All It Takes Is One

1

It All Started With Spaghetti

8th September 2020; 1159 hours

The scene was just chaos. The football team was cheering heavily as they were pumped for their game versus Westview High. The nerds had taken over a whole table and were immersed in a game of Magic: The Gathering©. The cheerleaders were in line, gossiping over the hottest trends. In other words, it was a typical high school cafeteria at lunchtime. The problem was, for me, I had no idea where I belonged in the whole scene.

My name is Nicole Adrianna Grant, and it was my first day of senior year at Lincoln High School in the lovely city of San Diego, California. Why did I feel left out? Well, it kinda went like this. My dad was a navy officer and I had been in a lot of schools and countries throughout my life. My Kindergarten year was in Guam. I started middle school in Rio de Janeiro. I was a freshman at a school in Japan (and yes, I had to wear a special uniform; don’t ask). But now, my dad was fed up with moving around and decided to settle down in a safe place, and San Diego was our place to live for good. My dad had taken a senior job that kept him in one place, and it suited the number of years he had given the navy.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. ‘Oh, wow! She’s been everywhere! It was like living a twenty-four-seven vacation for her!" But that is where you’d be wrong. Dead wrong. I was forced to stay on the navy bases all day every day, and it wasn’t exactly a vacation. Monsoons, hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, all-day drills, and harsh characters made life hell for a kid. It also didn’t help  that there weren’t very many other kids on the bases, and that left me very much alone for much of my adolescence. My mom died giving birth to me, so my dad had to raise me on his own. However, as he was in the navy, it was actually the various support staff on the bases that raised me. So, as a result, I was a bit of a tomboy and didn’t have a lot of social skills.

Now, let’s get back to that cafeteria scene. As I was walking through the room, I was not really sure of where to sit. I could almost feel the eyes of hundreds of kids staring at me as they judged me. I finally found an empty table off to one side, and I finally got down to the business of chowing down. The menu that day was spaghetti and meat sauce, so I was enjoying one of my favourite comfort foods when someone came up to me.

Hey, mind if I sit here, dudette? An accented voice asked. When I looked up, I saw a tall, lithe guy with a mop of blonde hair, blue eyes, and a tan that rivaled those of the locals I had seen in Hawaii. He was holding his own tray in one hand and his bag in another. After I indicated affirmative, he sat down across from me and continued. You’re a new girl, here, aren’t you?

You got it, surfer. I said, shrugging. Nobody invited me over to sit, so I just found my own place.

Well, you do not have to sit alone anymore. Surfer-dude said. You just made a new friend. The name’s Colby, mate. Colby Anderson. What’s yours?

Nicole. I said shortly, unsure what to say to him exactly. Are you Australian?

Rolling his eyes, Colby responded. I wish people would stop assuming that. Dudette, I’m a proud Kiwi from New Zealand!

Sorry. I told him, throwing my hands up. I was just curious.

All good, girl, I get it all the time. He said, patting my shoulder. His openness was extremely foreign to me, as I was more familiar with strict, reserved men and women around the navy. So, what brings you to our slice of California paradise?

My dad is an officer in the navy. I answered, wiping my face of sauce with a napkin. He’s now stationed here after being shuffled around the world like a deck of cards.

Huh. Colby said, nodding. We have a lot of navy kids here, you know. I could show you around and introduce you to them.

No thanks. I responded, shaking my head. I think I’ll be fine.

Okay, no problem, Nicky. Colby answered.

It’s Nicole, surf-bum. I snapped instantly, getting mad at anyone besides my dad who called me Nicky. Nothing else.

Oh, okay, sorry. Colby responded. Right then, a group of boys came by our table and began talking with Colby. I could tell they were a posse of surfer-dudes like Colby, due to their very casual language and body stance. As I polished off my lunch, I started getting ready to leave when Colby stood up too.

Jackie, you and Pablo check the surf and see if we’re a go after school. Colby was saying. Frankie, you and Tommy go and talk to Laura and see if her pa will reserve our usual spot on the beach. I have something to take care of before lunch is over.

"You got it, señor!" The guy I assumed was Pablo said, saluting. As they walked off, I turned to Colby.

What is that ‘something’ you needed to take care of, if you don’t mind me asking? I asked, frowning as I picked up my tray.

