Addison Alden

(POV: first person by Addison Alden)

“Who’s the guy in your drawing Addison?” asked Mrs. Parker as she stood over my shoulder.  Her presence startled me and I inadvertently drew a line across my drawing. “Sorry.”

“It’s just some kid I saw down by the docks the other day,” I replied.  She caught me making a full page drawing in my notebook.  It was a snapshot I recalled from memory of a good friend standing on the dock and throwing rocks into the bay.

“You know if you used that same kind of passion I see in your drawing in your assigned artwork people could see how talented you are.”

“I know. I know.  I just don’t enjoy paper mache.”

“Every artist has their preferred medium but if you can find out how to put ‘you’ into other mediums you can develop and master those as well. “ I know she was trying to share some wisdom with me and it probably goes beyond art, but pencil and paper just comes so naturally to me.

Ringgg…ringgg…ringgg…

“Have a great summer everyone! Make some fun stories,” shouted Mrs. Parker as the classroom of about 20 rushed for the doorway.   

School was done!  The 8^th grade can now be marked complete!  Suddenly my focus on my drawing immediately changed to what the next 3 months were going to bring.  I just did a 180 from being locked in on a task to now being free and excited for the possibilities.  I rushed out of the classroom towards my locker on the first floor.  The excitement nearly made me go sliding down the stairs on my butt as I missed a step.

“There’s a step there Addy,” said Landon from behind as he caught me in mid-fall.  Instantly my face filled red with embarrassment.

“Thanks but I saw it,” I quickly responded back.  “Did you and Cory come up with any ideas for tonight?”

“We got a few ideas but we’re not sure if we want it to be just a guys night or not.”

“Quiet.  You know you want to hang out with us.” 

“Okay maybe you’re right.  Only because you’re so cool though,” he teased.  I can never tell if he is being an ass or truthful.

“Hey Harp,” yelled Sydney to Landon from down the hall.  “Cory said you guys want to play Ditch ‘em tonight.  You’re going down sucker!”  Sydney and Landon are always too competitive with each other for me.  I don’t like to lose either but I hate the fallout after every contest.  Whenever one of them loses it’s like all the fun is sucked out of the group because someone’s pride is damaged. 

“Can we just play a game for pure fun for once and not put so much weight on the outcome?” Listen to me, I sound like my mother.

“Addy, don’t worry.  We’ll behave.” Sydney answered as she winked to Landon expecting me not to see it.

“Alright girls we’ll see you at the docks at about 8 tonight.  Let’s go Cory.  Hurry up Lanny,” said Landon.  Lanny was digging through the clutter of papers at the bottom of his locker.

“Chill bro.  I’m looking for your mom’s wedding ring.  I asked her to take it off last night.  It was distracting me,” replied Lanny trying to insinuate that he spent the night with Landon’s mom and create a laugh.  It worked.  It got a chuckle out of me.  “Ok found it.”

“Why would you have her ring here at school, smartass? Good one though,” said Landon.

"See you ladies tonight,” he said as he walked backwards and gave a heads up nod.

Shaking our heads and smiling Sydney and I playfully replied, “Miss you Lanny.” 

"Later," said Landon as he saluted us.

As the guys walked out of the school I kept staring.  “When are you going to get over that boy or say something?” questioned Kelly as she approached her locker next to mine. 

“Ya Addy it’s so obvious you got a thing for him,” added Sydney.

“I’m all good.  Boys are trouble.  I like our group the way it is.” I told both of them even though my actions clearly showed my interest.  I quickly tried to change the subject.  “My mom said you two should come over for an end of school dinner tonight.  How does 6:30 sound?”

“Sold!  I love momma Alden’s cooking,” Kelly excitedly answered.

“Me too,” added Sydney. 

“Perfect.  I’ll see you both then.”

Prologue: A Little Coastal Town Called Harmon Park

The yard light’s still on.  Still got time.  A solid leap to hop the fence.  5988.  Bike is unlocked.  You get a running start to get on as you get out on the highway.  A tough incline awaits.  Downshifting to 4, pedaling harder.  Standing up now, using all power.  The musles burn with each turn over.  The challenge feels great.  20 gears on this cruiser.  Almost there.  The top of the hill is in sight.  The slight breeze behind is encouraging.  A tiny glimpse of orange rises on the horizon.  You reach Chrissy Point as a beautiful bird flies up from down below.  It looks like an eagle.  It could be a sign of good fortune.  In mid-ride you hop off.  The bike slides into the gravel.  A guard rail stops a 100 foot free fall.  The binos are already in your pocket so you pull them out.    A short break is needed.  Anxiously waiting.  Nothing comes.  Nothing comes.  The sea is tranquil.  Below the vast ocean brushes the cliff wall.  Dawn is here.  Mesmorized, you look directly at the sun.  The magnification stuns for a few seconds.  Suddenly after readjusting the pod is spotted.  A lucky day.  One after another you gaze at their beauty.  Through the water they move so graciously with each large black dorsal dipping in and out.  One must have noticed you.  Out of the water he rises and crashes onto his back.  Your ecstatic! The picturesque moment is now engrained.  They pass by for their day’s mission.  You must get on with yours.  Only a few more miles.  The hard work is done.  Time to coast.  Around the bend you go.  19 and steamrolling down now.  You recall the time the speed made you nervous.  Not anymore.  A quick glance right at the cove.  Two sea lions fighting for a rock.  One’s got position.  He’s king of the rock.  You feel empowered by his dominance.  Moving on.   

Pulling into town now, the light turns green just in time.  Straight south down Coastal still.  Not early enough, the harbor is busy already.  “Good morning lad!” one of the guys yells from the dock.  You wave and smile back, feeling good and confident on this fine morning.  Time to speed up and show the guys.  They all watch and wave as you roll by.  Cat! A quick jerk avoids hitting her as she heads for the dock scraps.  A close call.  Reality check.  To the left the old fogies roll out of Seavers.  Morning coffee is over.  It’s too early for you.  An air-horn blares in the distance.  One boat is already out past Twin Stacks and near the lighthouse on Split Rock Island.  The wind pulls you a big whiff.  There’s nothing like the smell of tuna as the last dock approaches.  A captain flags you down and requests a delivery to Mrs. Beckett.  No problem.  It’s on the way, just a little ways east down Main right off the Square.  Pedal on.  The legs feel great.  Her house is approaching.  She’s already waiting.  Some Salmon for a donut.  Good trade.  A kiss on the cheek has you turn red.  Time for a thank you.  You look to carry on through downtown.  It’s still quiet, minus the clerk sweeping in front of a shop.  6:10 is still early.  The corner church with the tall steeple signals a left onto Nelson.  You race around the corner, just a few more blocks.  You see the crew is gathered and waiting.  Everyone is ready.  You’ve arrived.  The journey in is done but the adventure is about to begin.  Seems like a typical day but it never is.  You know why?  This is Harmon Park.

This piece was inspired by a narrative from one of my favorite movies, The Perfect Storm.   The intent was for it to be read and visualized like in the movie.