Chapter 5 Chapter Four

I got home at five and didn't feel sunburned right away, but it was noticeable in the shower.There was a stinging pain as the water rushed to the chest and shoulders, and the face was as hot as a fever.After taking a shower, I shaved, which was the first time since I got home this time.Then I put on some clean shorts and a shirt that doesn't look too bad, this one is light blue.Lucy actually bought it for me and swears that it's the perfect color for me.I rolled up my sleeves, tucked my shirt into my trousers without trouble, and continued to rummage for a pair of vintage sandals to wear.

Through the crack of the door, I saw Dad sitting at the desk, and suddenly realized that this was the second night in a row that I had another date. I didn't have dinner with Dad, and I didn't stay at home on the weekend.I knew Dad wouldn't complain, but I still felt guilty.Since we stopped discussing coins, the only time left was breakfast and dinner together.There is no time left for him now.Maybe, I didn't change as much as I thought.Going home to eat with dad, live with dad, and now even ask him to borrow a car.In other words, I was living my own life while taking advantage of the comforts my dad provided.Not sure what Savannah would say about this, but I think I already know the answer.Sometimes Savannah is like that little voice in my head that never pays the rent but lives in me.Now this voice tells me that if I feel guilty, I must have done something wrong.I decided to spend more time with my dad.It sounds like I'm running away, but I really don't know what else to do.

When I opened the door, Dad looked at me in surprise. "Hey, Dad." "Hi, John," Dad began, eyes on the desk, a hand running over the top of his balding head.I didn't continue talking, and Dad realized that he should ask me questions.Finally he said, "How was your day?" I moved in my chair. "Very nice, spending today with Savannah, the girl I told you about yesterday." "Oh." Dad's eyes wandered to the side, avoiding my sight. "You didn't tell me." "Did you?" "No. But it's okay. You came back late yesterday." Dad seemed to finally notice that I was dressed more formally, or had never seen me in this look.But Dad still didn't ask a question.

I pulled my shirt to help him out: "Yeah, I know it's obvious, I want to impress her by looking good. I'm taking her out to dinner tonight. Can I borrow your car?" "Oh... yes. " Dad said. "I mean, if you want to use the car at night, I can call a friend or something." "No," Dad replied, reaching into his pocket for the keys.Nine out of ten dads know how to throw it away, and my dad handed it to me properly. "Are you okay?" "A little tired," Dad said. I stood up and took the key. "Dad?" He looked up at me again.

"I'm sorry I haven't had dinner with you for two days." "It's okay, I understand." The sun was slowly setting, and when we hit the road, the color of the sky was like bright fruit, very different from what I saw in Germany .There was a lot of traffic on the road, but that's usually the case on a Sunday night, and it took almost half an hour, stuck in exhaust fumes, to get back to the beach and into the driveway. I pushed the door open without knocking, and two men were sitting on the couch watching football when they heard me come in. "Hi." Sounded neither surprised nor curious.

"Did you see Savannah?" "Who?" said one of them, obviously not listening to me. "It's okay, I'll go find it." I walked through the living room and continued towards the terrace. The man I saw last night was grilling again, and there were some people beside me, but Savannah was nowhere to be seen.There was no one to be found on the beach either.As I was walking back into the house, someone tapped me on the shoulder. "Who are you looking for?" I turned around. "Some girl. Some girl who's good at dropping things on the pier, but is a quick learner to surf." Savannah stood in front of me with her hands on her waist, and I smiled.She was wearing shorts and a summer strappy tank top, a blush on her cheeks, and I noticed she was wearing mascara and lipstick.While I love her natural beauty, after all I grew up on the beach, Savannah is even more beautiful tonight than I remember.As she leaned towards me, a scent of lemon came over.