You. Colby answered simply. I’m personally inviting you to our senior surfing bonfire tonight as we celebrate the first day of our last year of being a kid.

What? I cried, utterly taken aback. But I just got here!

Exactly! Colby said. I could tell he was on the verge of laughter.

How did you know I was a senior?

I saw you in first period, mate! Colby responds as if it was obvious.

But…why?

"You need to feel like you belong, right? Well, this is your prime opportunity, dudette! We’re always looking for new recruits and you’re perfect!"

As I heard this, I looked down at my sandals and blushed. Shuffling my feet, I admitted quietly, I don’t know how to surf, though. I never learned how. I’ll look stupid.

No, you won’t, because it doesn’t matter! Colby waved aside the comment. We’ll teach ya the way of the waves, mate!

But how can you be so nice to me when I was so mean to you just a few minutes ago? I persisted, feeling very shocked now.

Hey, trust me, bra, I’ve met far worse ‘tudes than you. Just meet up with my peeps and you’ll cool right off. Colby replied, putting his hand on my shoulder again. Normally, I would slap a person if they touched me like that. But Colby seemed to be harmless, so I let the gesture go.

As the bell rang, I finally said, Okay, just let me confirm with my dad and I’ll join you guys tonight!

Choice as! Meet us at Ocean Beach after school, and we’ll give you a clique to settle into. Colby said excitedly, picking his bag up and patting me on my shoulder one last time. He then took off, heading to class.

As I tried to process what had just happened, I glanced down at my schedule and hurried off to my next class too. The next big surprise to me was the fact that I shared many of my classes with Colby or his pals. The rest of my day was spent in complete disbelief that I had already garnered the attention of a group, and they seemed to be popular with a lot more people than I initially thought.

In my fifth period physics class for instance, while we were copying down notes about what we were going to be learning in the semester, I saw him quietly chatting with a brown-haired guy named Julius. When the teacher took a break, I could overhear what they were talking about. Apparently, they were considering what food would be served at the bonfire, and couldn’t decide on whether hot dogs, hamburgers or both should be served. As we were assigned an activity, I lost the conversation and moved on.

I also found out in my seventh period gym class that a lot of the girls were also heading down that night, including a pair of closely-aged sisters named Andrea and Aubrey. As I heard all of the conversation, I discovered that Colby and his pack of boys were treated as the hottest things in the school and were the subject of crushes amongst many of the girls. With that, and the fact that the surfer girls were also amongst the other cliques like the cheerleaders and the athletes, I began to realize that I was entering the coolest group of people in the school almost instantly.

This was a little problematic for me. See, because I never had very many friends on the bases, and the ones I did have I rarely got to keep them for very long, I had a hard time keeping friends. My dad and I moved around so much, my social skills were minimal, to say the least. As a result, I normally felt very awkward around people. Being in this part of San Diego, where everyone seemed to be welcoming, well, let’s just say that I was completely out of my element.

As you might expect, then, the morning I had had that day was scary and I had been nervous about what I might encounter. It seemed I was becoming popular and I didn’t even need to beg for it! It almost seemed too good to be true, and as I thought about the what-ifs, I realized that, if Colby had indeed been screwing with me, he probably would not have been so forth-coming of the possibilities. The school day soon came to a close, and I decided that this was well worth the risk if it meant I could finally have some friends my age for once.

After school, I called my dad at the base and asked him if I could join the surfers at the beach. He permitted me, as long as I wasn’t out for too long. After assuring him I knew what a school night was, I raced home to drop off my stuff. After donning my favourite swimsuit, I made my way back down to the beach, where I saw a huge bunch of people gathered around a massive fire pit. Little did I realize that this night would be the start of something that would change my life forever, and in ways no one could ever have imagined.

2

Surf's Up, Belly-Flopper!

19th February 2011; 1438 hours

Coming home to the barrack my dad and I share in Singapore, I slam mine and my dad’s front door. Tears streaming down my face, I storm up to my room, not wanting to speak to anyone. I have just come from the base’s playground, and as there are no other girls my age on the base, I tried to have fun with the boys, but they teased me for doing so.

