New Hobby (Stallion and Beck )

[Knuckles]

I nod my head as he finishes shopping. I walk over towards the counter where Mr. Harper is standing and waiting. He's smiling from ear to ear which makes me happy. Every time that I come here, he's always willing to help out especially whenever people are here looking for a board and all the items for the first time. I look over at Beck as he carries everything towards the counter. It's not going to be cheap to buy all this, but the meal he brought me wasn't cheap either. I can't imagine what it's like living every day in the swamps catching these fish. "Yeah. You can always get that later." I add. Not like I'm trying to force anything on him, but if that's what he wants to do, it's the best.

I look at Mr. Harper as he tallies everything together. I keep looking around at all the boards wondering if it's even possible for anything to be so amazing. There's a lot of board shops in the district, but so many of them will try to rip a person off if they don't know anything about surfing. As far as I know, Mr. Harper has never done that to anyone. He gives a price, and it's not as bad as I had been excepting considering all things. I guess it's where he knows me, and he's happy that I brought someone here instead of taking them elsewhere. I put my hands in my pocket before removing a bunch of money. I lay it on the counter and count it out for him. I had this in my pocket because I was going to pay for the fish and stuff with it, but this is a better idea.

"This is all yours." I point towards every item before looking at Beck.

[ghostsprincess]

---

   I couldnt help but grin slightly at all the new things I was getting. Normally I didnt buy much of anything, and this was like one big Christmas to me. So after I picked up everything I walked to the door and neatly packed it in the dry bag that was strapped to the handles on my cooler to make sure non of it got wet or dirty on the way back home. I usually was very careful with all of my equipment and this was going to be no exception. Eventhough I hadnt bought it , I knew it would be disrespectful to treat it carelessly. So then I carefully picked up the board before heading back to Mr. Harper, going to shake his hand " Thank you sir." then turning to repeat that and shake Stallions hand too. The entire time I still had a grin on my face, looking between them and the board balanced in my hands.

---

[Knuckles]

Watching him grin makes my day. It's not often that I see that happening. Knowing that his day has been made, and that he's about to find a new hobby brings a smile to my face. I lean against the counter watching as he gathers all his items and loads them up for transporting. I don't know if I'll ever see him again after this, but I know that everything that's happened here today has been for the better. He walks over towards me, and I shake his hand. Maybe I've even made a new friend today; it's hard to tell. I take a deep breath before turning to face Mr. Harper. He's smiling too. It'll never change anything, but it's definitely worth it today. "You made out well today." I look over at him knowing that this little meeting may be the last. I told him I'd teach him to surf, and all I can do is hope he'll want to keep that. I move away from the counter wanting to see if he needs any help because right now, it's the least I can do. "Would you like any help? And when would you like to learn to surf?" I don't want to swamp him in questions, but I'd at least like to know when I need to be prepared for lesson. I turn my gaze towards Mr. Harper and shake his hand. It's always a pleasure doing business with him. "I'm sure I'll be back soon."

[ghostsprincess]

---

I still couldnt wipe the grin off my face as I watch the two other men. I had thought Mr. Harper would just be another washed up surfer thats trying to live off the dream and then stuck himself in a dingy surf-shop. This was now resolved and I felt a little bad that I had jumped to such an assumption over nothing and a first glance again. Although after Stallion had questioned me, I pause a moment to take in the questions before replying simply "No, I can carry all this back home by myself." then adding " But Im not so sure about the lesson times."
     Mid-summer was the best time for fishing since the water was warm and hadnt dried up as it would have been in fall, and I hated to risk not going fishing and reducing my catch load. However, he was being kind enough as it was and I didnt want to push it, so I then add to make it less open ended " What time would be good for you? I cant come in the mornings, but maybe late or around this time?"  I set my nets in the mornings and checked traps around lunch so that would be a goner for sure. I was busy, but hopefully we could work it around our schedules; since I had no idea how much he did during the day.

[Knuckles]

I TRIED SO HARD AND GOT SO FAR
But in the end it doesn't even matter
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I stood there next to the counter watching as he went about his day. He said he didn't need help carrying the stuff home, which was perfectly fine with me, but he said he wasn't sure about the lessons. I usually enjoy some free time with my buddies in the mornings, but my favorite time to surf is at night when everyone else has gone to sleep. It gives me the chance to ride the waves all by myself. I can call home to my parents, and I can swim out to the last place. It's the best thing in life knowing that everything takes place. I nod when he says he can't do the lessons in the mornings. I want to teach him because he's my new friend, and I don't want to ruin it already.

