Where do I go from here

[toby wilkins]

It was around six at night. The salty sea air blowing against the boy's face was like a baptism, cleansing him of the sin that his step-father forced upon him back in kentucky. It was a quiet night, the occasional squawk of a sea guill and the dull roar of the crashing wave were the only audible sounds on the whole beach. Toby took off his shoes and socks and set them in the sand high on the beach, he could not risk them being carried away into the ocean. They were all he had. Next came off his shirt, followed by his shorts and underwear. The waves seemed to bekon him as he approached the waters edge. The water itself was cool to the touch and quite refreshing since he has been walking for days on end, only stopping for the occasional bathroom break and to sleep when he was overcome with exhaustion. Another wave crashed and the boy dove into the water, allowing it to overcome his being.

[karolina mae james]

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[/i] on the top one, she left it on the desk and then headed for the door.

Stepping out of the town hall and into the cool air, Karly scrunched up her nose. She pushed her bike around the back of the town hall and then walked on into the square. She wasn't really sure where she was heading, but she wasn't ready to go home yet. So, instead, she turned in the direction of the beach - her usual place to go think or just to get away from her family. She knew most of the town would be busy eating their dinner or having family time or what not, so she wasn't too worried about it being crowded. She just wanted to find one or two people to talk to.

She fumbled through her hoodie's pockets, digging out her iPod as she did so. Popping in her ear buds, she hummed with it as she walked. She loved her iPod. It went everywhere with her, though she didn't always use it. It was just nice to have it there. Arriving at the beach, Karolina's eyes skimmed it for any familiar faces. Finding this end of the beach nearly deserted, she plopped down in the sand near the water, and laid back. It was a fairly warm evening, a nice change of pace, really. She smiled slightly, watching the sunset for a few seconds as she sung along with the next song on her iPod.

notes: --
word count: 400-ish with out code.
tagged: toby wilkins.
outfit: clickie
credit: haley loser face ` at caution 2.0 for the template.
status: done.
jams: n/a
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[toby wilkins]

Toby emergerd from under the water. It it took his eyes a minute to readjust from the briny sea water that they had just come accustomed to. He scanned the seaside for a moment before making his was towards the shore. He noticed a girl sitting on the beach listening to her ipod. Toby was not shy, but he did not think that a girl from a strange town would aprreciate him exposing himself to her, now if only I could get to my clothes without her noticing. he thought to himself. No that would be too difficult, maybe i could get her attention. Then she could hand me my clothes. Theres no harm there. He swam closer to shore and called out Hey! Could you do me a huge favour? He hoped he could be heard over her ipod.

[karolina mae james]

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[/i] She hit the pause button, sitting up and glancing down the beach. Seeing no one, Karolina started to turn back on her iPod and go back to laying in the sand, when she caught sight of someone in the water. Squinting slightly, she realized it was a boy. Someone she hadn't seen before. This was... odd.

Sliding out one of her ear buds, Karolina started to say something else, but then heard his next words. "Can you do me a huge favor?" She raised an eyebrow, questioning this for a few seconds. Favors? Yeah, not something she usually did. With a slight smirk, Karolina shrugged and leaned forward, crossing her legs out in front of her. "Depends. What's the favor?" She called back, rather curious now. Not that she really intended to help; mainly, she was just bored. And this was an interesting situation.

notes: --
word count: 250-ish with out code.
tagged: toby wilkins.
outfit: clickie
credit: haley loser face ` at caution 2.0 for the template.
status: done.
jams: n/a
[/size][/font][/ul]

[toby wilkins]

Toby looked at the girl once more as she replied to him. He was attempting to study her, to see if she really wanted to help him. He knew that she had the advantage her and could easily make the situation a lot worse than it already was. "You see that pile of clothes there?" he asked, though he knew the answer was yes. You really cant miss a pile of clothes less then five feet away. "Could you pass them to me? You see I'm kind of in an awkward situation. I mean I would get them myself, but I dont think youd appreciate me runnin around buck naked." He let out a small awkward laugh. "It is gettin a little chilly here and I would greatly appreciate it if you would help me out." He paused."If not, i will get it myself but dont say i didnt warn ya."

