Here’s the link to Didi’s challenge post:

• WIP Character Challenge FEB: OUT TO SEA

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After Camp ended in early August, Kristin and Brennan felt adrift. Kristin went home to Kansas, and Brennan headed back to Texas. Although their time at Camp hadn’t always been sunshine and roses, the two knew they had a connection. Neither of them quite knew what to make of their experiences, but they’d promised to stay in touch via text.

On August 12th, Kristin’s phone buzzed early.

Good morning, K. I hope there’s sunshine in Kansas today. It’s raining here in Corpus Christi. I wish you were here to brighten my day. Love, B

Kristin smiled, and rolled over on her stomach. She waited a few minutes to text him back. After Camp, and the nasty fight they had at the end, she was more cautious with her words.

Hey, B. Good morning. There’s a beautiful sunrise outside my window. I’m sorry it’s raining. I hope it clears up soon. Any plans for today? I think I’ll be going back-to-school shopping soon. Junior year! Love, K

Brennan smiled. Despite wanting to stay in touch with Kristin, what happened at the end of Camp was hard to stomach. They’d fallen head over heels for each other, or that’s what Brennan had thought. He could tell Kristin was less impulsive now, more careful with her words and actions. Still, that fight was a looming dark cloud over them. Being states away certainly didn’t help, either.

Brennan longed to be with her again. Not necessarily physically, but be in her presence. He wanted to push that dark cloud away, calm the stormy sea. But, he felt like a ship passing in the night. He needed an anchor, or else he felt he would just drift along, aimlessly.

His phone buzzed a few minutes later, getting him out of his funk.

Hey, dude. Wanna catch some waves later?

Brennan laughed aloud. His best friend, Adam, was up for surfing any time, no matter the weather. Adam was the only person that Brennan had told about his experiences at Camp.

Sure, Adam. That sounds great. What time?

Brennan exchanged a few more texts with Adam, and then invited Rafael and Mike to tag along. Mike had a Jeep Wrangler, which was the popular beach vehicle of the group.

About two hours later, the rain lessened, and the sun was a muted orb behind the clouds. Brennan heard Mike honk as he grabbed his board and a few essentials. Brennan’s mom caught him at the door.

“I love you, Brennan. Be safe. I want you back home before dinner. Text me when you’re on your way home. Got it?”

Brennan looped an arm around his mom. “No worries, Mom. I love you, too.”

Kristin was distracted by back-to-school shopping for several hours, and missed Brennan’s photo with his surfing buddies.

At 4:45 p.m., a sudden storm exploded off-shore. Brennan knew he needed to be heading home soon, but Mike convinced him to stay in the water for 15 more minutes.

The lifeguards blew their whistles in unison. Rafael and Adam headed in. Brennan caught one more wave. As he turned, Brennan saw a flash of lightning, and Mike’s head.

“Mike! Get out of the water! Now!”

All three guys cupped their hands around their mouths and yelled the same command, over and over. It started to rain. Thunder followed, and the rain began coming down in sheets. The head lifeguard jumped off his station and dashed toward them.

“Hey! You guys need to get to shelter. Now.”

Brennan protested. “But – Our friend! Mike! He’s still out there. Alone.”

“I’ll find him. You guys get under cover. This is my job.”

The three guys scrambled to the safety of the beach bathrooms, a solid concrete block building about 500 yards from the shoreline.

Brennan was terrified. He knew the lifeguard was fully capable of rescuing Mike, but it was still scary. They huddled in the bathroom, where Rafael said a quick prayer. Adam tried to calm their nerves, to no avail.

As the thunder roared and lightning flashed, Brennan needed a distraction. He finally saw Kristin’s text, the response to his photo.

So cool! I hope you have fun. Wish I was there! Do you want to FaceTime later? Love, K

Brennan smiled, then re-focused. “I hope they find Mike.”

Adam wrapped his arms around his friends’ shoulders. “I know they will.”

“We need EMS!”

They jumped. Rafael scrambled up toward the windows near the ceiling. “Hey, guys! Mike’s alive!”

Brennan slumped to the floor. Adam squeezes his shoulder. “It’s good news. Mike’s gonna be okay. He’s getting help.”

Brennan shook his head. “All four of us could have been out there. It’s weird. It feels surreal.”

Rafael nodded. “We’re lucky. Mike, especially.” He whispered another prayer, this time it was one of thanks.

Adam helped Brennan off the floor. “Come on. Let’s see where Mike went. And you should call your mom.”

Brennan nodded, relief washing over him. Before dialing home, he texted Kristin.

Hey, K. Boy, do I have a story for you. FaceTime at 7:30? Love, B

With shaking hands, he dialed home. He stuttered as he told his mom what happened. He asked to go to the hospital. Mom said yes and that she would meet them there.

“I’m so glad you’re okay. Be safe. See you soon. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Mom. Thank you. You’re my anchor.”

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Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