The Final Chapter of “No U Turns in Life.”

Mia seems so confident paddling towards the shore that it makes me smile. I bet no one would ever have guessed that she had been through hell and back seven years ago or that I went through hell with her. Now, I cannot imagine how I could ever have thought she hated me or how much I wished I was an only child. God blessed me with the best sister.

I felt salty water splashed in my face as I yelled, “Whatcha do that for?”

Aukai laughingly asks, “Are you daydreaming man?”

“What? No, why?” I asked as I wiped my face with my arm and felt the water lapping at my legs and fingers. Yes, I had indeed been daydreaming about another time and place.

“I was talking to you about our plans for tonight.”

“I thought we were going to pick up the girls and go to the mall.”

“Yeah, but I was thinking about what we are going to eat. It might be nice to get Hawaiian Food tonight. Whatcha think bro?”

I laughed as I said, “I think something’s never change. You’re still always thinking about food, but sure I’m down with it.”

“What were you daydreaming about anyhow?”

“Nothing much, just realizing my sister is going away soon. I’m really gonna miss her.”

“I remember when you didn’t feel that way.”

“Me too, but that wasn’t her fault.”

“I guess… I know you two are close.”

“She isn’t just my sister. She’s my confident and without her I never would have had to courage to ask Shelly out.”

“I guess there are advantages to having a big sister. See, I told you all those years ago that you were lucky to have a sister instead of a brother.”

“Yes, I am. Hey look I see my ride,” I said as the perfect wave headed our way.

I jumped to my feet and got in position for the final ride of the day.

Aukai yelled, “Okay, I’ll catch the next one,” as I grabbed the wave and headed towards shore.

I felt the wind on my face and the splash of the ocean on my legs as I waved at Mia pulling her board to shore. I hope she remembered that Aukai and I needed a ride home.