4 pm
They arrive in Shang Hei. The entrance sign towers over the car, bringing a warm welcome to their heart. Eric, Ariel, and Ava have lived in Shang Hei for as long as they have known. Blake stayed here from six to eighteen, so about twelve years. He couldn't fathom that he had only moved away two years ago. The roads felt so familiar, even though he spent most of his time underwater. He felt home. "It feels so good to be back here," Blake says. Ava studies his face again, "You have been here before?" "Well I mean yeah! Who hasn't been to Shang Hei?" "A lot of people. This city isn't that known." "Does it matter if I've been here or not??" "Its a mighty big coincidence." "Whatever." Ava waits a second before saying, "What were you doing in Shang Hei? Just wondering." "I was.. coming to meet your mom." "How old were you?" "Six- teen. I was sixteen." "Why would a six year old come to visit a eighteen year old? That's how old my mother was when you were six." "I said sixteen not six!!" "It didn't sound like that.." "You are IMPOSSIBLE!"
Blake covers his mouth and checks to make sure Eric and Ariel didn't hear their conversation. Ariel was sleeping while Eric was busy doing something on his phone and driving. 'Does he want us to die?' Blake chuckles. He looks back at Ava and he can tell she knows something is up. Ava whispers, "What's your secret Blake?" "Nothing! I'm just a friend of your mom." "You're very young.." "Well I'm sorry for that." "How did you and my mother meet?" "Uhmm.." "SEE!!" Blake slams his hand on Ava's mouth, giving her an icy glare. Luckily Eric had put in earphones. "You need to shut it." "Whatever.. Anyways, tell me your secret!! Do my parents know?" Blake reluctantly nods. "Yes they know." "Then why don't I know?" "Because..." "Because..?" "If I tell you they will never forgive me." "But I'll be able to trust you more!" "If your parents are mad at me I don't think we would even see each other. They would probably separate us again," Blake mumbles. "Speak louder!!"
Blake adjusts his back back on his seat and ignores her question. 'Sixteen year olds…' he scolds, 'They never know consequences.' Ava sits back too. She doesn't understand why Blake can't tell her if her parents already know. She knows they aren't that close, but she thinks of him like a teddy bear. He is so rough on the outside, but fluffy on the inside. She thinks back to when they watched that movie earlier. 'A big brother and a little sister. Just like us.' She loved the thought of them being related, which is why she thought her brain was making her believe that. 'My parents would have told me if he was my cousin or brother. Right? Well they all are hiding something.. I just have to figure out what it is.' Ava is satisfied with her progress and lays back to take a nap.
Blake stares at Ava while she sleeps. 'She is so peaceful. This must be how it feels to have a sibling.' Blake observes her thin but glowing skin, with her long black hair. 'She has straight black hair like me,' Blake smiles. He runs his fingers through his short hair. He loves his sister, he just wishes that she knew about them without having to deal with the consequences. Blake lays back and enjoys the sound of cars driving, with soft chirps in the air.
6 pm.
They had been driving for 12 hours, when they finally reach Myrtle Beach. Eric parks the car next to the beach house he rented. This way, Ariel could feel the water again (since she hadn't felt it in a while) and they could get some good sleep. Everyone is unpacking the car except for Ava, who was stills sound asleep. They all finish unpacking. Eric goes to bed, and Ariel is swimming, so Blake had to get his sister. 'Gosh she is only four years younger than me, she is going to be so heavy.' Blake reaches down to get her in the most un awkward way possible. He finds a suitable position and and pick her up. She starts kicking and tossing, and a tear drop falls on her cheek.