"About this time of day works for me." It's the easiest decision I've ever made in my entire life. I take a deep breath before looking around one last time. Mr. Harper has definitely done his job today. He sold a board, and he has potential other sells coming in. A large grin spreads across my face. "When would you like to start?" The last is an important question. Tomorrow is the best day of the season, and I can't wait to pull the board out and ride the waves. Tomorrow would be a good time. This is the last question I have for our meeting today. It had been an amazing day, but I'm ready to go home and enjoy all the seafood that Beck brought to my house. I'll share it with my family because it's what we do.

WORD COUNT 278
STATUS finished
NOTES Would you like your next post to finish the thread and a new one start with the surfing lessons?
MUSIC In the End - Linkin Park
CREDIT MADE BY CC! OF CAUTION 2.0.

[ghostsprincess]

 

---

I smile and watch him as he thinks, just giving him some time before saying anything in response " I would like to start tomorrow maybe ?" I would have liked to start soon, and knowing I'd have to fit my schedule around it; it seemed that the sooner I started, the easier it would be to change. Now I was watching him once more, shifting and holding onto my board ,making sure not to bong it against anything so I wouldnt damage it. Even though I hadnt bought it, I surely didnt want to brake it before I even got it once in the water. I couldnt help but think the boards were sensitive, but knew it had to be pretty subtantial to hold up against the waves.
 
My next thought however, went back to work as it always did before; now I was thinking what parts of my day I could squeeze together to make this fit; I supposed I could simply get up a bit earlier and shift everything up , so I would have a couple hours to work with before dusk. After dropping off the food at Stallion's and shopping here, it was already getting rather dark, so I knew I would have to get going soon, to prepare for the next day , since I would be heading to be soon. I didnt mean to rush him, but listned for his answer as I shifted toward the door

[Knuckles]

I TRIED SO HARD AND GOT SO FAR
But in the end it doesn't even matter
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

He wanted to start tomorrow which was perfectly fine with me. It would be amazing. It would give me some time to go out in the morning and surf some by myself before the time to teach comes along. I've never been good at teaching, but I'll definitely give this a shot. Tomorrow is perfect since it's the best day to surf. The largest waves are always on the best days of surfing. I only hope that it doesn't rain, but that would make the waves ten times better. "Yeah tomorrow works good. Tomorrow at this time." I take a deep breath before looking around. A large grin spreads wide across my face. It's time to get this going. It's time to make sure that this guy learns the basics of surfing. It's an honor for me to be teaching him. I can't wait.

I wait a moment and watch as he moves closer to the door. I can tell he's ready to leave, and that's perfectly fine with me. He needs to go I reckon. Everyone has to go at some point. I inhale sharply and slowly let the breath out. Nothing will change the feeling going through me. Not only do I get to surf, but I get to teach someone else to surf. Noticing that he wants to leave, I make one last statement. "Alright. I'll see you at this time tomorrow." I smile and turn to face Mr. Harper. Today has been a good day, and I'm glad that someone is starting the amazing thrill of surfing.

WORD COUNT 262
STATUS finished
NOTES  
MUSIC In the End - Linkin Park
CREDIT MADE BY CC! OF CAUTION 2.0.

[ghostsprincess]

---

     I finally and politely slip away from Stallion; then heading along the beach walk once more toward the glimmer lights of town that lay ahead of me. Mr. Harper's surf shop was just a bit outside of the limits but, was still close enough to make good time between here and my apartment. So, soon my tired and dirty feet carried me into the top level over a small deli that I had first started selling to. I couldnt help but think about what tomorrow would hold; as I washed off a bit in the mud room before I was to climb the steps. After dumping the ice out of my cooler and leaving it to dry, I climbed the stairs , humming softly to myself. I knew that it would take a chunk of time away from my work, but everyone always said I needed a hobby to relax a little. I guess this could finally be the thing that got me off edge.
     
     The next day , I had accidentally came up about a half an hour late; after running my boat aground and having to make some repairs. The rest of the day was a rush and even now I hadn't had time to shower before going over to the Costello's. I had half a worry that Stallion had left without me, and so I had my swimming trunks on and was carrying my board as I jogged down the beach once more. Atleast from there I could spot him if he were already out on the water, and I hoped that the sand and water would help wash some of the dank swamp mud off of my legs and feet.