"A certain girl? I'm just a certain girl?" Savannah demanded, sounding half-joking, half-serious.For a moment, I imagined myself reaching out and hugging her right now. "Oh, it's you." I played dumb. The two people on the sofa looked over, and then turned back to watch TV. "Ready?" "Let me get the purse." Savannah picked up the purse from the long kitchen table, and we walked towards the door together. "Okay, where are we going?" I told her the answer, and Savannah raised an eyebrow. "The restaurant you're taking me to has the word 'shed' in it?" "I'm just a poor soldier who can only afford a place like this." We walked side by side, Savannah's body following from time to time. I touch.

"Look, that's why I don't go out with strangers." The "Shrimp Shack" is in downtown Wilmington, just off the Cape Fear River in Old Town.The innermost part of the Old Town is a typical sightseeing area, full of small shops selling souvenirs, a few antique stores, some high-end restaurants, coffee shops and several real estate agents.But it was different on the other side of Wilmington, where it felt like a port city: there were several large warehouses, half of which were empty; several old office buildings, which were only half full.I guess tourists who come to play in summer probably won't go to this end.This is the direction of our destination.The car drove all the way, and slowly, the crowd became less and less, and finally the nearby area looked more dilapidated, and there was not even a pedestrian on the road.

"Where's the restaurant?" Savannah asked. "It's a little further ahead." I said, "Over there, at the end." "This place is a bit deserted, isn't it?" "It can be said that only locals know about it. The boss doesn't care if tourists come. Don't care about that." A minute later, I slowed down and turned into the small parking lot, next to one of the warehouses.Dozens of cars have been parked in front of the "Shrimp Shack". It's like this every time I come here, and it has hardly changed here.The "Shrimp Shack" has always looked like this since I've known the place, the front porch is wide, but messy, the paint is peeling, the roof is warped, it looks like it's going to collapse at any moment, but the "Shrimp Shack" has been around since 194 It has been here for several years, and it has survived several hurricanes.The outside of the restaurant is decorated with fishing nets, tire rims, license plates, an old anchor, oars and a pile of rusted chains.A dilapidated boat is near the entrance of the restaurant.

The sky slowly darkened as we walked towards the restaurant.I wondered if I should hold Savannah's hand, but in the end I did nothing.Although I used to have a good record in the opposite sex, but facing a girl I really like, I am really inexperienced.Although we only met yesterday, I feel that we have entered a new field. Walking up the bumpy front porch, Savannah pointed to the boat and said, "Maybe that's why the boss opened the restaurant, because his boat broke down." Didn't expect to deal with it. Ready?" "As usual." I pushed open the door. Not sure what Savannah expected, but she walked into the restaurant with a satisfied look on her face.On one side is a long bar with windows overlooking the river, and most of the seating is picnic benches.A few waitresses shuttled between the tables with their puffy hair, and this part has not changed.The air smells of fried food, mixed with smoke, but it feels right.Most of the tables are occupied, and I point to the seats near the jukebox.The song on the jukebox was some kind of country music, but I can't tell you who sang it.I'm a standard rock fan.