[karolina mae james]

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[/i] Karolina's eyes quickly shifted down the beach in the opposite direction as she heard the boy's words. Clothes... on the beach. Well, that could be awkward. Suddenly realizing where this was going, Karolina gave a slight laugh. She clearly did have the upper hand in this situation. She usually enjoyed situations that ended up like this. They came few and far between. But, for some reason, she found this situation to be rather odd.

Standing up, Karolina made it a point to take some time to brush the sand off her clothes. And then, also made it a point to take her time responding. Walking over to the pile of clothes, Karolina carefully picked them up and then considered her next move. She could do the nice thing and just give them to the poor boy. Or, she could have some fun with this...

Weighing the options, Karolina made her way over to the edge of the water, studying the boy for a few seconds out of curiosity. "Yeah, first off... who are you?" She stated, now out of curiosity. "And no, there's no need for you do come get them yourself. Just stay there." She added, at his next threat. Yeah, if he started to come this way, Karolina would most likely give the boy his clothes. As much as she wanted to be difficult about this, she didn't want to have that happen. News travels fast in a small town, after all. That would be a hard story to explain.

Holding her face in a rather neutral expression, Karolina shifted the clothes to her other hand. Well, she got her excitement. Even if it was a rather... awkward situation.

notes: --
word count: 300-ish with out code.
tagged: toby wilkins.
outfit: clickie
credit: haley loser face ` at caution 2.0 for the template.
status: done.
jams: n/a
[/size][/font][/ul]

[toby wilkins]

Toby observed the girl pick up the clothes. She better not throw them. He thought.A small breeze blew by and he hugged himself as a reflex. He guessed he probably looked rediculous right now. Oh well, he definately had been through worse torture back in Kentucky.He pictured his stepfather in place of the girl and shuddered slightly

"My names Toby by the way. I'm from Kentucky and I dont know where the hell I am now." As the words left his mouth he realized that it made him sound more like an idiot. But once you say something, its impossible to take it back.He took a moment to let his eyes wander. The sky had turned from red to navy blue and the sun was barley visible in the horizon.

Just stay therehe heard her say. That told him that she was actually going to help him. He let out a sigh of releif. He guessed that she saw how quickly this situation could go sour. "Now who are you?"He interrogated tryin to keep his tough guy persona..though he did not have a whole lot of dignity left right now. Standing in the ocean, nude, and cold.

[karolina mae james]

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[/b] The teen stated, with a small shrug, "Possibly the single most boring town in the world. How do you not know where you are?" Now, she was curious. So, her suspicious were formed and he wasn't from the area. But, how many tourists showed up without knowing where they were... was he drunk?

No, no he wasn't. Karolina knew that for a fact. He probably wouldn't be waiting patiently if he was. But, she didn't kind of wonder why he was here now. At his next question, Karolina hesitated. She knew that she should answer him, but instead she found herself brushing his question off with a slight grin. "It doesn't matter," She replied, hoping to save some face, just in case he would know who she was by some fluke. The mayor's daughter... not something she felt like being classified as at the moment.

Her eyes shifted to the sky behind him now. The sun was setting fast. It had a slightly orange glow toward the bottom, but the top was a very dark, navy color. She knew that this meant that dinner would be over for many of the locals soon and that many of them would be back on the beach shortly after that. She really didn't want to be standing here, on water's edge, facing this boy like this when the townspeople started to return.

