Chapter Text
Ava’s POV
“Ah home sweet home, beautiful San Diego. I love Chicago and Lake Michigan is great but man do I miss the ocean. The salt air, the warm breeze, the hot sand, and the lazy afternoons.” Ava closed her eyes and whispered “I missed you.”
Ava’s thoughts were interrupted by the soft buzzing of her phone in her back pocket. She pulled it out and saw that Chanel messaged on their group chat: “the hot bisexuals and a himbo”.
Chanel: ‘Hey girl, where are you at? Come on already and join us at the beach. We miss you!”
‘Chanel, I literally just got here last night. Cut me some slack.
JC: ‘That's what you get for staying later in Chicago because “i HaVe WoRk I cAn’T gEt oUt oF.“ *spongebob meme here*’
‘Shut up, where are y’all? Share your location.’
She walked to where her friends were hanging out. They were near the surf shop, Order of the Cruciform Surfers or OCS. Rumor has it the owner, Suzanne aka Mother Superion, was a nun before hence the name. Ava has seen and interacted a little bit with Superion, and she firmly believes the rumors, she’s intimidating, but there was something about her that Ava couldn’t quite pin down, she wasn’t like any of the nuns she had met when she was a kid attending mass. She saw the OCS so she started scanning the area, and she saw her friends being dumbasses, but that’s her dumbasses and she wouldn’t want anyone else.
‘Look to your right dumbasses, I'm here.’ Ava texted her friends.
“AVA!” Both Chanel and JC screamed as they hugged her.
“Guys, I missed you too but easy I may act tough but I am still pocket sized. And JC well you can crush me with your arms if you put your mind to it so” Ava said jokingly.
“Shut up, Ava, you left me with the himbo here, he was insufferable, let me have this moment.” Chanel said dramatically.
“What the hell Chanel, you didn’t have to throw me under the bus, but I love you too.”
They let go from their hug and sat back down to where Chanel and JC had laid out a blanket and planted a huge umbrella. Just like old times.
“Oh I did miss you both and your shenanigans.”
“Ava, tell us everything! How’s Chicago? How’s your major? Meet any friends? Luvers?” Chanel said that last one while batting her eyes at Ava.
“Chanel, we talk to Ava like everyday. I’m sure at this point she’s already told us everything.”
“Oh my sweet summer child, let me live!!!!!”
“No actually for the first time JC is correct. I don’t really have anything big to tell you all. Classes are good. Passed it all. Thank God. And you know I work at a bookstore for now, but I actually did see a TA position for the linguistics department and I’m going to apply for it so that’s new. And well no, no luvers. A few dates here and there but nothing panned out. You’ve met my two new homies, Mary and Michael already so yeah. Well, tell me, what’s up with you two???? I have fomo most of the time from your instagram stories!!!”
“Well as you know, I hate school, but surprisingly I am actually enjoying some of my classes. Mostly the classes with feminist topics/LGBTQ+ topics but I actually am also really enjoying my singular fashion design class in both semesters. I really feel like I chose the correct major for me, ya know.” Chanel said.
“I still hate school, nothing has changed so that’s the update. But we’re surviving. The only thing keeping me going is being in the soccer team, literally the only motivation. I wanna pass my classes so I can keep playing.”
“JC, you ever think you’re just in the wrong major there bud? Why not try something like athletic science or rec management? Anyway, just think about it. And Chanel, how’s your sorority?”
The crew continued their conversations, until someone’s stomach growled so violently they all had to stop to grab some tacos. After eating, they went back to their spot to film some tiktoks, JC’s idea.
While filming their third video, Ava was running away from the camera, but still looking back occasionally when all of sudden– BAM. She was suddenly on the ground, on top of someone. No, not just someone. Someone pretty. In a wetsuit. Their hair braided. Sun-kissed skin, freckles all over their face.
“Pretty. Oh shit did I say that out loud? I’m so sorry.” Ava said while she was still on top of this person.
“Oh no it’s quite alright. But do you have any plans on getting up?” The pretty lady said.
