Some Comfort Here

I woke up to someone tapping me on the back. I opened my eyes, and only saw the inside of the sleeping bag I'd wrapped myself in. I heard seagulls, and the ocean in the background. I kicked my legs a little, feeling a thick soft feeling beneath me; different from a soft bed, but not unpleasant.

Until I realized . . . I'd fallen asleep on the beach.

I rolled over, pulled the cover from my head, to find a young police officer standing next to me.

"Good Morning Officer" I said in my soft morning voice.

"Hello there," he said with a slight smile.

I fixed my hair and rubbed my eyes, trying to focus.

"Do you know that it's illegal to sleep on public beaches?" he raised one of his dark brown eyebrows at me.

"Yes, sir, I'm so sorry. I had a long drive last night, and I came out here to watch the sunrise. I must have fallen asleep." I tried to stay calm, I'd never been reprimanded by authorities before. And I didn't want to start out this vacation in heaven (I say heaven because the sun was just coming up, and it was flawless).

"Well let me help you up miss." He offered his gloved hand, which must have been hot, and removed his glasses as he helped me up.
As I brought my gaze to his, I noticed his eyes felt familiar. Blue. Jet Blue, almost so warm that my heart felt mushy. The way someone else's used to make me feel.

"Thank you." I told him, and he sent me on my way, with a warning. He was quite cute, but, I had to go check into the Hilton. You know Paris, really isn't as fancy as she seems. But, the Hilton is my home away from home. I've been here every summer since kindergarten. I get the best suite, not that I want it, but because I know most of the staff.

I check into my room take a shower (who know what nasty bugs were on that beach). I am craving an adrenaline rush, so I just let my hair dry in its natural curls, throw on some white jean shorts, with my favorite navy blue shirt that has a simple star on the shoulder, and throw on my sneakers.

As, I'm walking towards my car, someone yells my name. It's the cop from this morning!

"Hello officer! What have I done now?" I say in a sweet voice to hide my urgency to get to my destination.

"My names James. And, I'm off duty." he smiled.

Oh. This guy was interested in me. Oh No.

"I just wanted to tell you, that if you ever need anything, I'm good at my job. Here's my number." he said, as he handed me a blue piece of paper with a ten digit number on it.

"OH! Thank you! Uh, that's really sweet." I say, a bit cautious.

"Well, I didn't mean to creep you out mam'.." he started.

"Oh, don't worry about it ," I smiled "You didn't, and don't call me mam', I'm Sharpay." I reassured him. He looked my age, so it was less creepy, but I didn't want to scare away, my first sign of good luck. A Body Guard !

"Sharpay, nice to meet you again. I'll let you get going." he smiled and shook my hand again. Firm. Daddy would approve.

"See you!" I smiled and hopped in the car as he strolled off, he looked over his shoulder and smiled. I pretended not to see. I reminded myself I had to talk more to James.

But, anyways, I headed a few blocks down to the beginning of the boardwalk. Parked, pulled the hood up over the car, locked it, and locked it again just to make sure. I stopped, stood there next to the car and looked out onto the beach. I smelled the salt in the breeze and took in everything.

The feel of my converses, comfy and soft, unlike the heels I've worn almost everyday for the past four school years. The smell of the beach, the hot, but breezy atmosphere. I loved the beach. And I loved being away from my life. Well, my old life!

Anyways, my little moment was over, so I made my way onto the boardwalk, walking through the crowds of people. I LOVED the beach. Being with millions of people made me feel so little, which since at East High most people glared at me when I walked through them, it was nice to feel small for a change. I walked past restaurants and little shops. I passed by the "Thrashers Fries" shop, and got some French fries with extra vinegar and salt. As I passed the arcades and game stops, I made my way right to the rides.

The Ferris Wheel, the Drop Zone, the Pirate Ship, and my newest and most current adventure… the Sling Shot. It was a new ride at the beach, and consisted of a metal ball, with two seats. It was connected to wires and contraptions, that once set, flung you spiraling into the air like a bunjee jump, but more literally, like a sling shot. I've seen it here the last couple times, but I've been too scared to ride it.

But not now, today was the beginning of the new me, fearless, and authentic. I stood in line for about 30 minutes, and the girl standing alone next to me began a conversation about how nervous she was about going alone. I told her I'm going alone too, and we could go together if she'd like. She said, "Oh how nice of you, I've never met a stranger willing to share their 40 dollar ride experience with another stranger!"

She then told me her name was Kristen, and I was thankful she was with me. We sat down, and the spring began to coil, and we began to scream and squeal, knowing it would start soon. Then we heard the click.

BOOM! The wind whipped my hair and my eyes, and yet I couldn't close them. I could see the whole city and even though it looked jerky on the ground, it was so smooth. I felt like I was flying, the pit of my stomach turning and swirling. And Kristen and I screamed so hard. My mom always said, if you scream as hard as you can when you're scared on a ride, you won't be scared anymore. But, it was so thrilling and exhilarating.

When the ride was over, Kristen and I exchanged phone numbers, and we even bought the hilarious DVD of our ride.

I headed back to my room, and opened my laptop. And with the memory of the adrenaline in my veins. I responded to Troy.

Do not come here.

-Sharpay