We weave between tables filled with mostly hard-earned customers, construction workers, landscaping workers, truck drivers, etc. I've never seen so many hats with NASCAR on them.Some of the guys on the team are car fans, but I never thought car racing was any fun, it’s just a few people sitting in the car and going around in circles all day, I don’t understand why these reports are in the sports section of the newspaper instead of the car section .I sat down opposite Savannah and watched her look around the room. "I love places like this. Did you come here a lot when you lived here?" "No, it's more of a celebration place. I usually go to a bar called The Hot, near Wrightsville Beach." Sarah Wen Na reached for Hu Bei's prepared menu, which was sandwiched between a napkin holder and a bottle of tomato sauce and chili sauce. "It's so much better here. Now, what's the signature dish?" "Shrimp." "Oh my god, really?" "I mean, every way you can think of cooking it. You know the movie Forrest Gump's True Story Ribuba told Forrest Gump about cooking shrimp, right? Grilled, pan-fried, charcoal grilled, Cajun shrimp, lemon shrimp, Creole shrimp, cocktail shrimp... This is the famous shrimp dish "What would you like to eat?" "I usually order cold cuts with cocktail sauce, or fried shrimp." Savannah put down the menu. "You order!" The menu slid across the table to me, "I trust your taste." I put the menu back on the napkin holder. "Decided?" "Happy, get a big bucket. That's a wonderful experience." Savannah leaned forward on the table. "How many girls have you brought here? I mean, come and enjoy this amazing experience." "Including you? Let me think about it." Fingers nodded on the table, "Just one." "It's an honor." " This is usually where I come with my friends for food, not drinks. After a long day of surfing, there's no food like this." "I'll find out soon." The waitress came over, I ordered; she asked what we'd like to drink, and I spread my hands. Savannah said, "Sweet tea, please." "Two cups," I said. After the waitress had left, we had a lighthearted conversation that lasted until the drinks were served.We talked about life in the military again, and Savannah was somehow fascinated by it, and asked me about growing up here.I talked more than I wanted to, including my high school life, and my first three years in the military, maybe too much. Savannah listened intently, asking questions, and it occurred to me that it had been a long time since the last time I dated a girl like this; it might have been years ago, it might have been longer.Not since Lucy!I don't know why I stopped dating girls, but now that I'm sitting across from Savannah, I have to reconsider my decision: I like being alone with her, and I want to see her more often.Not only tonight, but also tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.Everything about being with her, from the way she cracked jokes to caring for other people, made me feel refreshed and want to know more.Also, being with Savannah also made me realize how lonely I was before.I never admitted this, but being with her these two days let me know that it is true. "Let's have some music!" Savannah's words interrupted my thoughts. I got up from my seat, reached into my pocket, pulled out some quarters and put them in the jukebox.Savannah put her hands on the glass when choosing songs, and she chose several songs.When I got back to my seat, the first song had already started playing. "You know, I just found out I was the one talking tonight," I said. "You can talk!" Pulling the cutlery out of the rolled napkin, I said, "What about you? I've told you everything, but I don't know anything about you." "Of course you do! You Know how old I am, where I go to school, what I'm majoring in, and that I don't drink alcohol. You also know that I'm from Le Noir, live on a farm, love horses, and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity to build houses in the summer .You know a lot." Yes, I suddenly realized that I do know a lot, including things she hasn't said yet. "Not enough, it's your turn." Savannah leaned against the table. "You ask what you want to know." "Tell me about your parents." "Okay." Savannah reached for a tissue and wiped the water from the glass. "My dad and mom have been married for twenty-five years and are still bonded and very happy. They met at Appalachian State University and my mom worked in a bank for a few years before giving birth to me and then quit Stay at home full time as a stay at home mom. My mom is the kind of philanthropic mom who helps out in the classroom, volunteers as a school bus driver, coaches the soccer team, is a parent president, etc. Now I'm away from home for college, mom Volunteering different things every day: library, school, church, etc. My dad was a history teacher at school. He was the coach of the girls' volleyball team when I was little. Last year I made it to the state finals, but lost. Dad is also a deacon of the church, leading the youth fellowship and