“Oh yes yeah. I’m so sorry. I’m a little…” Ava pointed to herself “clumsy, always bumping into other people.” Ava stood up and offered her help to the beautiful woman.
“Oh hey I think you went to high school with me, right?”
“Uh yeah, Cat’s Cradle High, go Warriors. Woo hoo.” The gorgeous person said sarcastically.
“Yep that’s the one, go Warriors! My name is Ava.” Ava raises her hand and waves hi.
"Oh, it’s nice to meet you. Beatrice.”
“Home for the summer, Beatrice?”
“Listen Ava, I would really love to continue this but I actually have a class to teach.” Beatrice pointed to her surfboard.
“Oh um yeah sorry about that! Good luck with your class. I’ll be watching. Wait, that sounds bad.” Ava started blushing. “I mean not in a creepy way, just that I’m hanging out with friends right there so I’ll be seeing you.” Ava covered her mouth with her hand. “That doesn’t sound better. Oh God, can the ground just please swallow me.”
“Hey Ava…” Beatrice put her hand on Ava’s arm. “It’s okay. I’ll see you around, I hope?” Beatrice smiled.
“Oh uh yeah. I’ll probably be here all the time this summer. I’ll definitely see you around, Beatrice!”
"Wait Ava, you forgot your bucket hat!" Beatrice said as she reached for Ava's arm.
"Oh, thank you, Beatrice! What did I tell you, clumsy!" As Ava rubbed the back of neck looking down at where Beatrice still has her hand.
"Oh well, I don't mind. I'll see you and your bucket hat around?"
"UH YEAH. I mean yes, we will be around. See you!"
Beatrice jogged to her students, which are all kids, and started hyping them for the lesson. Ava stood and stared at Beatrice for a hot second before she remembered that her friends were waiting. Her friends who definitely will have questions about Beatrice.
Both Chanel and JC started berating Ava with questions, definitely trying to tease her.
“Ava Silva who was that?”
“They’re cute!”
“And a surfer?”
“Did you get their number?” Ava felt the heat rise to their face with this question.
“Oooooh Ava you’re blushing!!!”
“Guys shut up. Her name’s Beatrice, she went to our school remember? She was that shy new British girl during freshman year.” Ava said in a tone way too nonchalant.
“Oh Beatrice Aalto-Rao, she was like a beast in the swim team. Pretty sure broke state records and won awards. Makes sense that she would teach kids, she was sweet and kind.” JC said in a matter of fact voice.
“How do you know all this JC?”
“Yeah JC how do you know her and her last name?
“Duh, they’re an athlete, I’m an athlete. We kinda run the same circles since we were both Fall season sports. Plus, she’s an incredible athlete, it's kinda hard not to know them.”
“Huh. That kinda makes sense actually. But how come, I don't know them? I used to run track?"
"I don't know, Ava. Maybe your mind was just occupied by other things?"
"Hmm. Maybe. Anyway, enough talk about Beatrice, let’s go finish this tiktok. And sorry guys but I think I’m gonna need to peace out after we finish the videos. The adrenaline is wearing off rapidly and I’m about to crash.”
While they were finishing filming, Ava tried to sneak some glimpses of Beatrice teaching the class. JC and Chanel definitely noticed, she wasn’t subtle at all. The girl was smiling every time she looked in Beatrice’s general direction.
Once they were done, JC said he’ll take care of the editing, and send it to them once it’s done. Ava helped JC and Chanel pack all their beach gear, especially because she got there a little late and didn’t get to help set up.
“I missed this, you guys. We need to hang out like everyday this summer, make the most out of it while we’re all here.” Chanel said with almost tears in her eyes.
“Uh yeah duh, that’s what summers are for. Relaxing and letting your brain rot.”
“Yeah, of course, we’ll hang out all the time! I missed you guys. I specifically didn’t try to find a part time job here because I wanted to actually relax so I’m so down with whatever plans we come up with. But right now, my bed is calling my name. Sorry again to cut this short.”
