Seized With Life – Chapter One: Endless Days Of A Childhood
It was Friday. The sun was shining as bright as ever and the town of Bahia Bay was alive with the sights and sounds of summer. Children's laughter echoed throughout the park as children ran about playing their games. The beach also had its fair share of patrons young and old alike. Some made sand sculptures while others thrashed about in the ocean and while others still simply lay in the sun trying to get the perfect tan. A wondrous bay breeze brought the sweet scent of the ocean up into the town and blanketed the area. The sky had a few white fluffy clouds floating through it but blue was the color of the day. It seemed to stretch on forever and looked a perfect reflection of the ocean water. On a high hill looking down Bahia Bay must have looked like a paradise. Its peaceful and beauteous exterior was matched evenly with the town folk all of whom were friendly people that made sure to keep Bahia Bay sparkling. The town had an undeniable charm to it. Those who visited instantly fell in love with it and those who lived there counted their blessings. Bahia Bay had possibly never looked better than on this particular day. It was a day to be remembered for years to come and locked away in people's hearts and minds. Taking in the beauty was young Tino Tonitini who was sitting on his front steps. He was gazing at the sky his face completely devoid of any emotions which was a very rare occurrence. As a matter of fact there had been only one other time where Tino looked like this. Tino's mom walked out from the house and looked at her son with concern. She put a hand on one of his shoulders trying to breathe life back into him.
"Tino, I'm sorry about this, but there is no other choice," she said quietly.
Tino didn't say a word and he didn't move a muscle. He didn't want to hear this. There was nothing that could comfort him. Tino just wanted to be left alone with his thoughts so he could try and get himself to understand the situation. The whole thing seemed so unfair. How could they change everything around on him? Why was he so powerless?
"I live one way for so many years and now they just go and change it all around on me. No one asked my opinion on this. No one is considering what I think, what I feel. I'm just an innocent bystander in all of this," Tino thought.
He looked down on the steps and saw a pebble. He picked it up and lightly tossed it up and down in his one hand. He continued to think about everything and with each passing moment he felt himself grow angrier. Eventually Tino actually trembled from his boiling emotions. He quickly stood up and hurled the pebble in his hand into the sky. Tino wanted to scream but he held his tongue and swallowed the scream back down. A bit of familiar chatter came from the corner of the street and Tino looked up to spot Tish, Carver, and Lor walking down the street. They were no doubt there to pick up Tino to head off to the pizza shop. The three greeted Tino cheerfully, but Tino responded with a sad wave of his hand. Seeing them there at this time killed Tino inside. Had this been any other day Tino would have been happy to see his friends and he would have joyfully run off with them. Tino once again looked down at his steps afraid that if he looked at his friends he might cry.
"What's the matter, T? You look pretty upset," Carver asked.
Tino wanted to answer but he feared how his response would come out. His friends looked at each other now worried themselves for Tino's sake.
"Tino, if something is bothering you then let's talk about it. Please tell us what's wrong," Tish pleaded.
Still Tino sat silently.
"C'mon, dude, we're your friends we want to help you. Just tell us what's up,' Lor added.
Tino could feel his throat trembling but the words he wanted just weren't there.
"Well, how about this? You tell us what's bothering you when you are ready and in the meantime we go grab a pizza. Things always look better over a pizza I always say," Carver said.
The two girls nodded in agreement with the suggestion.
"Sounds like a good plan, Carver. Let's go Tino," Tish said.
The group turned to leave but Tino finally spoke up.
"I can't go."
The words trembled a bit and were filled with both sadness and anger. Lor, Carver, and Tish looked at each other nervously hearing Tino's voice.
"Why can't you go?" Carver asked.
Tino finally looked up at his friends.
Mustering up everything he could, Tino said, "Because… I have to pack."
"Pack? Are you going on a vacation?" Lor asked.
"No," Tino said bluntly.
The others were a bit confused now.
"Well if you aren't going on a vacation, then what are you packing for?" Tish inquired.
Tino tried his hardest to keep his composure.
"I am packing because I am moving."
The words came slow and each one stung as it passed. Silence settled over the friends. No one knew what to say, no one knew what they could say.
Eventually Carver broke the silence asking the only thing that came to mind, "Where are you moving to?"
"I'm moving to Philadelphia to live with my Dad," Tino answered with anger and sadness in his voice.
The others were stunned. Not only was Tino moving away but he was moving clear across the country.
"When do you move?" Tish asked.
"Tomorrow," Tino answered.