the choir. Do you want to see the photos?" "Of course." Savannah opened the purse and took out the wallet, opened the wallet and pushed it in front of me, our fingers touched. "The photo was soaked in sea water, and the edges are a little wrinkled, but it is still readable." Looking at the photo, I found that Savannah was more like her father than her mother, or she had inherited her father's dark hair and facial features. "A beautiful couple." "I love them," Savannah said, putting away her wallet. "My parents are the best." "If your dad was a teacher, why would you live on a farm? Where?" "Oh, that's not a professional farm, my grandfather was at that time, but because of the tax, he sold it bit by bit, and when my dad inherited it, it was only ten acres, and there was a house where we lived , stables, and corrals. Sounds more like a big yard than a farm. But we all say that, and I guess that's a bit misleading." "I know you mentioned gymnastics, but did you ever practice volleyball with Dad? "No, I mean, Dad was a great coach, but he always encouraged me to do what I liked and what was right for me. Not volleyball. I tried it, it was OK, but I didn't like it." "You love horses." "When I was young, my mother gave me a statue of a horse, and that was the beginning. I got my first horse when I was eight years old, and it was the best Christmas present I ever received. Her name is Sloken. She is a very gentle old mare, perfect for me. In exchange, I will take care of her, feed, brush, and clean the stable. So my life is taking care of horses, Going to school, gymnastics, and caring for other animals." "Other animals?" "Growing up, my house was like a farm. Cats, dogs, and for a while a vicuna. I couldn’t take it anymore, and my parents recognized it later, and they didn’t argue with me at all. Usually there are four or five pets in the house at any time. Sometimes the owner will come to look for them, hoping that the lost pets are in my house. If they can’t be found, they will adopt one Just the newest member of my family." "Your parents are very patient." "Yeah. But there's nothing you can do about stray animals, and even if my mom keeps denying it, she's worse than me." Looking carefully at Savannah , I said, "You must be a good student." "All A's. I'm the valedictorian." "Why am I not surprised?" "I don't know, why?" I didn't answer. "Have you ever had a serious boyfriend?" "Hey, getting to the point!" "I'm just curious." "What do you think?" "I think..." draws out the end, "I don't know." Savannah Laughed. "Then don't discuss this issue for now, it's good to keep a little mystery. Besides, I bet you can guess it yourself without me telling you." The waitress brought us a bucket of shrimp we ordered, and a few plastic plates Serving cocktail sauce, setting things to the table, and filling our glasses, all in one go, with the kind of efficiency that only someone who has been doing the same thing for years and months can do.Without asking if we still wanted something, the waitress turned and left. "This place is known for its service." "She's busy!" Savannah said, reaching for more shrimp. "Also, I think she knew you were interrogating me and that you were leaving me to the judge." She shelled a shrimp and dipped it in the sauce before putting it in her mouth.I reached into the bucket and took some to put on my plate. "What else do you want to know?" "I don't know, everything is fine, what's the best thing about going to college?" Savannah added shrimp to the plate, thinking about what to say. "Good teacher. In college, sometimes you can choose your own professors, as long as the class time does not conflict. This is my favorite place. Before going to college, this is the advice my father gave me. He said that you should choose a teacher when you choose a class. , not subject selection. I mean, he knows that you have to take certain classes to graduate, but good teachers are invaluable. These teachers inspire students, entertain students, and in the end students learn a lot without realizing it themselves." "Because These professors are passionate about their field of expertise," I said. Savannah blinked. "Yeah! I took a few classes that didn't fit my field, and I never thought I'd be interested, but you know what? I still remember the stuff, like I'm still taking classes." "I was surprised. I thought you were going to say that the best thing about going to college is going to basketball games and stuff. In Church Hills, it's almost like a religion." "I like that too. Like I like hanging out with my friends together, or go to school away from home. I've learned a lot since I left Lenoir, I mean, life at home is great, my parents are great, but I've always been... well taken care of. Going to college Since then, I've had quite a few eye-opening experiences." "Like?" "Lots of things. Like the stress of going out every time, having to drink with everyone, or hooking up with a guy. Freshman year I hated University of North Carolina, I feel that