“No it’s okay! We’ll have plenty of time this summer. See ya tomorrow, Ava!” Chanel lovingly said.
“Go get some sleep, Ava. We’ll see you tomorrow!”
“Thanks, y’all! We’ll text about tomorrow!”
Ava walked to her own car, put on some music, and started driving home. She was stopped at a red light and was just jamming to her summer playlist when she started thinking about the incident with Beatrice Aalto-Rao.
"My God how embarrassing. I literally said “pretty”!!! One look from a hot girl and I have a crush on her. Shit. Oh Ava you fucking bisexual disaster.” She said while repeatedly slamming her head to the steering wheel.
Beatrice’s POV
Beatrice comes back home in a month. With nothing to do, she decides to try and get a part time job while she’s there. She worked with Camila and Lilith at OCS and they both still work there because, Beatrice remembered Camila saying something about a summer job. So she shoots their groupchat a message.
‘Hey y’all, is the OCS still hiring teachers this summer?’
Cam: ‘Bea, yeah, they still are looking, mostly for someone who teaches the kids and some private lessons.’
‘Oh. Hmm never really taught kids before but I think it should be fine. I’ll message Superion.’
Cam: ‘Yay!!!! You probably won’t even need to apply, you’re literally Superion’s favorite. I can’t wait for you to be back, Bea!’
‘Oh please, I am so not her favorite. But, yes, I can’t wait to see you soon! I gotta go though I still have to revise *crying emoji*.’
Cam: ‘Oh don’t remind me, I also have to study for some exams. And the projects. Oh god the projects. I’m gonna die, Bea.”
‘Hahaha there there my beloved Cam. You got this! Also, where’s Lilith? Why isn’t she answering?’
Lilith: ‘I’m here, just currently dying from this 10 paged research paper I need to write. But yes, Bea, go apply, it’ll be fun to work with you and Cam again! Hello and goodbye my friends, many words to write still.’
‘Good luck, Lilith! If you want me to look it over, just let me know!’
…
Summer
Beatrice woke up early to prepare some snacks and lunch for her first day back at the OCS. She already cleaned and waxed their board yesterday. As well as packed her surf bag with all the supplies and gear they needed. She was about to take a shower when her phone buzzed.
Cam: ‘I can’t wait to work with you both again! This will be so much fun!’
‘Me too! I’m so excited to be back with the OCS. A little nervous teaching again though.’
Lilith: ‘Morning. This is too early. Why are you both up so early, our shifts don't start until 8am. IT’S 4:45AM. STOP THIS MADNESS.”
‘I wanted to catch some waves before work, hence the waking up early. Go back to sleep Lilith, you still have like two hours. Turn your phone on do not disturb BUT DON’T FORGET TO CHECK IF YOU HAVE AN ALARM SET.’
Cam: ‘Good night, Lilith. Have fun, Bea! I’ll see you both a little later!’
Beatrice finished getting ready and was out of the house after half an hour. She drove to the beach and got there just as the sun was rising. They started suiting up and removed her board from the bag. This was their favorite one, as her friends got it customized for her last birthday, it was lesbian flag themed and had their favorite quote “We dream in colors borrowed from the sea.” But also she thought the colors would be enticing for the kids and somehow get them excited about surfing.
“Oh my old friend, how I missed you. Do you think you can give me some gnarly waves this morning?” And like by design, the ocean responded with a great wave. A constant rhythm you can always rely on.
“I miss this feeling, your mind, your spirit, and your body all in sync with the steady rise and fall of the waves. And when you catch that wave, at the perfect time, it can carry you for a long time. Sometimes I feel like it carries more than just me, it carries my problems and my worries and before you know it, when the waves have subsided, so does the weight and expectations.”
