My heart was racing.

Each second I grew closer, the more it started to beat. I was only ten minutes away now, and that seemed so unreal.

Just a few days ago I was a normal teenage girl graduating from high school. Now, I'm a grown up adult moving out on my own. These were big steps- but none I wasn't prepared for. I had everything already planned out.

Where I would stay, where I would work, how I'd get around town. I even made arrangements for my best friend who'd be migrating here with me. We were all set with the rent for the month, and the money issues. Now, we just had to get there.

Ever since my family moved away from the beach, I've been dying to get back. My whole life was there in that small, magical beach town of Nalani Island. I was devastated when I was dragged away at the age of twelve. But now, I was back- until summer ended, and college started.

Those ten minutes flew by quickly. Before I knew it, Cassie was pulling in to the quaint cottage that would house us for the next couple of months. I could barely control my excitement. As soon as she turned her engine off, I was out and about, inhaling the sweet Nalani air.

Cassie chuckled, "You look stupid right now."

I completely ignored her, continuing to dance around like the little girl who once inhabited this place. She was long gone before, but the nostalgic island was bringing her back.

"Well, could you help me unpack?" She asked, opening her trunk and giving me a stern look.

I sighed, rolling my eyes as I stopped fluttering around and walked over to her car. "Must you ruin my moment?"

She nodded, handing me the first of our many filled suitcases, "Indeed I must."

I loved Cassie with all of my heart. She was no doubt my best friend, but she was two years older than me. With her being so far ahead on the maturity scale, sometimes our mindsets didn't cross. In other words, she didn't always have my sense of humor- or my same idea of fun... which is why she busted my dance party.

I smiled heavily as I dialed the numbers on the door lock. It was weird to see a keypad instead of a keyhole, since Nalani was definetly a more old-fashioned place. When the light buzzed a green, I happily pushed the door open, revealing a pleasant smell of clean linens, and new house.

"It's perfect." I cooed, twirling around the living room. I made sure to stop before Cassie came in behind me. I didn't want her to change her mind about rooming with me.

The place we were staying in was nothing more than it needed to be. It was simple and sweet, which was all we were asking for. For a little two bedroom, and one bathroom cottage, it felt quite spacious. Maybe it was because of how open the living room and kitchen were.

It was decorated quite beautifully, though. Everything was either white, or a couple different shades of sea blue. It was very coastal-y, but that's how I liked it- and I knew Cassie wouldn't really mind how it was decorated, anyways. As long as she had her own bedroom, she was content.

"I'm really feeling this." She said, running her fingers along the shiny, white granite of the kitchen counter. "It's very bright and beach-y."

"It reminds me of my old house." I said, briefly remembering how we used to have our two-storied beach bungalow decorated. It was remotely the same, only lest tourist-y, and more authentic.

"Have you ever though about going by it?" She asked, "You are here, after all."

I nodded, "I have, but, I'm not sure if it's even still there."

A few years ago, Nalani was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Moses. Our house was so close to the beach at the time, that we always assumed the water had ruined it. Some of our old neighbors had to rebuild their homes from scratch because the damage was so bad, so we came to terms with the fact that our old property housed a completely different structure then what we lived in.

Cassie and I continued to empty our belongings into the cottage. By the time we were done, it was close to one in the afternoon. We got here at eleven. It actually took us two hours to unpack.

While Cassie sat down on the couch to breathe, I couldn't help but study a painting of the ocean that hung on one of the walls. I didn't want to stay inside anymore. I wanted to go to the beach.

"What do you say," I begged, sitting down next to her, "Want to go to the beach?"

Cassie quickly shook her head, "I want too, but I start my first shift at the bar tonight."

That was right. I had forgotten about the only reason why we were truly down here for the summer- our jobs. Lucky for Cassie and I, we found a bar located on the beach that was willing to take in the two of us. After coming up on the weekends for training, and staying with some of our coworkers, the two of us were finally ready to start working up front. Cassie got the first gig, but I wasn't complaining, because I wouldn't have wanted to work the night of my arrival anyways.

"You can still go." She suggested.

I shrugged, "I don't know. I don't really like going places alone."

Cassie rolled her eyes. Giving me a quick push, she said, "Don't be ridiculous, Molly. How long have you waited to go to this beach?"

"Forever." I quickly responded, causing the two of us to laugh together.

"Go, then! You have the rest of the day to do whatever you want. Are you really going to spend it in here?" She asked, shaking her head and mouthing 'no' to help me with my decision here.

"I could go to the grocery store.." I sang, just to tease her.

Cassie took the throw pillow out from behind her, and threw it in my face. "Go to the beach!"

My chest rose up and down as I laughed, "Okay, okay- I'll go by myself."

A look of relief came across her face. "Good- just make sure you watch out for those riptide's."

I glared at her after the subtle wink she gave me. Cassie was only mocking my father who made sure to warn me about the 'dangerous riptide's' Nalani was known for. First of all, the chances of me even going out far enough to get caught in one was ridiculous. Second of all, there's lifeguards seated everywhere. Lastly, my father gave me a separate education on what to do if I ever got stuck in one. I think I would be okay.

I groaned- extra obnoxiously. With a mocking tone, I replied, "Yes dad."

And just when I thought I would be escaping his constant watch.

Thanks for reading chapter one! I know it's a little boring, but that's how first chapters go. Stay tuned for the rest of them, though, because so much good shit is about to go down ;)