Chapter 23: Realizing Feelings

Over another bright, sunny day, the Shore Shack founders finish their big lunch rush yet again. Another long one at that. After three hours of nonstop customers, both Raymundo and Tito sit on their chairs in exhaustion. The rush still had ways to go before the Summer even started, but crowds were some of the largest they have ever seen. Something they were not prepared for. As Tito sips his drink, he looks over at his usually talkative friend. However, there was something different about him today. He was told of the events that transpired just a few days ago, involving Lars' public intoxication. Tito knew he had to be dealing with that inside. Raymundo was always someone to talk about what was on his mind openly. A new quiet and worrying cloud was now over his friend's head. After a few seconds of thought, Tito finds the words to start the conversation.

"Been one crazy spring, brutha. Summer is still to come too."

Raymundo's nod of agreement is silent and timid, as he looks out towards the beach. His eyes fixated on the ocean waves. Tito looks towards his friend and continues, with a tone of concern.

"Worried about the lil' ones, huh?"

Raymundo turns to look towards his friend, his face completely exhausted. He answers in a tired tone.

"I...I just wish they'd talk to me, Tito. If there's any way I can help."

Tito changes his voice to a more serious one.

"This might be more a case where the wiser one takes charge. Be the one to start the conversation, brotha."

As Tito looks up, he sees a familiar face come to the Shack, along with a few customers behind. Raymundo's face looks towards the customers, tired and drained as he speaks.

"Oh boy…"

Tito suddenly puts his hand up firm to Raymundo.

"No. Otto just came in over there. Alone. Go talk to him. Give what I said a shot. I got the customers."

Raymundo, in shock, looks to his friend.

"But that's a lot of…"

Tito is quick to counter his concern.

"No buts. Go. I will be fine."

Raymundo sees the seriousness in Tito's face. As close as they are, he knows when Tito's going to stand his ground. There was no point trying to stop him, once his mind was made up. He takes his apron off, fills up a few drinks and walks through the mini-door, to his son at the table. Otto, whose face seems glued to the table, finally looks up, after hearing his father's footsteps.

"Dad?"

Raymundo slowly places Otto's favorite shake in front of him and sits across from him. Not one to mince words, he gets right to the point.

"Otto, I have been preoccupied of late. But I need to check in and make sure you are okay."

Otto, slowly glances to his drink and fidgets around with it before answering in a quiet tone.

"I'm okay, I guess."

Raymundo moves his head down to level with Otto. He waits patiently for him to look up before answering.

"Otto, I can tell when you're having a tough time. I mean, you are my son."

Otto nods his head and sits up, as his father continues.

"We're all going through a lot. I know losing that tournament hurt you. Then having to go through what Lars did. I understand why you want to be alone. Still, I just want you to know I am here. I want to help you. I want you to be okay talking to me when you need someone to be there. About anything. Okay?"

Otto stares down for a few seconds before looking up at his dad. He looks at him for a bit before cracking a smirk and finally responding.

"Thanks, Dad. Everything's just been….really stressful of late. It's hard."

Raymundo takes a sip of his drink and responds in comfort.

"I bet. Life can be scary."

Otto looks to his dad, with a much calmer look.

"For real. Like, seeing Lars like that and seeing everyone upset. And I didn't do anything. I felt like I should have done something, you know?"

Raymundo nods in agreement towards his son.

"Those are the scariest times to act. But you were there. For everyone. Supporting your friends is an action too, Otto. That's what you can do and that's what you did."

Otto thinks for a second before responding.

"Yeah. You're right. I've never had to go through that before".

For the next 30 minutes, Raymundo and Otto chat about their lives. From what Raymundo had gone through in his younger days. to what Otto had going on in school. Otto didn't talk about the one major thing on his mind, but opened up on everything else. It gave him comfort to have his dad there. Almost like a recharge of his battery. The same for Raymundo, getting to see his son open and animated, just like old times. From behind the counter, Tito finally finishes with the customers and sits back to relax, only to realize one customer on the stool in front of him. One he was stunned he didn't recognize earlier.

"Lil cuz! When did you come in so quiet? Didn't even notice you! Again!"

The smirk on Rick's face was more of a reactionary response to Tito. They had joked before that every time Rick came to the Shack, he would surprise Tito. He was never one to make a grand entrance and at times walking as quiet as a mouse. Almost like he sneaks in, just to scare Tito. Having it happen this time was more of a planned action from Rick.

"Well, Otto was training me for the competition, but took off over here before I switched out of my gear. When I got here, he and his pops were talking serious, so I gave him space and sat here. You were busy, so I stayed back until you finished up."

Tito gave out a usual hearty laugh.

"Oh lil cuz, your brain is always going. Like a dream wave."

Rick looks up with the same half smirk.

"It really does, doesn't it?"

