been on Seagate for a day or two And he's already studying something I stand there holding Marilyn Monroe in my arms and watch Mason walk away I'm searching for Bennett out of the Corner of my eye when I feel an arm around my neck and smell the familiar scent of strawberry shampoo Micayla I turn around and throw one arm over her shoulders and we hug and sway with Marilyn Monroe sandwiched between US You're here You're here You're here She pulls back from the hug finally and puts her hands on her hips inspecting me And you look so fabulous You cut your hair And you didn't even tell me It was just a trim I explain No she insists Way more than a trim It's above your shoulders now And it already looks lighter from the sun It's Only June You look amazing I say Your braids are perfect Did you just get them done Uh huh We go back and forth about our hair and then a beach ball hits me in the head I turn to look around to see where it came from Sorry I wanted to get your attention but I guess that wasn't the best method It's Bennett My Bennett He's right here in front of me Royal blue mesh shorts and a faded gray T shirt A buzz cut with a tiny piece sticking up on the top of his head His shaggy hair is
Yeah not the best methodº is all I manage to say The only thing I can think about is how different he looks How much taller he's gotten How he's already tan and he's only been here for an hour Remy he groans Don't be so serious Get out of your New York City mind set and into your Seagate one Now He yells the last part in a joking way and hits me on the arm all playful like I smile Done and done Well go settle in Rem Micayla tells me Meet us at the stadium when you're done Bennett just organized a Welcome Back Ping Pong Tournament for all the kids whose parents are busy unpacking Genius idea I tell them Be there soon Bennett and Micayla walk in the other direction and Marilyn Monroe and I stroll to my house I've been here less than an hour and I already feel great There's something about the Seagate Island air As soon as it touches your skin you're rejuvenated Marilyn Monroe and I walk slowly taking in all the Seagate sights saying hi to people we know and stopping to pee a few times Marinot me I keep wondering how it was possible for Bennett to look so different so much older today I guess a lot can change in a year But why wasn't he waiting for me at the ferry I guess he was there soon after Maybe he was too busy setting up that Ping Pong tournament Maybe he was as nervous to see me as I was to see
I wish life was a movie right now I want to fast forward to the end just for a quick second to see how it unfolds And then I'll rewind back to right now so I can go through the whole thing and enjoy it With all the technology in the world it's disappointing that there's still no way to see the future The whole summer is ahead of us and I can't help but wonder what s going to
I wake up with a jolt It s always like this my first morning on Seagate At first I think'm in my New York City apartment and then I look around I hear the quiet and I smell the ocean air wafting through my open window And then I know I stay in bed breathe it in and appreciate the perfection that is the first Seagate morning Remy Mom knocks on my door and then comes in Dad and I are going for a walk on the beach Want to come I want to stay in bed a little while longer I answer Tll see you when you get back Sounds good MM has already been out and fed Thanks Mom Even though Marilyn Monroe is really my dog my parents help out and take care of her too They won't admit it but I know they love having a dog in the house again They practically fight over who gets to walk her in the
