Dani
I was having a blast surfing with everyone, happier than I've ever felt. It didn't matter to me that I bailed out a few times, everyone was caught up in the aura of joy and fun we were having. Kendall and I even surfed through the waves underwater a few times.
It felt like a cliche version of surfing like Lilo & Stitch, even though stitch was a make-believe alien.
"Can you watch my board? I'm going to go with Gen for a round," I ask of Kendall as I attempt to hop onto her board without tipping her over.
"Go for it."
"Be right back!" I call back to the group. both of us kneeling on the board, Gen in front of me. "Ok, this is going to be awkward, but try paddling with your arms even though you can't lay down this time. We're going to try something."
"I was going to ask, how are we going to surf on the same board?" she turns her head but begins trying to paddle.
"I just want to make sure you have a surfing experience at least once this Malibu trip. Once we turn around and begin swimming away from the wave, you're going to stay kneeling up at the front of the board while I steer from the back," I answer.
"Ok, this is going to be interesting!"
Yeah, it will be.
James
"Look at them, hopefully they won't topple over. At this point, it'll really hurt if they lose their balance crashing into those waves," I say, talking to Kendall. Logan and Carlos helped take back Julie and Kendra after Kendra noticed Julie looking dehydrated. We were all going to go, but Julie assured us she just needed a little water and that they'd all be back in a little bit.
"Dani is better than you give her credit for," Kendall comments.
"How would you know?" I laugh back. "You don't necessarily know surfing, nonetheless much about her."
"I can't explain it," Kendall says, trying to put his explanation into a coherent idea. "There's just something about her that I can't get enough of. The way she smiles, her positivity, how it seems like she can conquer anything she sets her mind to. I don't know, man. I just feel gravitated towards her."
"It's cool man. I totally understand. I mean, look at me: I haven't been able to keep away from Gen. I'm actually jealous of Dani for thinking about being on the same board to help show her how to surf."
Silence envelopes the atmosphere around us as both Kendall and I are captivated watching the two girls surf the wave. Dani has a look of concentration while still enjoying herself while Gen is caught between holding onto the board for dear life and exhilaration as waves spray mists of water around them both. I watch with admiration as I notice Gen calming herself as they surf down the wave, actually releasing one of her hands to glide against the wave cocooning them.
"WOO HOO!" I heard escape from Gen's mouth, earning a huge smile from Dani.
"They're doing it! Dani managed to take her on the wave!" I announce with delight to Kendall. "Oh my God." I was at a loss for words.
"That's crazy awesome! Didn't I just tell you they have a mindset of achieving what they set their minds to?" Kendall expresses, a look of enchantment on his face.
"Oh my GOODNESS! Is that Dani and Gen we just passed on that wave?"
I turn and find Kendra talking to me, followed by an impressed Logan and Carlos with Julie.
"Yeah, isn't that amazing? Gen looked so happy! I'm glad she was able to experience a wave," I reply.
"More than glad, I'm flabbergasted Dani managed to pull that off," Kendall adds.
"More like I will worship her," Carlos says.
"Here they come!" Julie cheers, whooping towards them.
A few moments later, Dani and Gen pull up next to Dani's board so Dani could return to hers.
"Wow, nice job!" Logan congratulates.
"That was intense! I was about to hold onto James' hand I was freaking out," Kendall exaggerates.
"I would have been upset if I missed that," Dani laughs, getting more comfortable on her board.
"I have to admit, I was very skeptical at first but I'm glad I ensured my trust in you because that moment could arguably have been the most excitement I've ever experienced!" Gen thanks Dani as she leans into me for a hug as much as her balance would allow.
"It was a Disney inspiration. No big deal," Dani modestly explains.
"Don't downplay it, that was awesome," Logan. "I might have to challenge you to something that crazy later this summer!"
"Are you sure you want to be beaten by a girl? It'll hurt your reputation, at least what's left," James teases.
"Ouch, brutal bro," Logan gasps.
"I wouldn't worry about it, Logan. Unless it involves surfing or something artistic, I probably won't win."
"Your artistic?" Carlos asks.
"I draw sometimes. Nothing much," Dani responds. Again, Dani being modest.
"Well before our stomachs die from overexertion surfing will cause us, what do you guys say to heading to a local restaurant?" James asks.
There was a unison of agreement among the small group and we make our way back to the beach.
"Is there a bathroom or changing room I could switch into my clothes in?" Dani asks, wiping herself down with her beach towel.
"I think there's one just over there," Carlos answers, pointing behind her at building.
"Sweet. Well I'll be right back then," Dani says, gathering the small amount of valuables she brought with her.
"Hold up, I'll go with you," Kendra waves to her. Both of them leave to change.
"We'll all just go quickly," Logan states.
It doesn't take the guys too long to change considering they just have to switch their shorts. Girls have to worry about switching into their clothes, quickly doing their hair, if they want make-up on, yotta yotta yotta.
