Colin pov
It was Sunday and since we didn't go to church, I decided to go to the beach. Trips to the beach never failed to make me happy and allowed me to forget my problems at least for a while.
The way I saw things, life was different on the beach. Everything just seemed so peaceful and serene. Beach goers were crowded around in all directions, their brightly colored umbrellas and towels covering the entirety of the beach. I glanced around and saw a few teenagers in their swimsuits of different colors and shameless black sunglasses, gamboling around in the sunshine and bubbling with joy. Some mothers brought their giggling toddlers building sandcastles, wearing bright pink hats sold at the beach which matched their little sunburnt cheeks.
After changing into my swimming suit, as soon as I got into the water, I instantly remembered all the fun that I had the last time I had gone to the beach. It reminded me of the time our family was not broken. We had so much fun boogie boarding, collecting sea shells and relaxing in the sand, that I had never wanted to leave. Although we were exhausted by the time we got home, we were happy because we had a great time. If only I life was that simple now.
I noticed the white seagulls were gradually surrounding my food, trying to steal my fries. As I ran to chase them away, I saw a familiar figure on the beach walking towards my direction. I squinted my eyes in the sunlight and saw that it was Poppy gradually making her way towards my direction. She was wearing a pair white shorts with a blue tank top that was the same color as her flip-flops and bag. She had a hat on and she was putting on sunscreen. I had no doubt that she didn't notice me yet, because I was sure she would have ran off in the opposite direction.
I knew she asked me never to speak to her, but what was life without a little fun?
"Hey Poppy!" I called out.
She looked shocked to see me but she quickly disguises it by putting on one of the fakest smiles I had ever seen. "Hi Colin. What are you doing here?"
I raised my eyebrows. "Came to enjoy the view like everyone else," I said. "And you?"
Before she could answer, we heard a voice saying, "Poppy, they ran out of coconut. So, I only got mango." It was from a guy running towards us. He was wearing a gray t-shirt and black khaki shorts. I looked at Poppy and she had the biggest smile on her face. I guessed this must be Liam, the boyfriend.
"Mango is fine with me babe," she replied.
"So, she could be sweet. Who would have thought?" I whispered loud enough for her to hear and she shot me one of her icy glares.
"Yeah," she responded between closed teeth. "I am generally nice to people who don't cover me with food and mud. This is why you are so hard to like. I don't even know why I bother with you."
Liam caught up to her and handed her her drink. "Thanks babe," she said and I had to restrain myself from rolling my eyes.
"Who are you talking to?" He asked, giving me an appraising look.
"Oh Colin this is Liam and Liam, this is Colin." She looked at Liam. "He is my new neighbor."
He seemed to be deep in thought like he forgot something and then, he remembered. "Oh the guy who slammed you with a pie. Lucy told me about that."
Poppy had a weird look on her face. "I remember telling you about that. And since when are you so close with Lucy?"
"Oh, must have skipped my mind." Liam shrugged. "The friend of my girlfriend is my friend right? Although, I don't think Sarah likes me that much."
"Don't be ridiculous. She is just not good at showing her emotions. She is very shy," she said with a smile that didn't quite meet her eyes.
I almost laughed. If the girl with the red curls in their group was Sarah, then that was a big lie and I was thinking Liam knew it too. Whenever she was in a room, everyone knew that she was present.
"Well, I guess we move right ahead," Liam said. "Nice meeting you Colin. See you around."
"Yeah. See yah," I replied.
Well, he was quite nice.
But as I watched them walking together, I had a feeling in my chest that I could not quite name.
###
It was Monday, so officially my lessons started this week. I walked into the teacher's office to meet Miss Anthony. I guess I better get this over with.
She was at her desk, scribbling something on her notes and she seemed oblivious to her surroundings.
"Good afternoon ma'am." She didn't respond and I was sure that she wasn't even aware I was standing there. I cleared my throat loudly and her head jerked up.
"Oh my. You must be Colin. You look like your dad. I am so sorry I didn't even notice you were there. Have you been standing there for long? I just got so caught up with work and- Sorry I am rambling." Her cheeks turned slightly pink as she said that. "Why do you want to see me?"
"Umm my dad said he spoke to you about tutoring lessons in English."
"Oh Yes he did," she said. "I was actually thinking that you might not be too comfortable if it was me. Would you like to be tutored by a fellow student?"
How could she read my mind? "That would be great," I said barely containing my enthusiasm."
"Well then, I have a student in mind and if she agrees I would let you know. Your tutoring sessions are to be three times a week. Have a great day Mr. Parker."
"And you too ma'am." I was walking out of the officewhen something made me ask. "Who did you have in mind to tutor me?"
"I was thinking of asking Poppy Williams. She is one of my best students. I have no doubt you'll be in good hands
Oh this was going to be fun.
"I have no doubt that I will too. Thank you."
I don't know why, but I couldn't stop smiling like an idiot as I left her office.