Tito looks at him in surprise. His dark tone was not what Tito was expecting.

"You make that seem like a downer, lil cuz."

Rick pauses for a moment. Trying to slow his brain down yet again and think calmly about his answer. A task that seemed to increase in difficulty with each effort. Finally, he comes to an answer.

"When your brain moves so fast, it feels as if you miss out of important things. You don't really think if anything is the "best" decision or the "right" decision. You just...go on instinct. Seems like my whole life, that causes me to screw up. And it's still happening here. As much as I run away from my old mistakes, I just keep repeating them."

Tito starts to walk closer to Rick. As Rick looks at him, he knows what's coming. Still, he stays attentive to the wise words.

"Lil' cuz, let me give you some advice. I don't think it will take you long to figure it out."

Of everyone in the group, Tito was impressed how quick Rick was to understand his life lessons. He expected this time to be the same. Tito hands Rick a bottle of water and begins.

"As the Ancient Hawaiians say, The village of a chief who won't forget the past may as well forget about the future."

Rick sits for a while, pondering the words of his elder. Tito, surprised at his deep thinking, anticipates his response. After about a minute, Rick looks up to Tito.

"It seems simple, but I got to be honest, I'm lost."

Tito suddenly takes an empty plastic bottle and lightly hits Rick on the head with it. He looks up to him in shock.

"What the he.."

Before he can finish, Tito interrupts him in a stern tone. Tito knows what's coming.

"Lil Cuz'! You know Raymundo doesn't like you swearing!"

Rick quickly shuts his mouth with an expression of being caught, knowing Tito saw his choice of words coming. Tito, in a bit of surprise, continues.

"Maybe, lil cuz', if you'd stop beating yourself up and let your heart lead the way instead, you can see what that means."

Tito slowly walks away and heads over to help another customer. Rick stares at the empty bottle on the counter for a while, before realizing Otto had went back to the Skate Park. He's quick to get up and head back himself. As Tito starts the burger on the grill, Raymundo returns to the work station. Tito is quick to ask him of his conversation.

"Everything go well, brotha?"

Raymundo has a big smile on his face and a proud posture.

"Yes, Tito. I really think it did."

Tito then throws Raymundo's apron on top of his head.

"Good! 'cause I could use a break myself!"

Tito lets out another hearty laugh, soon to be followed by Raymundo as they both head back to helping the growing line…

The day finally began turning to night. Jorge is in his room, packing a small bag on his bed. This time, it was a calmer feeling. He was only staying the night at the Rodriguez's house. Him and Harmony decided that after everything that happened, they would take a night to help Twist and Anna calm down. Without Lars in the house, everything had to be awkward and quiet for the both of them. As far as Harmony and Jorge's plan to help everyone else out, this was an awesome way to start. A chance for both to make a difference. Once he finished packing, he goes towards the mirror in the room. Looking at his own face, he repeats the phrase he says to himself every day since he tried to run away.

"You can do this. This is where you need to be right now. Make the most of it."

He then takes a deep sigh and smiles. Inside, he feels this is a true feeling of change. The positive outlook really made more a difference than he envisioned. Before he could leave though, he had to check on something. He walks toward the bathroom and knocks on the door.

"You done in there, Sam?"

Just as he finished his sentence, Sam walks out. What he saw left him stunned. Sam was dressed in a white polo shirt and black jeans. He had never seen Sam in jeans before. Definitely not a polo shirt. His hair was perfectly combed and looking proper as ever. Even his glasses looked freshly cleaned. Sam was dressed to impressed.

"Woah. Sam! Is this what I think it is?"

Sam smiles at his friend confidently.

"Yep. I'm taking Reggie to see a movie. And afterwards, I'm gonna tell her exactly how I feel."

Jorge put his hands on his friend's shoulders with a big smile of his own.

"That's what I like to hear! You got this dude!"

Sam smiled back, but inside his confidence was shadowed by a feeling just as strong: Fear. It finally started to show to Jorge. He nervously fidgets with his fingers, as he attempts to put his tie on. Jorge notices and quickly walks up to his friend.

"Here, let me help. My family always used to dress formal and getting ties on is almost a requirement."

Jorge slowly takes the tie on Sam, which clearly has went through a few failed attempts. As he begins to expertly fit it around his neck, he explains something to his clearly frightened friend.

"Look Sam, don't be afraid of what could happen. In the end, we'll all be here for you. Even Reggie. But this is the night. Both of your nights. Be confident in what you can control. Like I said, you got this!"

As Jorge finishes his work on the tie, Sam looks into the mirror. He's almost amazed at how perfect it looks.

"Wow. You're really good at this."

Jorge then suddenly hugs his friend, shocking Sam again. As he hugs him, Jorge gives one last bit of reassurance.

"And you are good at you. Never forget that."