Get out of here, Grant! Bobby McCoy yelled at me back at the playground, shoving me off the play structure. This is a boys-only group!

Hey, I can play here, too! I shrieked back, trying to stand up but slipping on the wet grass and falling back to my butt.

"Bobby, Calvin, and I have claimed this playground in the name of those who belong here! Devon Wilhelm shouted. You don’t fall into that category!"

My daddy works here, too, you know! I squeaked, standing up at last. My leg was sore, and I had a cut on my shin.

Oh, going back to your wittle daddy, are you? Calvin Hodgson mocked, sneering at me. "You are such a whiny little idiot! Besides, your dad is a stupid weakling! I’m surprised that he’s lasted this long!"

I launched myself at Calvin, wrestling him off the structure. After a few minutes of fighting, Bobby and Devon came in from behind me and pulled my pigtails back, yanking me painfully off of their friend.

Get lost, girl! Devon shouted, and he pushed me on my way. This is a boys-only playground!

I then raced home, sobbing the whole way. I passed by shops and markets, as well as many officers, but I didn’t stop until I got home.

Back at my room, after a few hours of alone time, I stop crying, but I’m still feeling miserable. It was then that my dad comes back home, calling out to me, Nicky! I’m home!

I am feeling so bad, I barely register his presence. I just come out of my room and into our kitchen, where Dad and I have a simple dinner of Kraft Mac and Cheese and hot dogs. The whole time, I barely speak a word, and while Dad tries to spark a conversation with me, I don’t feel much like talking.

After Dad cleans up the meal, I read a book in my room instead of trying to enjoy the beautiful Singapore evening. Soon though, I hear a knock at my door, and when I say come in, Dad enters.

Nicky? What’s wrong? You seem awfully quiet today.

I don’t want to talk about it. I answer blankly, not looking up from my book.

I won’t take that answer, my little girl. Dad says kindly, sitting down next to me. What’s really bugging you?

Sighing, I put down my novel and reply, I was bullied by the boys at the playground today. They called me a whiny little idiot and said that I don’t belong on the base because I’m a girl.

Well, I can tell you right now, they’re completely wrong about that. Women and girls belong in the military as much as men do.  Those boys were just being misogynistic.

But they’re the only kids on the Singapore base that are my age! Who will I have as a friend?

After considering this for a minute, my dad wraps his arm around my shoulders and kisses my cheek. Well, Nicky, remember, I’ll always be here for you. If you want, I’ll be your friend. You can be with me.

I dunno, Daddy. I mean, the boys were also teasing me about ‘going to my daddy’. If you and I get closer, it might mean more bullying by those misogo-whatever guys.

Just forget those boys. Dad insists. I’m getting a new job soon, so I’ll be at home in the evenings. We can be friends then.

After thinking for a second, I smile. Alright, Daddy. Let’s be friends.

***

8th September 2020; 1612 hours

Walking across Ocean Beach, I counted about sixty people dancing and singing around the fire, which was about the size of a car. When I came into view, I heard Colby shout out to his friends.

And here’s our newest recruit, everyone! He called, coming over and wrapping his arm around me. Everyone, I’d like you to meet Lincoln High’s newest senior, Nicole!

As cheers went up, I was blushing right down to the base of my brown hair. As I was slowly introduced to the crowd, I tried to remember everyone, but it was just too much to remember at once. After all that, I was taken to a row of surfboards and told something I never thought I’d be given.

Pick one, anyone. A girl, whose name I recall was Becky Miller, stated. Her luscious red hair was held back in a ponytail, and her lithe figure made me feel like a steroid-user.

But I don’t want to wreck anyone’s board. I said nervously, looking at Becky. When I saw genuine happiness in her brown eyes, I knew she wanted a friendship between us, but I was unsure if I could hold up my end of that bargain.

Not to worry, these boards are communal from the local surf shop. Laura’s dad runs the place, and he always lets us use the spare boards. Just find one you like, and he’ll let you keep it!

Really? I asked, once again feeling extremely surprised at the generosity in this community. Alright, well, let’s see.

After walking up and down the row a couple of times, a green board with an exotic floral pattern caught my eye. I think this one is the best for me.

Ah, the Tonga board. Nice choice. Becky said, smiling and nodding. "It’s a rare breed.