Day 2 Post 4

“Malibu or Bust”

The sun was already beginning its descent, and the sky had a new hint of pink. If we hurried, we could make it to Malibu by the peak of the sunset. We drove fast, maybe a bit too fast, and I gripped onto my milkshake and watched the coast speed past in a blur. We finally made it to a deserted part of the Malibu coast at the side of the road in which we had to trudge down a steep cliff. I threw off my flip flops and carelessly climbed down. I was in a hurry, I had to be on the beach as the sun went down. As soon as my feet hit the sand I raced into the warm water, letting it splash up around me. I gazed up at the darkening sky, streaked with pink, as the sun met the horizon. I made sure to snap pictures so I would never forget this moment.

Shortly after, darkness set in and the air became foggy. The air was thick and hot, engulfing me in a misty haze. My feet sank into the cool sand as my toes were kissed by each new wave. The last pink of the disappearing sun lingered along the horizon. Before long, the moon emerged and took its place in the sky, shining a milky-white beam onto the calm water. My lungs couldn’t  get enough of the humid air, and I breathed it in until I felt I might burst. The vast expanse of the ocean sent a shiver down my spine as I realized just how small I am. Humbled by the insignificance of my being.

Once we had finished romping around the beach, we knew it was time to head back. However, us being teenagers, and being too caught up in the moment and excitement of the trip, we realized that we didn’t make any plans for where to stay the night. Being a bit of a control freak and a perfectionist, I had momentary panic. I didn’t understand how I could let such an important detail slip. That’s one of the first things you should figure out before traveling! I took some deep breaths and remembered I had a friend nearby! I called up Jimmy and he quickly came to our rescue, having absolutely no problem with letting us crash at his beach house. So that’s how our perfect day ended, laughing with Jimmy, playing with his baby brother, late night snacks, laying in bed, listening to the waves crash.

Jimmy and Ozzy Bennett

              I woke up around three a.m. and couldn't fall back asleep. My mind was swimming with thoughts and my chest was full of a pain that can only come from immense joy. Sleep just wasn't going to happen. so I tiptoed to the balcony overlooking the ocean and slipped through the sliding door. I leaned against the railing and stared off into the endless, dark water. The waves were calm as the rolled onto the shore. I became so hypnotized by the monotonous beauty that I barely heard the 'click' of the sliding door closing, and turned around to find a person right behind me. It was so dark that I couldn't make out the face as they came at me and put their hand over my mouth. Good thing, because I was definitely about to scream. Jimmy laughed as he let go of me and I slumped into a chair, trying to get my heart rate to return to normal. We sat in silence for a while before he brought out his guitar and quietly played some of the new music he had been writing. Before we knew it, the sun was beginning to rise. Though I knew I'd be tired for the remainder of our trip, I didn't care, and I rushed in to wake the others to show them the everyday beauty that they miss out on.