As he lets go, he once again takes hold of Sam's shoulders.

"Now, go out there and give it your all. That's what Reggie deserves."

Sam, looking at his friend, smiles back, regaining the confidence that had wavered just a little while ago.

"Thank you. I'm gonna head out now. Have fun at Twist's."

Jorge responds as Sam heads to the door.

"You too. Go have the best night of your life!"

Sam walks out the door briskly, seemingly ready to take on whatever was in his way. The walk over to the movie theater seems like a century, compared to the usual distance. Yes, the walk was not a short one, but it was one well worth the attire. Sam knew this was his chance to make a statement. He had hidden a gift for Reggie in his back pocket. He knew she would like it. It would also be a great chance to tell her how he felt. Before he knew it, he had reached the entrance to the movie theater. Surprisingly to him, the crowd was not as big as he expected. Probably for the best. As he stood in front of the theater, trying not to show his nerve, he looks around. If he could just focus on the people, he might not have to think too much about…

"Sam! You're already here!"

The sound of the voice right next to his ear gave him quite the shock. After gaining composure, he looks over to see Reggie right next to him. The sight left him in awe. Reggie was dressed in a purple shirt and green pants, as usual. It did not matter. She still looked as stunning as ever to him. The way she smiled just at him, with the rest of the world in the rear view mirror, gave him a feeling he could never replicate. Realizing just how silly he looked staring at her, Sam quickly snaps out of his trance.

"Yeah. Wanted to beat the crowd. Make sure you weren't waiting for me."

Reggie smiles as she looks at Sam.

"Pretty good idea. Wanna go in?"

Sam, finding the confidence inside him yet again, nods and heads to the counter. After buying the tickets, Sam walks beside the girl he feels so strongly for, as they head inside the movie theater and into their seats. The movie itself is okay, for the most part. Not something Sam particularly watches, but something he knew Reggie would enjoy. For him, her enjoyment meant everything. From getting her favorite snack and drink before the movie starts, to answering any question she had. As long as she was beside him, nothing else mattered. He had to catch himself at times not to stare into Reggie's eyes and keep some focus on the movie. Not after long, the movie ends and they head out of the theater.

For the most part, they joke around about the corny jokes and about how some guy in the theater kept spilling his drink every time he got up. The night was free of drama. Something their lives became full of over the past few days. For one night, it was calm and peaceful. For Sam, it was absolutely perfect. However, heading back to Reggie's house, and knowing what he was planning to tell her, brought back the nerves from before. He kept his smile as Reggie continued to joke around about the ending of the flic. However, he began to think himself through the situation. How should he start the conversation? Does he give her the gift first? What does he say? What happens if she doesn't feel the same way? It all started to come to him at once. Without even realizing it, they were right in front of Reggie's house. Sam nearly panics as he sees the reality.

"Oh man. We're at your house."

As Sam starts to think rapidly again, he's taken by surprise. Reggie stops walking and turns to him.

"Sam. There's something I have to ask you."

His face begins to show the panic. A nervous look takes over. This was not how it was suppose to go. What could Reggie have to say? He did everything as perfect as he could. Was it the movie? The snacks? What could it have been? As he thinks through his thoughts, Reggie once again takes him by surprise. She takes hold of his hand, giving him a soft look and talking to him with all her focus.

"Sam. I need you to be honest with me. Okay?"

Sam looks up to her, beginning to sweat a tiny bit as he tries to nod his head towards her. Even though his nod looks more like a nervous shake. Reggie continues.

"Sam. A couple weeks back, when a vase of flowers showed up on my porch. Did…"

Reggie gets quiet for a moment, looking down towards the ground thinking about what she was going to say next. She couldn't wait any more. She had to hear him say it. When Rick told her to look under the flowers, she saw what he meant. On the bottom of the vase was a drawing. She recognized it anywhere. That's when she knew. The one thing she remembered Rick talking about. One simple fact. Rick could not draw. At all. There was no way Rick drew that. She had a feeling and needed to confirm it. But before she could speak again, Sam picks his head up straight and faces her, finally ready for the moment.

"I got you the flowers. I remember you said something about acing a test at school, so I wanted to get them as a surprise. But I felt weird getting them when you were with...well...anyway I just left them on your porch. I got scared you would get mad."

Sam thought for a second, pondering something that just hit him.

"Wait, how did you find out?"

Reggie giggles for a second before looking at Sam directly and answering him.

"When I broke up with Rick, he told me to check under the vase."

Sam's face turns white.

"He saw…"

Reggie smiles and nods, reassuring the boy in front of her.

"The rocket. From my shirt. You drew it on the bottom. I know for a fact Rick can't draw. And none of the other guys are very good at it either. Except you."

Reggie then takes both of Sam's hands and looks at him yet again. The nerves and sweat that Sam had inside him were starting to show even more. He looks up to her, almost fearful of what is happening. Reggie, in her own nervous tone, poses the question.