So, debating her best options, Karolina finally spoke up once more. "How do you want me to give these to you? Toss them? Wade them out there?" Okay, so the second option? Most likely not going to happen. But, she figured she'd offer anyhow.

notes: --
word count: 300-ish with out code.
tagged: toby wilkins.
outfit: clickie
credit: haley loser face ` at caution 2.0 for the template.
status: done.
jams: n/a
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[toby wilkins]

Serenade North Carolinahe repeated to himself. The name did suggest kind of a boring small town but he wasnt going to disclose that thought. Especially since the girl still decided his fate. "Alright, her's what we are gonna do." He paused to run the plan over in his head one more time to be sure it was going to work. "I want you to put them by the waters edge then turn around while i get dressed." He smiled "Or you can look if you want, Im not shy." He winked. Toby was aware of his sexual orientation, however the girl was not. So, he figured it would be fun to mess with her while he had the opportunity. Besides, it was a harmless suggestion. He did not want to hurt anyone.

[karolina mae james]

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[/b] Karolina smirked, stepping back a few steps. She set the pile down there, then took a few more steps back. "But I'd hurry if I were you; you never know when the beach will get more crowded." Still smirking, the teen then turned, walking back up the beach to her previous location. "Oh, and don't flatter yourself too much," Karolina turned, winking back at him as she shook her head. Might as well have a little fun with this.

Spinning back around, Karolina pulled the other ear bud out of her ear and wrapped the cord around her iPod. Hitting the off switch, she shoved it back into her hoodie pocket and pulled her hood up over her head. Another cool breeze of air blew and Karolina could smell the sea water even more now. That was one thing about Serenade, North Carolina - it was always somewhat chilly in the evenings. Especially in early March, the time of year it was now.

notes: --
word count: 300-ish with out code.
tagged: toby wilkins.
outfit: clickie
credit: haley loser face ` at caution 2.0 for the template.
status: done.
jams: n/a
[/size][/font][/ul]

[toby wilkins]

Toby waded onto the shoreline where his clothes were waiting for him. He quickly threw on his underwear and pants. "You can turn around now." He shook his head trying to as much excess water of as possible before putting on his shirt. He figured he would be spending the night here on the beach so one dry article of clothing would be a luxery. Thanks he told her, his voice was sincere. And you never actually told me your name. Can you at least do me that courtesy?

The girl was right. He could hear more foot steps approaching. The figures of people became larger as they came nearer to the shore. Dont these people have anything better to do then to sit on the beach in march. Its just barely spring and quite frankly it is not even that nice out. Toby knew that the more people that saw him, the more questions will be asked. Especially in a small town where he stuck out like a sore thumb. All he wanted to do was set up camp and get some rest after all the walking he had done.

[karolina mae james]

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[/b] She stated, bluntly. Which, of course, was an obvious lie. She paused for a second, then giggled, shaking her head. "I tell you my name when you tell me what brings you to Serenade."

Obviously, she still had a slight bit of manipulative talents. Karolina smiled, studying Toby for a few seconds before glancing down the beach. A group of teens were coming back to the beach, and a family or two. "Don't these people have anything better to do than to sit on the beach in March?" She heard Toby say. Giggling once more, Karolina turned to him. "You really aren't from around here. Nothing exciting happens here. Hence, everyone comes to the beach." She shrugged, making it sound as if it were obvious. Which, it was to people that had lived their entire lives here in Serenade like Karolina had. But, to anyone else in the world, she knew it wouldn't be that obvious. In fact, most people probably would think that they had more of life than that.

"This is the warmest it's been in a while." Karolina shrugged, feeling another cool burst of air blow through. It wasn't that warm, she knew that. But, it was better than it had been the week before. March never was an extremely warm month here in North Carolina, but it wasn't horrible either. It was just kind of there. You did appreciate it, though after dealing with the cold months of December, January, and February. It felt like a heat wave sometimes.

notes: --
word count: 300-ish with out code.
tagged: toby wilkins.
outfit: clickie
credit: haley loser face ` at caution 2.0 for the template.
status: done.
jams: n/a
[/size][/font][/ul]

[toby wilkins]

Toby shivered a bit. His clothes were still wet from his little swimming excursion. Oh pleased to meet you Miss. Lopez. May I call you Jennifer? He decided to play along with her lie for a while. He was in no mood to tell anyone,especially a stranger of the hell he has been through. I loved your song Jenny From the Block. Could you sing a few lines for me? He smiled his signature charming smile. His teeth were white and surprisingly straight for someone who has not seen a dentist in years. Now Miss Lopez. Why do you care what brings me here? He asked trying to stall for awhile.