this is not what I want, and I am not used to it at all. I also asked my parents to let me suspend school or transfer. But they refused. I think they know that if I go with me, I will regret it in the future. Wrong. Until my sophomore year, I met a group of girls who thought like me, and then it got better. I joined a few Christian student societies, went to Lori to volunteer on Saturday mornings, and helped the poor. After that, I went to whatever party , I don't feel pressured to go out with anyone. If I do go to a party, I won't be swayed by peer pressure. I just accept the fact that I don't have to be like everyone. I can do what I feel is right Something." I thought, which explains why she was with me last night.And now. Savannah's expression brightened. "I guess it's kind of like you. I've grown up over the last few years. So besides being great surfers, that's what we both have in common." I laughed. "Yeah, but I've struggled a lot more than you." Savannah leaned forward again. "My dad always said, when you're trying to do something, look at the people around you. Everyone's working hard for themselves. For these people, all the difficulties are the same as you are going through." "Your father Sounds like a smart guy." "Both my parents. I think they both graduated from top five colleges. That's how they met because they both studied in the library. They both think education is important, I'm like my parents' plan. I mean, I've been reading since I was in kindergarten, but I've never been against it, and my parents have talked to me like an adult since I remember." Yes For a while, I wondered how my life would be different if my parents were theirs, but I quickly put that thought aside.I know that Dad has tried his best, and I have no regrets about my life.Maybe it's a pity that there was a little detour in the middle, but I have nothing to say about the end point.Because no matter what happens, I'm still going to have dinner with the girl I'll never forget at the seedy diner in the middle of the city. After dinner, I went back to the house where Savannah lived, but it was unexpectedly quiet there.The music was still playing, but most of the people were lazily gathered around the campfire, as if they knew they had to get up early tomorrow.Tim sat there, too, talking earnestly to the others.Savannah unexpectedly held me back, preventing me from continuing in the direction of the campfire. "Let's go for a walk!" Savannah said. "I want to move and digest dinner before I sit down." In the sky overhead, a few thin clouds drifted among the stars, and the full moon was still not far from the horizon. far away.I felt a gentle breeze on my face and heard the continuous lapping of the waves in my ears.The tide was out, and we walked to a place where the sand was firmer by the water's edge.Savannah put her hand on my shoulder for balance as she took off her shoes.First I took off one, then the other, and when she was well, I took off the shoe too.The two walked a few steps without speaking. "It's so beautiful here. I mean, I like mountains, but there's always something by the sea. It's very... peaceful." I think this could apply to Savannah, too, but I'm not sure what to say. "I can't believe we just met yesterday. I feel like I've known you for ages." Savannah's hand was warm and comfortable in my hand. "I think so too." Savannah's smile was hazy, and she stared at the sky full of stars. "Wonder what Tim would think," she murmured, then turned to look at me. "Sometimes he thinks I'm a little childish." "Does it?" "Sometimes!" Savannah admitted to herself, and I laughed. She continued: "I mean, if I saw two people walking like we did, I'd be like, oh, that's sweet, instead of thinking they'd be hiding behind the dunes and doing business. But the truth is, there are It was indeed like this at the time, but I didn’t know it. I’m always very surprised to hear it afterwards. Like last night, after you went back, I heard that there were two people in the room like this, and I still can’t believe it.” "I'd be surprised if it didn't happen." "I just don't like college life, a lot of people seem to think that these years are nothing, you can try... anything. Attitudes towards sex, drinking and even drugs Both casual. I know it sounds stereotypical, but I just can't figure out why. Maybe that's why I don't want to sit around the campfire with everyone. To be honest, I'm pretty disappointed in those two, so I don't want to sit there and pretend nothing is wrong. I know I shouldn't criticize people, and I know they're good people to help, but why? What's the point? Shouldn't this be left to someone Someone you love? That makes sense, doesn't it?" I knew Savannah didn't expect an answer, so I didn't say anything. "Who told you about this?" I finally asked. "Tim. I think he's disappointed too. But what can be done? Kick them off?" We walked a long way on the beach before turning back.In the distance, people can be seen sitting in a circle around the campfire.The