"Tomorrow?!" The others gasped.
"But that's so soon. This means that today is the last day for all four of us to hang out. That's so unfair!" Lor lamented.
"I know, but I only found out myself late last night. I hate it. I don't really want to move and leave you guys, but I wish I had at least more time before I left."
"I can't believe it. This is the last day for us to be a group. I never thought this day would come so soon," Carver remarked.
The four friends were silent once again all contemplating exactly what this meant. Somehow the silence was deafening on Tino's small stoop.
Tish choked back a sob and tried to talk with her most positive voice, "Well then I guess we are just going to have the best time possible after Tino is done packing. I know we should all help so we get done quicker and have more free time to make this the best time ever."
Despite his current condition Tino smiled a little. He wanted to make his last day in Bahia Bay as good as possible not drag it down.
"Sounds like a good idea. Let's get to work then."
The others smiled a little as well happy that they would have one last fun filled day. The friends went to Tino's room and began sorting through the mess. They hadn't realized just how much Tino had nor did they realize how many memories and stories were connected with the items in his room. Every little thing seemed to be reminder of all the good times they had over the years. It felt like they were packing away their childhood for them to send away. It took a couple hours but eventually everything was packed and ready to go. The room was empty aside from the bed and the stack of boxes next to the door. The four friends looked at the emptiness around them.
"Wow. I don't think I've ever seen this room so clean. I never realized how large this room is either," Lor commented.
"Yeah, it's quite spacious once there is nothing in it. I wonder what my new room will be like," Tino said.
"Hopefully it'll be as nice as this one. I always liked this room. I mean you have to step up to reach your bed. How cool is that? Man, I'm gonna miss coming here," Carver mentioned.
"Yep, this room has been good to all of us. How many meetings and plans have been devised in here?" Tino remarked.
"Too many to count. I consider this room a home away from home. Why I think we've learned some of the most important lessons right here in this room. It feels weird knowing that this is the last time being in here," Tish said.
They all nodded and looked it over once more soaking up the last moments in that room.
"No sense in staying here. Let's go live it up one last time just like we always have," Tino said mustering a smile.
The four friends ran out of the house and headed to their one of their staple hang-outs, the ever changing pizza place. They shared a large pepperoni pizza with no toppings on Tish's part of course. Over the meal the friends shared even more stories of their childhood. They reminisced about Lor's multiple attempts at impressing Thomson, Tino's incessant obsessing, Tish's many bossy occasions, and Carver's numerous egotistical or overdramatic episodes. Even at such a young age they had enough stories to last them into the night. They walked back to Tino's house laughing and chiding each other about the past. However, once they arrived in front of Tino's house the laughter dwindled.
"So what time are you leaving tomorrow?" Carver asked.
"My flight takes off at noon so I'm leaving my here at 10:30," Tino answered.
"All right we'll make sure to be by to say our good byes then."
The four friends stared at each other in silence for a few moments.
"I enjoyed today. It felt like a fitting end for my time here in Bahia Bay. Thanks guys, I really had a good time," Tino commented his voice full of emotion.
"Hey, we always have a good time. We don't do things any other way, dude," Lor said.
"Yeah, you can always count on us. Plus, it's always good to finish on a high note," Tish added.
Tino smiled a little at them all.
"Thanks guys," he said softly.
"Well, it's time for us to be going. We'll see ya tomorrow, T. Later days," Carver said.
"Later day," Tino responded.
Carver chuckled a little and waved. Tino waved back and went inside to end the day. Once Tino was inside he went to his room and lay down on his bed. It felt so empty almost like it was going to swallow Tino up into nothingness. As he nodded off into sleep it really felt like he being sucked into a void falling away into darkness. In Tino's mind it felt quite pleasant all he needed to do there was float around. It was like swimming only easier. Tino enjoyed that peace and quiet and it made him feel at ease. The dream was shattered by a bird chirping loudly right outside Tino's window. Tino drearily opened his eyes realizing his few minutes of peace had actually been several hours of sleep. Today was the day.
"Morning already? That sleep went by too fast. I wanna do it again only have time go slower," Tino thought.
He rolled out of bed and cleaned himself up in the bathroom. He went back to his room and got dressed. Tino looked at the clock and saw that it read 9:30. He went to the kitchen where he found breakfast all ready for him. His mom was seated at the table drinking some type of tea. She followed Tino with her eyes and felt sorry for the boy.
Once Tino sat down she said to him, "It won't be so bad Tino. I'm truly sorry about this, but it'll be okay, honey."