---

[Knuckles]

I TRIED SO HARD AND GOT SO FAR
But in the end it doesn't even matter
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

For a moment, I thought he wasn't going to show. I waited at my house for a while, but he didn't show up. I stayed inside making sure my board was perfect because it was the day of surfing. I wanted to make this fun, and I was prepared. I wasn't much of a teacher, but the first thing I wanted to work on was balance. Balance was a very important part of surfing because it keeps you standing up. A lot of people don't realize that surfing isn't as easy as it looks. My parents taught me at a young age, and there's times that the balance is off. I looked at the clock and realized that he was really late, but that was okay, and I hadn't even seen him walk in front of the house, so I decided to head down towards the beach. Maybe he went there.

The walk to the beach didn't take long, and I kept my board in my arms as a huge grin spread wide across my face. The sound of the waves crashing down on the beach was the sound I was wanting to hear all year. It's a perfect felling. The sand slides between the cracks of my toes as I move towards the ocean keeping my eyes peeled for him. There's a lot of people out, but I figured it would be easy to find him, but I guess I was wrong. I move over towards the water looking for anyone with a surf board, yet many people are taking on the waves. I placed my board in the water and swam out towards a little bit deeper water. Maybe he'd find me because I wasn't hard to miss as this board is very old fashioned.

WORD COUNT 297
STATUS finished
NOTESI thought since a lot of people would be out it was only right that Stallion didn't find Beck right away.
MUSIC In the End - Linkin Park
CREDIT MADE BY CC! OF CAUTION 2.0.

[ghostsprincess]

---

I had rushed the majority of the day to get here and was now struggling to find Stallion; the beaches were loaded with surfers and all in dark surfing shirts and wild colored shorts, it was hard to pick out who was who. I just kept jogging along, searching for the one old fashion long board I had seen him polishing and treating as if it was his own child. After another 15 minutes, I finally track him down, as he was paddling out into the water with a grin on his face. I decided to let him ride this one out and simply watch before I got in his way. I was amazed at how he was cutting and skimming over the water, the waves really ramping up now as it got darker and the tides came in; eating up the beach as it did.

   Watching him made me even more excited than before, it didnt look that hard and everyone out there looked as if they were having a good time. So soon I was holding my board and standing at the edge of the water, still panting slightly from running, but grinning and waiting on Stallion to arrive at the shore again. I was carrying my board and must have seemed like a child compared to the others there, but I was still grinning as the sea breeze pushes through my wavy blonde locks, even helping push the hair away so I can watch the other surfers put on a dazzling show on the rapidly darkening water.

---

[Knuckles]

I TRIED SO HARD AND GOT SO FAR
But in the end it doesn't even matter
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Surfing has always been an escape. It allows me to feel like I'm free for only a moment. The way the wind slashes across my face as the wave grows stronger, the water gliding underneath me like I'm in control. It's all amazing, yet nothing changes it. This wave is the first wave of the season for me. I'm swimming out towards it waiting for the perfect moment to ride. Other surfers line up further down the beach. The moment the wave starts for form, I swim out prepared to have the night of my life. I paddle hard against the water allowing myself to become one with the board. The moment I'm on the wave, I jump up on my board holding my arms out slicing through the water. This is perfect. It's the moment I've been waiting for. This is the moment that makes the surf worth it.

I watch as beginner surfers flip off their board, but they are enjoying themselves. Not a single person in the world could ruin this moment. I turn the board as the wave starts tunneling down. I want to go through it. I ride through the tunnel with a huge grin on my face. My parents would be proud of me. I take a deep breath as I arrive at the end of the wave. I lay back down on my board and paddle away towards the shore. I look around wondering if he showed up. I grab my board as I start walking through the beach. The sand sticks between my toes, but it doesn't bother me. Finally, I see him. My feet drag against the sand leaving a trail as I move over towards him hoping he's prepared to learn. For beginners, the hardest part is learning how to balance on the board. "Hey. You ready?"

WORD COUNT 307
STATUS finished
NOTES
MUSIC In the End - Linkin Park
CREDIT MADE BY CC! OF CAUTION 2.0.

[ghostsprincess]

---

   My eyes widen as I see him skimming across the water, it looked so easy, even though I knew it was far from it. The other surfers seemed to pale in comparison to Stallion as he starts to run into the barrel of the wave. I had still been standing on shore, but this made me want to get out there even sooner. It looked like he was having the time of his life, a grin spreading on his face as he gracefully skims across the top of the water; it soon slowly dissipated around him. Stallion didn't even fall and simply laid back down, unlike most of the others that fell off before that point. I wanted to be like that, it seemed graceful; but yet skilled and calculated enough to make it a challenge. I usually liked a challenge, but he seemed far, far out of my league in this whole surfing business.
  