After about an hour, Bea went back to the shore, not wanting to exhaust themselves as she still has to work the entire day. They took a quick shower to wash off the salt and then changed to some casual clothes as she does not have to be in the water until the afternoon. She hung her wetsuit to dry, hopefully it dries before her session but just in case they did bring another one. Beatrice then worked on washing their board with fresh water, some people might say it’s not necessary cause she’s going to use it again, but Beatrice is thorough and she likes the routine. After all that is done, they laid a blanket and ate a peanut butter and banana overnight oat for breakfast. Beatrice just sat there and basked in the sun, something she doesn’t often get in the UK anymore. They just sat there soaking in everything that nature has to offer. The warmth of the sun, the gentle breeze from the ocean, the sounds of the waves and the birds. All reminding Bea that San Diego has also become their home.
“Oh look there’s Bea!!!” Camila squealed to Lilith.
“Cam, please lower your volume.” Lilith said groggily.
Bea heard Camila and Lilith and turned towards their voices. She waved hi to them and she said “I’ll see you both inside!”
She started packing up her stuff so she could put it back in her car before heading to the OCS. By the time Bea finished, Camila and Lilith had gone inside the surf shop. As Bea entered the shop, Camila gave Bea a big hug, while Lilith gave Bea a two finger salute as greeting which Bea reciprocated as well. Mother Superion also was in the shop and gave Bea a nod.
“Welcome back, Beatrice. How is Oxford? And I expect you know where things are still?” Mother Superion asked.
“Oxford is great, Superion. And yes, I still do.”
“Great, for the morning, you and Camila can be by the register and greet people who come in. Lilith, you can do some inventory and check the boards while you work on removing that morning scowl in your face. Beatrice, you will shadow Camila for the 11am class to ease you into teaching again, but I trust you’re going to be okay for the 1pm class?”
“Yes, that’s no problem at all.”
“Great, I’ll be in the office. Knock if you need anything.”
As Mother Superion closed the door to her office, Bea and Cam started giggling.
“What?” Lilith said with that scowl on her face.
“Lilith… the scowl… even Superion noticed.” Bea grinned.
“You really should sleep earlier, you know we work early, well early for you.” Cam said while trying not to laugh.
“Oh shut up ‘Miss I have energy all the time’ and ‘Miss I woke up to catch some waves’.”
“I love you, Lilith” Cam said while making kissy faces.
“I love you too, Lilith.” While she gestured some finger hearts.
…
“Almost time for the 11am class. Like I said, Bea shadow Camila for now. Lilith teach the adult beginner’s class. I’ll stay and hold down the fort at the store.”
“Aye aye mother! Come on, Bea. Let’s get the boards for the kids.”
…
About 10 minutes before her class, Bea started walking towards where she had set the boards for the kids in her 1pm class. They got distracted counting if they brought out the correct number of boards that she didn’t notice that someone was running straight into her. She reacted too late and before they knew it– BAM. Bea was on the ground and this person was on top of them. As she opened her eyes, she realized they know who this person is. It’s Ava Silva, track star superstar.
“Oh shit. Shit. Calm down, Bea. Don’t say anything you would regret.”
It’s the same Ava Silva Bea had a crush on ever since, she helped them with their locker during her first day of high school.
“Pretty. Oh shit did I say that out loud? I’m so sorry.” Ava said while she was still on top of Beatrice.
“Oh no it’s quite alright. But do you have any plans on getting up?” Beatrice said calmly.
“Oh yes yeah. I’m so sorry. I’m a little…” Ava pointed to herself “clumsy, always bumping into other people.”
As Ava stood up, she offered her hand to help Beatrice.
“Don’t overthink this Bea. She’s just being nice. Don’t stare at the hand, just take it and get up.”
“Oh hey I think you went to high school with me, right?” Ava continued.
“Uh yeah, Cat’s Cradle High, go Warriors. Woo hoo.” Bea said sarcastically while she waved their hand like she was cheering.
“Yep that’s the one, go Warriors! My name is Ava.” Ava raises her hand and waves hi.
“Oh, it’s nice to meet you. Beatrice.”
“Home for the summer, Beatrice?”
Bea looked at her watch and saw that she only has 5 minutes before the class. And as much as she wants to keep talking, they really can’t be late to teach this class. She just knows that Superion is watching.