Tino didn't respond he simply kept eating his food. Ms. Tonitini sighed.
"I guess I can't blame you for not talking with me. I just want you to know that I am sorry and that I love you."
Tino continued to eat but in between bites he muttered, "I know and I love you too."
Soon the time came for Tino to load his luggage in the car. As he started Tish, Lor, and Carver showed up.
"Here let us give you a hand with that," Carver offered.
The friends all grabbed the boxes and arranged them neatly in the car so nothing was being crushed or in danger of falling.
"There, that takes care of that. Now for the hard part," Tino remarked.
All four youths stood their silently not sure how to say good bye. Finally after having repressed her feelings since the day before Tish broke into tears and hugged Tino.
"This is so unfair! You can't leave! What are we going to do without you?"
Tino hugged her back.
"Don't worry. You'll survive. I know it's hard to deal with but it could be worse. The world could be coming to an end," He commented.
Tish let go of Tino but she still continued to cry. Lor stepped forward and gave Tino a bit of an awkward hug since she wasn't too used to something like this.
"It won't be the same without you, Tino. It's gonna suck."
Lor stepped away from Tino and now Carver came forward.
"What can I say? You're the bets friend a guy could have. I'm not sure what we'll do with you leaving. No matter what though, we're friends till the end even if you are on the other side of the country."
Tino nodded.
"Thanks guys. It means a lot to have you all here. I'm glad we are all friends. I've loved every moment of being with you guys, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Don't worry, I'll write to you and send you my new address and phone number. So now for one last time while I'm still right here, later days."
Tino waved and headed for the car. He turned back to his friends and waved once more. They all waved back and Tino could see tears in the eyes of Carver and Lor while Tish cried outright. Tino got in the car and waved to his friends till they were gone from his sight. He looked at the sky, it was a beautiful blue. The sun shone, the birds chirped happily, and the wind brought the smell of the bay to the town. Just like the day before Bahia Bay looked like a paradise. It was a slice of Heaven that had come down to Earth. Its beauteous charm stuck in Tino's mind like a dagger. He wanted to keep alive its beauty in his mind as he finally left that magnificent town.
As the car passed the town limits, Tino thought to himself, "Farewell."
End Of Chapter One
It was Friday. The sun was shining as bright as ever and the town of Bahia Bay was alive with the sights and sounds of summer. Children's laughter echoed throughout the park as children ran about playing their games. The beach also had its fair share of patrons young and old alike. Some made sand sculptures while others thrashed about in the ocean and while others still simply lay in the sun trying to get the perfect tan. A wondrous bay breeze brought the sweet scent of the ocean up into the town and blanketed the area. The sky had a few white fluffy clouds floating through it but blue was the color of the day. It seemed to stretch on forever and looked a perfect reflection of the ocean water. On a high hill looking down Bahia Bay must have looked like a paradise. Its peaceful and beauteous exterior was matched evenly with the town folk all of whom were friendly people that made sure to keep Bahia Bay sparkling. The town had an undeniable charm to it. Those who visited instantly fell in love with it and those who lived there counted their blessings. Bahia Bay had possibly never looked better than on this particular day. It was a day to be remembered for years to come and locked away in people's hearts and minds. Taking in the beauty was young Tino Tonitini who was sitting on his front steps. He was gazing at the sky his face completely devoid of any emotions which was a very rare occurrence. As a matter of fact there had been only one other time where Tino looked like this. Tino's mom walked out from the house and looked at her son with concern. She put a hand on one of his shoulders trying to breathe life back into him.
"Tino, I'm sorry about this, but there is no other choice," she said quietly.
Tino didn't say a word and he didn't move a muscle. He didn't want to hear this. There was nothing that could comfort him. Tino just wanted to be left alone with his thoughts so he could try and get himself to understand the situation. The whole thing seemed so unfair. How could they change everything around on him? Why was he so powerless?
"I live one way for so many years and now they just go and change it all around on me. No one asked my opinion on this. No one is considering what I think, what I feel. I'm just an innocent bystander in all of this," Tino thought.