"Sam. You left that there hoping I would find it, didn't you? Do...do you like "like" me?"

Sam's entire body started to feel like a statue. As much as he wanted the words to come out and to make any kind of motion, he felt frozen. Almost struggling against his own fear. As he stared into Reggie's eyes, he finally finds the strength to open his mouth and speak confidently.

"Yeah. I have for a while. I've wanted to tell you for a long time. I care about you a lot. You are a caring, passionate, beautiful girl. I'm lucky to get to be around you as much as I am. But with everything that's happened, especially since the new guys came, I didn't know if it would be the right time. Also, I was really scared you wouldn't feel the same way."

Reggie smiles and continues to stare deeply into his eyes as she responds.

"Sam. We've been friends for ever. You're the sweetest, nicest guy I have ever met. You're amazing, Sam. I'm sorry I didn't notice before. And to be honest, I do like you. If we decide to be together, I just wanna make sure to take it slow. Is that okay?"

Sam, with a smile that could light up the night, looks at the girl of his dreams, nearly crying in happiness as he responds.

"Yes. That's perfectly okay. Golly, tonight I'm the luckiest guy in the world."

The moment felt like it froze time for both Reggie and Sam. They just looked at each other with great, big smiles. Years of being right beside each other, without a chance to realize just how close they had become. For Reggie, the realization that came over, after the debacle with Rick, still hit her at that moment. Sam, over all the years, did so much for her. Was always trying to make her day, without even needing her own recognition for it. Just knowing she was happy was enough. Reggie didn't even realize most of the things he did regularly for her until after the recent breakup with Rick. That's when the puzzle came together for her. She took Sam for granted. Now, she wanted to make up for it. The moment was beautiful. As they look into each other's eyes, a sound suddenly came into their ears, taking them out of their trance. It was Reggie's front door. They both looked sharply towards the door, fearful of who was opening it. After letting go of each other's hands, they both see the figure pop out and approach them. Reggie is the first to figure it out.

"Dad?"

Raymundo walks up to both kids slowly. They try to figure out if he knows what just happened, or if he was just waiting for them to get home. Soon, their question was answered.

"I'm just glad you guys got home safe. I have to make sure you're okay. Did you have a good time?"

Reggie looks towards Sam and smiles yet again, letting go of the nerves and answering her father.

"Yeah. It was awesome."

Raymundo looks to be his old, cheerful self the kids had grown accustomed to. Something jolted his energy back. They weren't exactly sure what. At that moment, they were just happy he was unaware of the deep moment they just had together. Raymundo looks over to Sam as he speaks.

"You're welcome to come in for a little if you want. Just me and Otto home right now."

Reggie looks to him, considering asking a question about the missing member of the family. Just then, her thought ran to the boy right next to her. She gave away time from Sam before. She wasn't going to do that now.

"Okay. We'll just chill in the Living Room and watch TV."

All three walk into the house and the two sit on the couch. Nothing was on, as usual, but for Reggie and Sam, just being around each other and talking felt just right. While Raymundo continued to cook in the Kitchen, the TV shifted between different cartoons. After about 30 minutes of calm, peaceful time together, Reggie looks over to Sam.

"I'm gonna go use the bathroom real quick."

Sam, with the bright smile that hadn't left his face since they got inside, nods his head. Reggie walks by him and up the stairs. However, just as she reaches the bathroom, a noise comes out from what seems like nowhere.

"Reg!"

Reggie nearly screams in shock, holding back her voice when she sees her brother standing just outside his room.

"Otto! Don't scare me like that!"

As she looks at him, she notices a very serious look on his face. Something she rarely ever saw from her brother. Usually only when he lost something or was wildly upset. However, it didn't seem like he was upset right now. More than likely just very serious about something. She turns her face to match her brother as she speaks again.

"Is everything okay, bro?"

Otto looks around nervously, making sure there wasn't anyone in the area. He then looks at his sister and, in a quiet but composed tone, speaks.

"I need to talk to you. More than I ever have before. Please."

Reggie knew just how serious this was now. Otto using the word "Please" was rare. More like a shoobie-free summer rare. It left her shocked. Something was going on. She slowly walks into Otto's room and watches him sit on his bed. After watching Sam's nervous posture, she was now looking at her brother, nervous as can be. The tension in the room was strong. But whatever it was that Otto was holding back, it was clear he needed to get it out. He had thought enough about this situation. It was time to get the weight off his back once and for all. For Sam, Otto, Reggie and for every one of the kids, secrets could not be held back any longer. It became too much. The revelation of those secrets was something they each knew could change their lives, but it was also something that could finally bring some peace to what had already been a chaotic time in their lives. For Otto specifically, there was only one true way to find out if he could get over his "situation"…