Avril had a way of making people around her comfortable. "Yes, but right now, I'm the best you've got lady! That man is not here."

Avril raised her eyebrows. "Oh, good answer Castellar! So? I didn't doubt your watery brain at school at all. Unfortunately, we're on Venice Beach now"

Zed smiled wryly. "I'll take that as a challenge."

"I like challenges!" said Avril. "But, no! I don't think I need a tour guide. I like to explore on my own."

Zed looked at Avril beside him. "I see. Speaking of challenges, I think I'm starting to like challenges too nowadays!"

Unfortunately, Avril had no idea how deep the meaning behind Zed's words was. The girl nodded without any guilt at all. "I know. The adrenaline rush you feel makes you want to do it again and again. The sensation is fun. I know that one all too well! But, I've never tried bungee jumping at all!"

Zed wasn't upset at all. He was listening to Avril very well. Their conversation was flowing and Zed thought that was a good thing. "Maybe I can accompany you, sometimes"

"Sounds good! J doesn't want to accompany me," Avril said. Especially Matt. He wasn't the type of guy who liked outdoor activities like this.

"Okay, I'll put it on my agenda," said Zed.

Avril laughed. "Oh, are you that busy Zed?"

Zed nodded. "I already have a lot on my agenda. You should feel honored Ms. Miller."

Avril glanced at Zed. "I'm very flattered, Mr. Castellar!"

The 75-mile Venice Beach is not only a beach area but also the Venice Beach Recreation Center which includes the Ocean Front Walk or Broadwalk which is a pedestrian area and bike path that leads to the beach, Muscle Beach, handball courts, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, Dazling Plaza Skate rink, children's playground and outdoor basketball courts.

"We have to walk before we get to the shore," said Zed.

"No problem, I think I can still walk a long way today!" Avril said excitedly.

"Do you want to do something else? We can rent a bike if you want" said Zed.

"No! This is better," said Avril. "Renting a bike is also a good option. But, I think I'd rather walk" said Avril.

"Good choice!" Zed said.

Zed glanced at Avril's hand and intended to take it. However, Zed knew he couldn't do that at all. Zed sighed as he tried to resist the urge to grab Avril Miller. Zed just hoped Avril would one day melt into him. Can Zed conquer the challenge?

“I changed my mind,” Zed said.

Avril turned to Zed and her flying hair distracted Zed again. “What?”

“I'll show you that I know much about Venice Beach too,” Zed said. “Would I impress you if I did that?”

Avril chuckled. “Maybe. If you can, I'll wonder what a Zed Castellar can't do?”

Zed smiled wryly. There was one thing Zed had been unable to do all this time, steal Avril Marie Miller's heart. Zed couldn't do that while that girl, any day she could do it. But, Zed would try to create as many memories as possible with Avril Marie Miller.

“Alright, let's try my luck,” said Zed.

Avril waited. They walked from the parking lot. Venice Beach was a large beach. Avril rarely went to the beach with her family. Avril had never even explored Venice Beach. She and her friends went straight to her favorite café. They had their spot. Perhaps, listening to Zed's explanation was good too. Moreover, Avril was in the mood to entertain herself.

Entering the sports area, Avril's eyes widened at the sight of the Skate rink and Gym. Wait a minute! How come Avril never knew they had a skate area here?

“There's a gym here too. This road can connect us to the beach, gym or muscle beach, handball court, beach volleyball court, tennis court, Dazzling Plaza Skate rink, children's playground, and outdoor basketball court” Zed explained.

“Ohh!” Avril responded. “That's a lot. You know, Zed?”

Avril and Zed walked through the Skate area. Some people were playing smoothly and Avril watched with sparkling eyes. Skate. Avril wanted to learn to do it too. However, Avril had no time to learn and no teacher. Avril had considered learning from YouTube. But, yeah, it wasn't fun when Avril was just doing it alone. Avril's brother was the opposite. She was very talkative and quiet. While her brother spends almost all day in his room, Avril spends almost all day outside.

“I wonder how they do it. It looks like fun skating like that,” Avril said.

Zed joined her in watching the skating rink. It was not unusual for Avril to be interested in it. “I can teach you sometime.”

Avril blinked. “Seriously?”

Zed nodded. “My cousin and I used to skateboard a lot. I haven't done it in a long time. But, of course, I remember the basics.”

Avril's smile grew instantly and it didn't go unnoticed by Zed. “Want some! You have to teach me, Zed!”

Zed nodded. “Yes, of course. Just let me know when. I'll adjust my schedule.”

Avril clucked. “You're quite busy Castellar.”

Avril knew Zed was busy. Zed was preparing to enter Oxford to study business. Zed's father and Avril's father were colleagues. Zed was the first child and was of course being groomed to carry on the family business. As for Avril, she should be grateful to have a brother to carry the load.

“Sunday sounds good!” said Avril impatiently.

“I'll try. I'll let you know later. Okay?” said Zed.

“Of course I'm looking forward to good news, Zed!” said Avril.

“I'll try, Miller,” said Zed gently.

Avril laughed with amusement. She even stopped to watch the skateboarders. Some were gliding freely on poles. Oh, my! How could just looking at them be so much fun?

“So, where are we going?” Zed asked. “Do you want to take a closer look at the Skate area?”

Avril looked thoughtful. “I think I'll go to the beach first. We can do that later in the week.”