Free The Ocean by Mia Castile Page A

this.” He smiled.
    “It’s been nice having you here.” I took my final bite.
    “I’m glad to hear that.” I was, too.
    “Does Mason like Abby?” I asked.
    “I’m not sure. It seemed like it at lunch, didn’t it?” He leaned forward on the table.
    “I just don’t want my friend to get hurt,” I sighed as I cleared the wrappers and got the washcloth to wipe down the table. He looked nervously at the clock that hung above the bay window.
    “Do you need to go home now?” I asked, hoping that he didn’t.
    “I do have a little homework to do.” He paused.
    “I didn’t get a chance to read your letter, so I don’t have one for you yet.” I hoped that I wasn’t disappointing him.
    “That’s OK.” He smiled and stood and stretched. “I’l see you tomorrow.” He began heading toward the door. I trailed behind him. He opened the door and turned to give me a bril iant smile. My heart skipped. It was almost like he had a secret from me. He opened the storm door, and he was gone. I closed the door as he pul ed away. I went upstairs to my bedroom. I found the note in the bottom of my bag. I sat on my bed, put in my ear buds, and turned on my music.
    Gia,
    I have a confession. I’ve never written any one person in my life as much as I’ve written you in the past two days. I really like it though. I feel a special connection with you. I’m sure your mother has forgiven you for the things you said. You were young, and believe it or not, we all say things we regret. Whether we tell someone that we love them when we don’t, that an outfit looks OK, or say something because we’re mad. I bet your mom knew you regretted it. I have a feeling that you learned your lesson, and it was reinforced when she went ahead and got you the jeans.
    Am I right?
    Answers to your questions:
    (1) What is your favorite color? If I say green, you will think I’m smart right? Well, it is one of my favorite colors, but also orange. Don’t ask me why. I guess it’s because it’s a cross between yellow and red and reminds me of the sunrise and being in the ocean surfing.
    (2) What is your favorite kind of music? I like classic rock and rock mostly, but I’m getting turned on to classic rap.
    (2b) Who is your favorite band? I like the Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Seger, and the Eagles.
    (2c) What is your favorite song? I don’t really have a favorite song. In the classic rock genre, I’d have to say “Simple Man,” and by the way, just because you put an a, b, and c on it doesn’t mean that it’s one question. It was seven simple questions, Sweetie.
    (3) What is your favorite movie? I really like Russell Crowe. Gladiator was a good movie.
    (4) What is one of your favorite childhood memories? Despite the challenge of being raised by a single mom, I had a really good childhood. I was involved in all kinds of sports. I also had a lot of freedom, so probably running around the neighborhood with flashlights playing tag with my friends, and playing football in the street. I was able to be a kid. I think it’s important for all kids to be able to just be kids. You know?
    (5) Where is your favorite place to be? This is a hard question to answer because it changes. If I were being honest, my favorite place to be is anywhere that you are. It’s still scary to me to feel this strongly about you when I met you four days ago. And maybe the only reason I can tell you this is simply because I’m writing it in a letter. I’d never be able to admit this to your face.
    So I give you these seven questions back and add (6) Tell me about you in Indiana. What were you like? (6b) Where did you and your friends hang out? (6c) What music did you study?
    I can’t wait to read your next letter.
    Travis
    I lay in my bed and read the words over again and again. “If I were being honest, my favorite place to be is anywhere that you are.” And, “I’d never be able to admit this to your face.” What was happening here? I