Chapter 11: Meet Astrid's Parents

Sam's POV

The next morning I headed over to the beach to catch some waves. I hadn't done so in awhile. I stood up, starting to actually surf after paddling and felt the wind blowing against my face yet the sun had its rays shining on my face, but not too bright. My feet and hands were covered in salt water and I felt alive again. My energy came out and I started surfing like I had before the FAYZ. My body just went through the movements as if it was like walking. This is my nature.

As I went back to shore, I saw a girl sitting on a towel, waiting. I knew it was Astrid. Her long, blond hair was away from her face thanks to the soft breeze that picked up.

"Hey babe," I said putting my board down. "How long have you been out here?"

She stood up and stretched. "Maybe ten minutes?"

"You should've done something so you didn't have to stay out here."

"It's fine, I like watching you surf." She smiled. "It comes easily to you, doesn't it?"

"Pretty much," I admitted. "Enough about surfing, though," I let our soft lips meet. Her arm went around my neck. I pulled away and smiled.

She kept my gaze evenly and smiled back. I love her smile; it makes me feel on top of the world. I slipped my arm around her waist and we started walking back to my house after I picked up my surf board. She let her head rest (sort of) on my shoulder. As we walked into town, we saw a few kids here and there, but mostly adults.

"I think it's time I meet your parents," I suggested.

"Why?"

"You've met my mother, and she loves you."

"Well, I don't know…" she was hesitant.

"Why are you hesitating?" I asked her.

We stopped walking and she looked down. "My mom want me to be with someone just like me: good grades and practically a genius. My dad doesn't care, as long as I'm okay."

I lifted her chin with my index finger and her eyes twinkled at me. "Astrid, I know I'm not like you. I get mostly B's and maybe one A, and I'm nowhere close to being a genius, but I'm sure your parents will accept me if they see how happy you are with me."

She gave me a small smile. "Okay, I guess."

I smiled. "Let's go."

Her house had been magically rebuilt when the FAYZ went down and food was restored.

We got to her porch and her hand pulled away from mine and she walked into her house. "Mom, Dad? I'm home." She said loudly?

"Is L.P. up yet?" I asked.

She nodded as her mother came into the room. She looked like an older version of Astrid, except she had short hair like a bob. "Astrid, where were you?" she asked. Then she noticed me and looked at me. I'm pretty sure she wasn't sure she liked me. "And who's your friend?"

"I was at the beach, Mom," Astrid explained as her voice got fragile. "Where's Dad?"

"Right here," a man appeared next to Astrid's mother. "Hi sweetheart," he greeted her.

"Hi Daddy," she childishly replied.

"Who's your friend?"

"I asked the same question," her mother said.

"Well," she started. "This is Sam Temple."

"The savior of the FAYZ?" her dad raised an eyebrow, impressed.

I nodded. "That's what they seem to call me these days."

"He's my boyfriend." She threw out.

There was an awkward silence while she let it sit.

Her father was the first to speak. "Well, congratulations."

"Thanks," Astrid and I both said at the same time.

"Interesting," her mother commented.

Yup, she definitely hated me.

"Mom," Astrid sighed.

"Why don't you and I talk outside while the ladies chat?" her father suggested.

I nodded and followed him into the backyard.

"I am very impressed by you, Sam Temple."

"Thank you, sir."

"Call me Robert," he told me warmly.

I like this guy. "Okay, Robert."

"How did you figure out it was a code 1-4?"

"My friends and I found a surveillance tape of the day, and we found out Little Pete caused the FAYZ, well part of it, at least." I explained. "After we figured that out, it was just a matter of time before we thought he could cause something else."

"Wow," Robert seemed blown away. He gave a small pause before continuing. "I would like to propose an offer. I know you are only 16, but in a few years, after getting all the education you need, how would you like to work for the nuclear plant? It seems like we could use a young man like you to carry out the plant's business."

I stood in shock. Did he really just ask me? "Well," I said. "I'd love too, actually! I'd like a job like that."

"Well then, after you get your college education in, we'll have a job waiting for you right here in Perdido Beach."

I smiled. "Thank you, Robert." I didn't exactly know what I was going to do after college, but I guess that was solved.

I hoped Astrid would stay in Perdido, too. I think I'm in love with her. Every time I see her, nothing else in the world matters, and when she's scared, I'm scared for her. In my times of trouble, I need her close to me, I need her. She's like the missing piece. I wasn't about to make it three months, I wanted to turn back as soon as I left, but I knew I had to find Caine and set him straight.

I'm back now and everything can get settled.