He looked down on the steps and saw a pebble. He picked it up and lightly tossed it up and down in his one hand. He continued to think about everything and with each passing moment he felt himself grow angrier. Eventually Tino actually trembled from his boiling emotions. He quickly stood up and hurled the pebble in his hand into the sky. Tino wanted to scream but he held his tongue and swallowed the scream back down. A bit of familiar chatter came from the corner of the street and Tino looked up to spot Tish, Carver, and Lor walking down the street. They were no doubt there to pick up Tino to head off to the pizza shop. The three greeted Tino cheerfully, but Tino responded with a sad wave of his hand. Seeing them there at this time killed Tino inside. Had this been any other day Tino would have been happy to see his friends and he would have joyfully run off with them. Tino once again looked down at his steps afraid that if he looked at his friends he might cry.
"What's the matter, T? You look pretty upset," Carver asked.
Tino wanted to answer but he feared how his response would come out. His friends looked at each other now worried themselves for Tino's sake.
"Tino, if something is bothering you then let's talk about it. Please tell us what's wrong," Tish pleaded.
Still Tino sat silently.
"C'mon, dude, we're your friends we want to help you. Just tell us what's up,' Lor added.
Tino could feel his throat trembling but the words he wanted just weren't there.
"Well, how about this? You tell us what's bothering you when you are ready and in the meantime we go grab a pizza. Things always look better over a pizza I always say," Carver said.
The two girls nodded in agreement with the suggestion.
"Sounds like a good plan, Carver. Let's go Tino," Tish said.
The group turned to leave but Tino finally spoke up.
"I can't go."
The words trembled a bit and were filled with both sadness and anger. Lor, Carver, and Tish looked at each other nervously hearing Tino's voice.
"Why can't you go?" Carver asked.
Tino finally looked up at his friends.
Mustering up everything he could, Tino said, "Because… I have to pack."
"Pack? Are you going on a vacation?" Lor asked.
"No," Tino said bluntly.
The others were a bit confused now.
"Well if you aren't going on a vacation, then what are you packing for?" Tish inquired.
Tino tried his hardest to keep his composure.
"I am packing because I am moving."
The words came slow and each one stung as it passed. Silence settled over the friends. No one knew what to say, no one knew what they could say.
Eventually Carver broke the silence asking the only thing that came to mind, "Where are you moving to?"
"I'm moving to Philadelphia to live with my Dad," Tino answered with anger and sadness in his voice.
The others were stunned. Not only was Tino moving away but he was moving clear across the country.
"When do you move?" Tish asked.
"Tomorrow," Tino answered.
"Tomorrow?!" The others gasped.
"But that's so soon. This means that today is the last day for all four of us to hang out. That's so unfair!" Lor lamented.
"I know, but I only found out myself late last night. I hate it. I don't really want to move and leave you guys, but I wish I had at least more time before I left."
"I can't believe it. This is the last day for us to be a group. I never thought this day would come so soon," Carver remarked.
The four friends were silent once again all contemplating exactly what this meant. Somehow the silence was deafening on Tino's small stoop.
Tish choked back a sob and tried to talk with her most positive voice, "Well then I guess we are just going to have the best time possible after Tino is done packing. I know we should all help so we get done quicker and have more free time to make this the best time ever."
Despite his current condition Tino smiled a little. He wanted to make his last day in Bahia Bay as good as possible not drag it down.
"Sounds like a good idea. Let's get to work then."
The others smiled a little as well happy that they would have one last fun filled day. The friends went to Tino's room and began sorting through the mess. They hadn't realized just how much Tino had nor did they realize how many memories and stories were connected with the items in his room. Every little thing seemed to be reminder of all the good times they had over the years. It felt like they were packing away their childhood for them to send away. It took a couple hours but eventually everything was packed and ready to go. The room was empty aside from the bed and the stack of boxes next to the door. The four friends looked at the emptiness around them.
"Wow. I don't think I've ever seen this room so clean. I never realized how large this room is either," Lor commented.
"Yeah, it's quite spacious once there is nothing in it. I wonder what my new room will be like," Tino said.
"Hopefully it'll be as nice as this one. I always liked this room. I mean you have to step up to reach your bed. How cool is that? Man, I'm gonna miss coming here," Carver mentioned.
"Yep, this room has been good to all of us. How many meetings and plans have been devised in here?" Tino remarked.
"Too many to count. I consider this room a home away from home. Why I think we've learned some of the most important lessons right here in this room. It feels weird knowing that this is the last time being in here," Tish said.
They all nodded and looked it over once more soaking up the last moments in that room.
"No sense in staying here. Let's go live it up one last time just like we always have," Tino said mustering a smile.
