big." It's the words my father always told me. He loved teaching me, and I'm going to pass my love for surfing onto another dude. He'll be a cool surfer dude like me one day. "Hey, I'll be right back. Just, stay here and don't touch anything." My eyes glance at my surf board wondering if he understands what I mean. "I'll only be gone a moment, I promise." My eyes look around wondering when the others will return home as I'm not sure if they'd be pleased I've invited a guy into the house.

I turn away from the table before walking down the hall. My hand pushes the door to my room open before closing it behind me. My feet carry me over towards my closet where my clothes should be, but I've placed everyone of my boards there. I look through them before grabbing one I think Beck would like. I move over to my drawers and grab a long black sheet out from inside and cover the board with it- just like a present. If he's got any sense about him, he'll figure out what it is before I give it to him. I walk out of my room and walk back into the kitchen with the board, covered, hidden behind my back. My grin spreads larger than it's been in such a while. It'll be nice giving to someone ask my father gave to me. I take a deep breath before moving to the center of the kitchen. I hold the board out in front of me. "Here, for you."

[ghostsprincess]

     I step back from the fridge as he shuts it ,taking one more glance at the beautiful board resting on the table. It's gleaming surface kept drawing my attention, and it was well deserved at that.However, now he seems a little preoccupied and thinking on to something else. I keep seeing his eyes traveling down the adjacent hall to where the bedrooms of the house seemed to be. It was a rather beautiful house, with light but easy to look at blues, greens, and light oak wood decorating it. I got a bit distracted as I traced my eyes over the delicate moldings and intricately carved doors; no doubt this house had been expensive when it was new. Although it was now old, it was still stunning at all the simple details put into it.

    I get my focus back on him again as he speaks, then nodding" So it needs to be medium sized ?" now try to figure out just where I was going to get the board from when I see him start towards the hall he had been looking down.Then hearing not to touch anything, I put my hands into my pockets again, not wanting to seem incriminating as I watch what he was doing.I then wait patiently for him, wondering what he could have possibly been doing. However, as soon as I see him come out with something behind his back that was draped in black. But as soon as I saw it come from behind his back, my eyes widen and my jaw drops. I knew it had to be a surf board now; no one had ever given me something like that. A good board was very very expensive and I knew even a basic one wouldnt be cheap. Then I hold my hands out and shake my head, a little awestruck " I-I cant take this... It's to much." my eyes now looking to see what he could possibly have been thinking, giving a board to someone he had known for less than an hour.

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[Knuckles]

It seems people don't understand my intentions at time especially looking at a nearly full refrigerator with hardly anything touched. I'm usually out so eating at home is a rarity, yet sometimes it does happen. Most of the time my feet carry me along the piers watching for the perfect waves during the late nights, or sitting with my feet in the water yearning for the return of my parents. I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to them, and the thought haunts my every dream, but life goes on, and it's up to me to live my life in a way it would bring honor and respect to them. It's what they would want, and it's how I try to live; however, a day doesn't go by without them on my mind as I constantly think about what I could have done differently to keep them alive.

It's nice doing something for people, for example, Beck bringing me all this food. I only eat a bite every now and then, but people will understand eventually. I live here with my family- they aren't really my family, but they are my family as I've lived with them for so long they've literally become my family, and the moment I see his facial expression about the board my eyes widen with excitement. There's nothing really special about the board, and it's been sitting in the closet for a long time as dust caked the surface. But he says he can't take it, and my eyes drop to the floor. My heart leaps out of my chest dropping into my stomach like a ton of bricks just fell on top of me. Most boards aren't cheap, but this one wasn't nothing much. It was a cheap board I bought when my father's was in the shop being fixed after it was broken.

I turn my gaze back up towards him contemplating a word or anything to tell him. I know it's weird offering a board to him, but maybe he can just borrow it. A grin spreads wide across my face as a light turns on inside my skull. "You don't have to keep it. You can just use it until you find one of your own." It's not the best board around, but it's definitely done it's time over and over again. It's allowed me the chance to live life on the waves when my other board wouldn't allow it. "Surf season starts tomorrow, and it's hard to find a board in the shops the first few days of the season as it's swarming with avid surfers. It'll die down in about a week."

[ghostsprincess]

     

---

    When I saw his facial expression drop, now shifting on my feet again when I see how much it had really hurt him. My hand then goes to curl around the hem of my tattered shirt and pick at it slightly. I did this when upset,  and since this shirt was old, it's bottom edge was sightly torn and worn thin now.Feeling bad for what I said, I rest the end of the board on my to e as I add in a gentle tone " I-I didnt mean it like that, Stallion...It's just that I know boards are expensive and I didnt think you'd like to just give it away." the black sheet now resting in my free hand  and still rubbing my shirt as I look up at him again. I really hadnt meant to be rude, and now I felt horrible when I saw his expression again and his speechless pause; but of course this was before he was able to speak again.  

    Now hearing that I could just use it, it put me at ease again. I never liked taking gifts from others; and they had been liberally offered in my line of work. The most I usually took was a free meal , but this was different, I felt indebted to Stallion now. I knew that the whole thing he was saying about surf season and the shops being crowded was to make me feel better. This ended up happening to me quite a lot as I tended to have a rather weak spine when it came to dealing with men. Children and women usually didnt make me do this, but I was always sure to be extra gentle and caring with both of these groups; not that I was even remotely aggressive with the guys either.

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