My mom and dad arrived in the afternoon, back from their round of timber shopping. Nevertheless uncle Alvaro refused to let anyone else tend the shop but him, not after what happened earlier today. He said it would take him at least two weeks to make up for the numbers he had lost by giving out free cans of worms. A complimentary gift for the delay of service that I had caused.

"Where's Alvaro?" Kai asked. He and Deniz had found the perfect spot to watch the final heat, under a guardpost, not too far from the judges table. From there we would be able to hear all the commentary on what was going on out there in the water.

"He's not coming." I said, joining them in the sand.

"Why not."

"Well, he said that he had to continue tending the shop."

"Right now?" Kai exclaimed, but Enea is about to go on. If he wins he gets to go on the world tour with the big guys. Right Deniz?"

Deniz nods agreeingly. They had spent the whole day talking about surfing stats I suspect.

"What happened to your parents El? Weren't they supposed to take the next shift once they returned back from timber shopping?"

On the outside I looked composed, calm even, but I was erupting like a volcano on the inside. "He called me El!" I squealed. Deniz Öncu already has his own personal nickname for me.

"Alvaro insisted." I said, clearing my throat. There was no need to tell them about my part in this, besides, If someone had just showed up on time to relieve me, this would have never happened.

"My parents will be back once the competition is over. You're free to join us Deniz. My dad is setting up a BBQ on the beach later this evening.

"I'd love to." He said, eyes locking with mine. I looked to my hands to hide my flustered cheeks. "Great." I whisper.

"Ladies and gentlemen...." The speakers above us sparked and one of the commentators came on. "Welcome to the final draw of this epic competition we've had today!" The crowd clapped and cheered so did Deniz and Kai, they were all excited.

"This heat stands between two brave contenders. No other than Mario Diaz..." There was a mixture of boos and cheers amongst the crowd. "...And no other than your local legend Eneaaaa Bastianini!" If someone booed you couldn't hear it because the whole beach erupted in loud whistles and cheers.

The surfers were given way and were seen sprinting towards the water, surfboards tucked beneath their arms.

"The winner of this competition of course will be given the epic chance to go on tour with the best surfers in the world, carving their way through the greatest waves there is to come by on this planet earth. Will it be your local favorite Enea Bastianini who takes the crown? He did miss out on the chanche last year having broken his board mid heat. I am sure he is more than hungry to redeem himself. But it won't be easy because up against him Is no other than Mario Diaz, who's father, a surfing legend, has predicted this to be his son's best chance to get on the tour, having trained like an animal all year."

"What do you say people? Are you ready to rumbuleeeee!"

A siren went off and the two surfers were seen paddling out in the water.

"It's now or never." Deniz told Kai. The words made me think of the two encounters I had with Enea today, the first one being this morning and later in the boathouse. Had he really been that nervous ahead of today? Could the nerves affect his heat?

I really really hoped not.