“Listen Ava, I would really love to continue this but I actually have a class to teach.” Beatrice pointed at the surfboard that was still on the ground.
“Oh um yeah sorry about that! Good luck with your class. I’ll be watching. Wait, that sounds bad.” Ava started blushing. “I mean not in a creepy way, just that I’m hanging out with friends right there so I’ll be seeing you.” Ava covered her mouth with her hand. “That doesn’t sound better. Oh God, can the ground just please swallow me.”
“Oh she’s rambling…that’s actually so cute.”
“Hey Ava…” Beatrice put her hand on Ava’s arm. “It’s okay. I’ll see you around, I hope?” Beatrice smiled.
“Oh uh yeah. I’ll probably be here all the time this summer. I’ll definitely see you around, Beatrice!”
"Wait Ava, you forgot your bucket hat!" Beatrice said as she reached for Ava's arm.
"Oh, thank you, Beatrice! What did I tell you, clumsy!" As Ava rubbed the back of neck looking down at where Beatrice still has her hand.
"Oh wait I should remove my hand from her arm." Bea immediately rubbed the back of her neck after and lowered her head.
"Oh well, I don't mind. I'll see you and your bucket hat around?"
"UH YEAH. I mean yes, we will be around. See you!"
Beatrice waved goodbye to Ava. She picked up her surfboard and jogged to her students but not before looking back at Ava, who is skipping back to her friends. Bea giggled and shook her head.
Meanwhile, Cam and Lilith were walking to their groups as well when they saw the entire thing go down.
“Lilith, you saw that right? I wasn’t imagining and being too optimistic?”
“No, no, Cam, I saw it with my two eyeballs too. Our girl flirted, I think. Oh I can’t wait to give them a hard time.”
“Me too. I may even nudge her more to continue it. They need to loosen up a bit.”
As Beatrice reached their group of students, Bea set down her board and started hyping up the kids.
“Hiya kids! Who’s ready to SURF!?”
A whole cacophony of kids screamed and yelled their excitement. Despite her nerves, she knew she was going to have fun this summer.
“Awesome! We still have a few minutes, though, so I'll introduce myself first. My name is Bea.” But before they could continue, a student raised their hand and Bea called on them.
"Like a BUMBLEBEE?? I LOVE BEES.”
Bea chuckled and continued “Yes! Exactly like a bee! Now you guys go around and say your names. Afterwards, we’ll talk about some rules that I have so that you all are safe, okay?”
…
After the 1pm class, both Cam and Lilith hurried to talk to Bea. Foregoing cleaning up the boards and other gear they used for the class.
“Hey who was that that bumped into you? We couldn’t quite see that far but she looks familiar.” Cam said
“Oh yeah she should look familiar. She went to the same high school as us. It’s Ava.”
“Ava Silva, track superstar?” Lilith said
“Yeah that Ava.”
Cam and Lilith looked at each other before Cam said “Didn’t you have a crush on her, Bea?”
Bea blushed furiously. Her ears were also getting warm and red.
“Yeah like a long time ago, though.”
“Yeah well that blush tells me otherwise” Lilith pushed.
“I am not blushing, Cam tell Lilith that I am not blushing.”
Before Cam can say anything Superion interrupted them and said “Yes you are, but more importantly why are the gear and equipment still out there while you three are…” looks at them “gossiping.”
The three didn’t even respond to Superion, they just scrambled to go get everything cleaned up. While Superion does have that cold exterior, they know she’s a softie. But you still shouldn’t cross her. After cleaning up, they all took a little snack break while overseeing the store. Cam and Lilith then both had private lessons to give, so they left Bea on store duty until they close at 5pm.
There wasn’t a lot to do at the store so Bea pulled out her sketchbook. She started drawing, at first, just random things that made them happy today. Like the little kid, Randall, who loves bees. The people playing volleyball near them. Cam and Lilith. Even Superion. And somehow, before they knew it, they were drawing Ava Silva with her cute little bucket hat. Her eyes widened with the thought that was forming in their mind.
“Oh shit. I still have a crush on Ava Silva.”