The four friends ran out of the house and headed to their one of their staple hang-outs, the ever changing pizza place. They shared a large pepperoni pizza with no toppings on Tish's part of course. Over the meal the friends shared even more stories of their childhood. They reminisced about Lor's multiple attempts at impressing Thomson, Tino's incessant obsessing, Tish's many bossy occasions, and Carver's numerous egotistical or overdramatic episodes. Even at such a young age they had enough stories to last them into the night. They walked back to Tino's house laughing and chiding each other about the past. However, once they arrived in front of Tino's house the laughter dwindled.
"So what time are you leaving tomorrow?" Carver asked.
"My flight takes off at noon so I'm leaving my here at 10:30," Tino answered.
"All right we'll make sure to be by to say our good byes then."
The four friends stared at each other in silence for a few moments.
"I enjoyed today. It felt like a fitting end for my time here in Bahia Bay. Thanks guys, I really had a good time," Tino commented his voice full of emotion.
"Hey, we always have a good time. We don't do things any other way, dude," Lor said.
"Yeah, you can always count on us. Plus, it's always good to finish on a high note," Tish added.
Tino smiled a little at them all.
"Thanks guys," he said softly.
"Well, it's time for us to be going. We'll see ya tomorrow, T. Later days," Carver said.
"Later day," Tino responded.
Carver chuckled a little and waved. Tino waved back and went inside to end the day. Once Tino was inside he went to his room and lay down on his bed. It felt so empty almost like it was going to swallow Tino up into nothingness. As he nodded off into sleep it really felt like he being sucked into a void falling away into darkness. In Tino's mind it felt quite pleasant all he needed to do there was float around. It was like swimming only easier. Tino enjoyed that peace and quiet and it made him feel at ease. The dream was shattered by a bird chirping loudly right outside Tino's window. Tino drearily opened his eyes realizing his few minutes of peace had actually been several hours of sleep. Today was the day.
"Morning already? That sleep went by too fast. I wanna do it again only have time go slower," Tino thought.
He rolled out of bed and cleaned himself up in the bathroom. He went back to his room and got dressed. Tino looked at the clock and saw that it read 9:30. He went to the kitchen where he found breakfast all ready for him. His mom was seated at the table drinking some type of tea. She followed Tino with her eyes and felt sorry for the boy.
Once Tino sat down she said to him, "It won't be so bad Tino. I'm truly sorry about this, but it'll be okay, honey."
Tino didn't respond he simply kept eating his food. Ms. Tonitini sighed.
"I guess I can't blame you for not talking with me. I just want you to know that I am sorry and that I love you."
Tino continued to eat but in between bites he muttered, "I know and I love you too."
Soon the time came for Tino to load his luggage in the car. As he started Tish, Lor, and Carver showed up.
"Here let us give you a hand with that," Carver offered.
The friends all grabbed the boxes and arranged them neatly in the car so nothing was being crushed or in danger of falling.
"There, that takes care of that. Now for the hard part," Tino remarked.
All four youths stood their silently not sure how to say good bye. Finally after having repressed her feelings since the day before Tish broke into tears and hugged Tino.
"This is so unfair! You can't leave! What are we going to do without you?"
Tino hugged her back.
"Don't worry. You'll survive. I know it's hard to deal with but it could be worse. The world could be coming to an end," He commented.
Tish let go of Tino but she still continued to cry. Lor stepped forward and gave Tino a bit of an awkward hug since she wasn't too used to something like this.
"It won't be the same without you, Tino. It's gonna suck."
Lor stepped away from Tino and now Carver came forward.
"What can I say? You're the bets friend a guy could have. I'm not sure what we'll do with you leaving. No matter what though, we're friends till the end even if you are on the other side of the country."
Tino nodded.
"Thanks guys. It means a lot to have you all here. I'm glad we are all friends. I've loved every moment of being with you guys, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Don't worry, I'll write to you and send you my new address and phone number. So now for one last time while I'm still right here, later days."
Tino waved and headed for the car. He turned back to his friends and waved once more. They all waved back and Tino could see tears in the eyes of Carver and Lor while Tish cried outright. Tino got in the car and waved to his friends till they were gone from his sight. He looked at the sky, it was a beautiful blue. The sun shone, the birds chirped happily, and the wind brought the smell of the bay to the town. Just like the day before Bahia Bay looked like a paradise. It was a slice of Heaven that had come down to Earth. Its beauteous charm stuck in Tino's mind like a dagger. He wanted to keep alive its beauty in his mind as he finally left that magnificent town.
As the car passed the town limits, Tino thought to himself, "Farewell."
End Of Chapter One