More and more people walked on to the beach. There were little kids digging holes in the sand, their parents smiling proudly at them. As if they just dug out the Grand Canyon. Teenage couples sat on towels making out. He looked at the girl and blushed a little. He habitually ran his fingers through his hair to conceal his embarassment. Besides im nothin special so it dont matter why im here. He said tryin to break the rather awkward pause. Its a long story anyway and I wouldnt wanna bore a big star like you. There was a note of sarcasm in his voice.

[karolina mae james]

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[/b] She stated simply, with returning his grin with one of her own. He had a nice smile, she noted as she studied the boy carefully. She was waiting on him to just cave and tell her why he was here. Karolina could play this game just as long as he could, if not longer. She made that promise to herself.

"I loved your song Jenny From the Block. Could you sing a few lines for me?" Karolina smiled slightly at this, holding back a small laugh. It'd been forever since she heard that song. It'd never really been her favorite song of J-Lo's, but she did know it. And, though she'd always thought that she had a fairly good singing, she knew she was nothing like Jennifer Lopez. So, instead, she shook her head. "You know, I'd love to, really. But, I'd hate to draw a big crowd, you know?"

Shrugging it off, Karolina turned her attention down the beach. Some of the younger kids were building sand castles or digging trenches, and on down the beach there was a small fire starting up. Probably a crowd of teens around it, but Karolina couldn't see that far to tell for sure. She could remember being little and trying to make a better sand castle than her siblings every evening when they came out. It was always fun.

"Now, Miss Lopez, why do you care what brings me here?" Turning back to Toby, Karolina blinked and then considered her response. "If you don't tell me now," She started, with a smile, "I'll find out eventually. News travels fast in a small town, Toby." She shrugged once more, and then reached for the hood of her hoodie, pulling it up over her head. The wind blew once more and it was kind of a chilly. But, the teen had no intentions of leaving anytime soon.

"I've got time," Karolina stated, "Not like I feel like going home, yet." A simple response, but she left it at that. Now, plopping down into the nearby sand, Karolina patted the spot nearby her with a grin. "I'll wait all night, if I have to." And, she would too. It wouldn't be the first time she broke curfew.

notes: --
word count: 400-ish with out code.
tagged: toby wilkins.
outfit: clickie
credit: haley loser face ` at caution 2.0 for the template.
status: done.
jams: n/a
[/size][/font][/ul]

[toby wilkins]

Alright then Jennifer he said sarcastically. But just dont say I didnt warn ya. Toby took a seat in the sand and patted the ground beside him indicating that he wanted the girl to sit down. I guess I have to start from the beginning for it all to make sense. He started. I come from Kentucky. There I lived with my ma and step father. My ma was a decent woman. She always wanted whats best for me....I wish I could say the same about my stepdad but id be lyin. He laughed. Anyway for as long as I can remember my stepdad would call me into the barn and then have his way with me. It dont bother me much anymore but I guess I just got used to it. Tobys cheeks turned a shade of red since he has never told anyone about that before. Anyway eventually my mom figured out what was goin on but by the time I could get to her so I could tell her it was alright, she killed herself. I can still see her lifeless body hangin from the rafters of that barn. He paused. I was fourteen then. With my mom now gone, I had noone to protect me from my stepfather. So I promised myself that as soon as I can I will get my ass outta this stupid town and go and find my real dad. My mom always used to tell me about him. How he was part native american and real smart. He sounded like a good guy. If he wasnt, well noone could be worse than my stepfather so I was willin to take the chance. ...Eventurally I had enought money saved up and I left my home and started to travel east....the rest ai'nt important....anyways here I am. I hope I didnt bore ya.