mist smelled of sea salt, and sand crabs sprinted back to their caves as we passed. "I'm sorry, I'm so over the top." "Over what?" "I shouldn't be... so angry. And I shouldn't be judgmental. I don't have the right to do that." "Everyone does. It's human nature." I said . "I know. But... I'm not a saint either. At the end of the day, only God's decisions matter. I also learned that no one can predict what God will think." I laughed. "What's the matter?" "The way you talk reminds me of a chaplain in the army. He said the same thing." We walked along the beach, walking away from the water's edge as we approached the house, to the farther, softer sand.With every step I got stuck in the sand, Savannah tightened my grip on my hand.I don't know if she will let go when she is close to the campfire. When she really let go, I feel a sense of loss. Tim said, "Hey, back!" Randy was there too, with his usual sulky look on his face, and I'm honestly sick of his hostility.Brad stood behind Susan, who leaned back against him.Susan looked a bit conflicted, not knowing whether to pretend to be happy so that she could gossip with Savannah later, or to pretend to be angry so that Randy could vent her anger.The others continued the conversation, clearly not caring much. Tim stood up and walked towards us. "How was dinner?" "Great! Went to a restaurant that the locals love. Let's eat at the Shrimp Shack." "Sounds like fun," Tim concluded. I tried to look for clues of jealousy, but found nothing.Tim pointed to the back and continued: "Do you want to join? We want to relax now, and we will go to work tomorrow." "Actually, I am a little sleepy. I will walk back with John to drive, and I will go to sleep when I get back. What time will tomorrow be?" Wake up?" "Six. Breakfast first, construction site at 7:30. Don't forget to put on sunscreen, we'll be working in the sun all day." "I'll remember, and you should remind everyone else." " I've said it, and I'll remind you again tomorrow morning. But you wait and see, some people just won't listen, and then they'll be burned to the ground." "See you tomorrow morning," Savannah said. Tim's attention turned to me: "Well, I'm glad you came today." "Me too." "Also, if you're bored these weeks, we always need someone." I laughed: "Knew you would say that." "You know that's who I am." Tim held out his hand. "Anyway, hope to see you again sometime." We shook hands, Tim walked back to his seat, and Savannah House nodded.We walked towards the dunes, stopped to put on our sandals, and walked along the wooden walkway through the grass and around the house.Walk to the parking lot in a minute.The night was very dark, and I couldn't see the expression on Savannah's face clearly. "It's been a good night, and so is the day." I swallowed and asked, "When can I see you again?" It's an easy question, and it's not surprising, but I was a little surprised to hear the anticipation in my tone .I haven't even kissed her yet. Savannah said, "I guess it's up to you, you know where I live." "How about tomorrow night?" I blurted out. "I know another fun place with live music." Savannah tucked locks of hair back behind her ears. "How about the night after tomorrow? Is this okay? Because the first day at work is always...excited and tired. Our work group will have dinner together, and I really shouldn't be absent." "Okay, it's okay." I I thought it was not good at all. Savannah must have heard the disappointment in my voice. "Like Tim said, you're welcome to come over anytime you want." "No, that's fine, just Tuesday night." We continued to stand there, and it was an awkward moment that I'll probably never get used to.Savannah turned away before I had a chance to steal a kiss.I usually act first and see what to do next.I may not know how to express my feelings, but I usually act on instinct and act with great force.The object was replaced by Savannah, and I seemed to be paralyzed.But Savannah didn't seem in a hurry. A car drove by, breaking the spell between us.Savannah took a step towards the house, stopped and put her hand on my arm, placing a very chaste kiss on my face.It's almost like a kiss between relatives, but her lips are so soft and the smell is so fragrant. I am submerged in her fragrance, even if she pulls away from her, I still can't go away. "It was a great night," Savannah murmured. "Even if it's been a long, long time, I won't forget it." Then I felt Savannah let go of my arm and she disappeared without a sound. On the steps of the house. When I got home later, I tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep, thinking about what happened today.Finally, I gave up sleeping and sat up, wishing I could tell Savannah how important this day was to me.A meteor streaked across the sky outside the window, leaving a trail of silver.I'd like to believe it's an omen, but I'm not sure about what.I just relived for the hundredth time Savannah's kiss on my face and wondered how I could fall in love with a girl I'd only met the day before.