   I was slightly worried about learning with Stallion now, he seemed so good and I knew I would be nothing in comparison to what he was seemingly so easily doing on the water. Once he was standing in front of me , I managed to swallow the fear and anxiety that was eating at my throat before nodding in response to his question and then saying with a little smile " As ready as I'll ever be." Then I notice something that made me lose concentration for a moment, smiling at the sight of it.

   Other surfers were heading out into the water with large buckets on the end of their surf boards, paddling slowly and then finally starting to dump them into the water. It looked like little plastic cubes with lights in it, making the water glow for a great stretch of the beach. I hadn't know this was going to be an all night event as it seemed to be turning into as I noticed more of the beach; rather than the little slivers that I got in, when running along it the first time. Fires were being set along the beach to provide even more light, and surely it would be much brighter along the beach once the sun fully set. It seemed all the other surfers were really starting to have a good time as the tide rolled in, making the waves boom even higher now.

---

[Knuckles]

I TRIED SO HARD AND GOT SO FAR
But in the end it doesn't even matter
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It's night out. I love the night especially when all the surfers are around. I've made some wonderful friends. This is amazing just knowing everything. Never once had I thought someone would want me to help him learn surfing. I've only been surfing for almost my entire life, and I believe that everything happens for a reason, but I can't figure out why my parents left. Why they died. Why they went away when I was so young, but I can thank the Costello's for taking me in. They are my family. My brothers and sister. I need them more than they could ever imagine.

"Well... What are you waiting for? The fun is about to begin." I point out towards the waves where the other surfers are having fun and taking out. A large grin spreads wide across my face because everything is perfect. I know my parents are looking down upon me smiling at me. I want to make them proud. That's all I live for is making them proud because without them nothing would be possible. "Night surfing is fun. A lot of people get out and have a blast. Start fires, and just have fun surfing. They even light up the waves." I pause for a moment looking around trying to find a half unused place to teach him.

"First things first. I'm going to teach you how to balance on the board."

WORD COUNT 297
STATUS finished
NOTES Oh my god... I'm so sorry this post took so long.
MUSIC In the End - Linkin Park
CREDIT MADE BY CC! OF CAUTION 2.0.

[ghostsprincess]

I nod with a smile, everyone seemed to be having the time of their lives out on the water and there was cheers and shouts sounding out over the light roar of the waves as some fo the better surfers started pulling tricks. I knew it would take lots of practice before I got to that level, but I was more than excited to start the process. When eh spoke, we were wading out in the water a bit and I carefully pushed the board out over the breakers, letting it rest in the water a moment before swinging one leg over it, kind of awkwardly sitting ontop of it with a leg on either side. I had done this many times on a flooded kayak that had been accidentally flipped, and felt semi comfortable in the slow rocking waves as I watched him. I half expected him to correct me first thing, so simply sat there and asked " Like this ?" 

[Knuckles]

I TRIED SO HARD AND GOT SO FAR
But in the end it doesn't even matter
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

He seems like a natural, like he has done this before, and for all I know, he has. But why would he want lessons from me if he's done this before? The world may never know. I can't help but smile from ear to ear. I feel like I'm at home right now. My parents are gone, but they are still living inside me. I can feel them talking to me every time I step foot into the ocean. I hope they are proud of me for helping someone master something they taught me at such a young age. "Yeah. Just like that." I wonder what the other surfers are thinking, but it doesn't matter. Nothing matters. What matters now is someone is learning the ways of the waves. It's amazing.

I sit down on my own board watching for a wave. It doesn't have to be a large wave, but even a small wave. Just one that's tiny. One that nobody else wants to ride. "The next part is paddling. It might sound weird, but there's actually a method to it." I wonder how he'll manage to do the first time. I just hope that after he falls he's able to get back up. I can't count how many times I fell off the board on this part throughout my many years of surfing. "I'll show you." I jump off the board, and I walk out until I'm waist deep in the water. I climb onto it, and I lay down. "You're going to want to cup your hands. It'll help with the pull." And I paddle out towards one of the smaller waves. I just hope he understands.

WORD COUNT 281
STATUS finished
NOTES 
MUSIC In the End - Linkin Park
CREDIT MADE BY CC! OF CAUTION 2.0.