The Legend of the Blue Leash, part 6

Ash woke up more confused than ever. He can barely handle what he was feeling since that fateful day he met Miguel and just when he thought everything is starting to get alright, this happens.

He pulled the sheet off his hotel bed. He unceremoniously put the evidence in the toilet sink and wash the cum stain off before hanging it on the bathroom to dry.

He went outside to think. It was 4 in the morning and his first training with Miguel won’t start until 5. He walk to the dark beach and sat on the dry sand. He always found solace on the sea shore. The salty scent of the sea air, the sound of the sea and the feel of that grainy sand always makes him feel safe while helping him clear his mind.

He watched the sea as the moon shine revealed the white water. His latest dream made him consider a lot of things. Part of him wants to stop his arrangement with Miguel while the surfer in him wanted to see Miguel and learn the ways of the waves.

He lay on the beach and begged for the sea to give him an answer. In a couple of minutes, his personal training with Miguel will start and he has to decide soon.

In the end, he listened to the sea’s call. The calling of the waves is just too much. He reminded himself that it is just a harmless dream and there’s nothing to be scared off. Besides, Miguel was already his friend and he felt comfortable with him like he was the human extension of the ocean.

He arrived at Miguel’s home 30 minutes late. Miguel was standing beside his scooter and already geared up.

“You are late.” He said impatiently.

“I know. I’m sorry.” Ash apologized. “I need to fix some stuff before going here.”

“Whatever. Anyway, did you have breakfast?” Miguel asked a little annoyed on Ash’s lack of punctuality.

“Yes.”

“Good! Because we will have a very busy morning.” Miguel announced. “Hop in.”

They started the day as soon as they arrived in their private sanctuary.

“When I said you are a natural, I really meant it.” Miguel sincerely told Ash as they started the day’s lesson. “But we need to work on your basics again plus refine the things you already good at.”

Ash nodded in agreement.

“I can tell you already have built stamina and upper body strength. So let’s maximize that.” Miguel explained. “You will need to work hard Ash. Not just here but also when you are back in Sabang.” He continued.

“We’ll start on the beach first. Show me how to paddle.”  

With that, Ash’s training with his handsome coach began. 

They reworked how Ash paddled. They also practiced duck diving and how to popup properly. They would practice hours after hours on the basics on dry land making it a habit.

No time was wasted. On their way home or during breaks, Miguel would teach Ash surfing manners or they would talk about the pro surfers like Kelly Slater or Michel Bourez. Before dropping Ash off to his hotel, Miguel would give him homework which Ash followed obediently. He pushed Ash to his limits but Ash never complained. He wanted to make his coach proud and trusted him fully. 

In time, Ash respected Miguel as his mentor and coach. He admired Miguel’s dedication in helping him get better at his craft. On the other hand, Miguel respected Ash as a great student and delivered to his promise. Slowly, he did refined Ash’s skills. 

After a couple of days, it was time for Ash to apply what he learned. They paddled out to the sea waiting for a juicy wave to ride on. He patiently waited for the perfect wave while Miguel silently watched him. Then he saw a surge of swirling water forming from the horizon and he knew it. This was his. He forced his legs to turn his board facing the shore.

“Remember, don’t look back. Just feel it.” Miguel reminded his student. “Now paddle!”

Ash was now on his zone. He wanted to show Miguel how much he has accomplished. He quickly got himself to paddling position and paddled his heart out. As the waves approached the shore, they quickly become steeper and steeper until they hit the critical depth. On that critical moment, Ash trusted his instinct and popped-up... and his timing was perfect. With his unorthodox, goofy foot stance, he effectively locked into the wave and is now gliding along just in front of the curl peeling along the breaking part of the wave. On that moment, the rest of the world just seems to disappear.

“I did it Migs!” He shouted looking back as the break water carried him to the shore. 

Ash can hear Miguel cheered. Even from that far, he can feel how proud Miguel was of him. It really made Ash happy. Miguel rode the next wave straight to the shore while Ash excitedly waited for his coach.

“Did you see that?” Ash said barely containing his excitement. “That’s the first time I rode a wave for that long!” 

“And on an angle I might add.” Miguel commented proudly giving him a high five.

“I did it all because of you!” Ash said as he hugged Miguel. “Thanks coach!”

“I’m so proud of you Ash!” Miguel congratulated his student while they were locked in a hug. “You were breathtaking!”

Miguel looked into Ash’s eyes affectionately. Ash looked back ambiguously. Then overwhelmed by the moment and a feeling he can no longer keep, Miguel pressed his lips into Ash’s mouth.  

photo here