The four of us wait outside for the girls, sitting on the benches.
"Please tell me we'll see them again," James drones.
"Already thinking about it," Kendall counters.
"We can discuss another time to meet up with them while eating lunch," Carlos says, looking hungry.
"What IS for lunch, anyway?" Logan asks.
"I'm up for anything, really. Maybe a sandwich shop? We could just ask the girls when they come out, whenever that will be," Kendall adds.
As if on cue, Dani comes out, brushing her hair, with the other three girls following her.
"Ready?" Gen asks us all together.
"Born ready," Carlos answers.
"Are you all okay with getting sandwiches for lunch?" Kendall asks, directing his gaze at Dani who also was looking at him.
"I would DIE for a sandwich right now! Surfing sucked the energy right out of me!" Gen exhaled.
"Maybe you lack energy because you don't normally surf..."Julie added, quietly at the end, unsure of whether to continue her line of thought.
"Anyway, let's go!" Dani continues, avoiding further possible dispute.
We find a vendor who sells more than sandwiches nearby and we all order something to eat.
Kendall grabs onto my shoulder and whispers in my ear, "bro, I'm going to pay for Dani. You covering Gen?"
"Yeah, I was already getting my money out," I laugh, pulling out my wallet. "I'll go tell the other guys the same to win Julie and Kendra over." I quietly pull aside the other two guys and the girls all thank us, as if they didn't expect it. Come on, it's what a gentlemen should do!
"Are you sure?" Gen asks me, a look of astonishment on her face. "You don't have to, you know."
"It'll be my pleasure. Anything for you," I say smiling. "Did you want something else? Anything to drink?" I suggest.
"Can I get an orange gatorade?" Gen asks hesitantly.
"Yea, no problem." I turn to the vendor to request the drink as well before paying.
"HOLY COW! Thank you so much!" she excitedly squeals, pulling me into a giant hug. I squeeze hug her back, glad she made the first move so I wouldn't have to explain why I was so into the hug. She pulled away a second later, a smile on her face, and I find myself feeling cheerless without her proximity, longing for another touch.
We all find a tree shading the ground we all sit under to eat our lunch. We joke about how well some of us surfed, as well as how poor others surfed, how beautiful it was outside and how perfect the day became to be.
I see Kendall all of a sudden stand up, I imagined in order to throw his garbage away.
"Hey, Dani? Could I talk to you for a sec?"
"Sure," Dani answers, not expecting a thing, as she gathers her garbage as well.
Kendall
We walk over to the garbage cans so we could throw the wrapping to the sandwiches away. Not the most romantic place. Should I direct us to a different scenery? I quickly look around to find a more glamorous area but notice Dani has already stopped to hear what I had to tell her. I guess it's as good of a place as any right now.
"It was really a mind-blowing day surfing again, but especially because I got to spend more time with you," I began, becoming nervous and end up putting my hands into my short pockets in hopes of relief. It's not working!
"Yeah I was looking forward to this ever since we made the plans!" She laughs, smiling widely.
"I really enjoyed being with you so I was wondering if, ugh, you," I pause, nerves racing, "wanted to go out with me again?" I blurt out the rest. Oh god. I sigh deeply, happy to get it out. Now I just have to worry about her answer! I wait for he response.
"Yeah," she whispers. "I mean, YES! I would LOVE to! I mean, ugh, that would be really cool," Dani says, trying to play it off at the end. I could care less, though. I LITERALLY have to restrain myself from lunging into a giant bear hug and twirling her around. But she said YES! I feel so blissful!
"Sweet! Ugh, did you want to go out for dinner or go see a movie? I wouldn't even mind surfing again!" I hum, not sure if I should be more direct with what we should do on a date.
"Would you mind dinner and a movie? That way I can interrogate you AND end the night watching a movie. It's really a win-win situation," Dani jokes.
"Interrogation, huh? Guessing by your tone of voice, I'm just going to have to stick through it," I laugh. "I would look forward to any interrogation given by you."
I see a slight blush on Dani's face, but it's cute. It shows a hint of emotion she doesn't mean to give, and I hope she doesn't mind opening up more. This interrogation will work wonders considering I plan on also asking a few questions.
"Saturday a good day for you?" I ask.
"Yeah, my first day of work isn't until monday," she says, twisting her hands together smiling up at me.
"YO! Kendizzle! What's taking so long?" Logan hollers over to us, resulting in everyone looking over at us and distracting Dani away from me. Way to go logan. Way. To. Go.
"I guess they're getting impatient so we should head on back. Want me to pick you up around five?"
"Yeah, I'll text you my apartment address!"
I casually put my arm around Dani's shoulder as we make our way back to the crowd. I thought I crossed a line and was inwardly beating myself up for pushing things until I feel Dani slip her hand back around my back as well.
Once back to our newly formed clique, Dani breaks away but I don't get phased because we can't hug forever. And I wasn't going to complain about it because I could tell that hug wouldn't be our last.