Zed nodded in agreement and pointed to the southern part of the beach. “Good choice! So, are we going to continue our tour?”

Avril laughed. “Of course! What's next Mr. Castellar?”

Zed smiled. They resumed walking and he certainly enjoyed every step he took with Avril.
“There used to be a fishing pier but it was destroyed by the tide and eventually closed to the public.”

“Woah! You know a lot Zed! I think you're cut out to be a tour guide. Seriously.” Avril said seriously.

“Looks like I managed to impress you,” said Zed.

“As always” replied Avril casually. “What can't Zed Castellar do?”

Zed chuckled and Avril laughed too. The atmosphere between them was very relaxed. Both realized that and both also enjoyed the time they spent together. The coastal breeze that was blowing managed to loosen Avril's sinews. She had even forgotten about the problems in the corridor. Somehow, Zed and the beach were the perfect combination for Avril to forget her troubles.

They walked along the Ocean Front Walk. Then, from a distance, Avril saw the gym that Zed had mentioned earlier.

“Is that the gym you described?” Avril asked.

“Yep! That's right! This beach area is specifically developed as a fitness center or gym. This area is at the southern end of the Venice Beach Recreation Center. Well, this part is called Muscle Beach.”

Avril laughed amusedly. “That's a good name. Muscle Beach. I'll remember Venice Beach as muscle beach from now on.”

Zed joined in the laughter. “By the way, the most popular fitness center is Gold Gym,” Zed said.

“What's the difference?” Avril asked not understanding.

“It is said that Arnold Schwarzenegger and some legendary bodybuilders trained their muscles at the fitness studio in the 1970s” Zed explained.

“A long time ago. Well, I have to go there sometime. I want to be in the same place as the big stars” Avril said amused.

Zed smiled. “So typical of Avril.”

“Hey! That's a historical place!” said Avril.

Zed nodded in affirmation. He ruffled Avril's hair anxiously. “I know, A! I guessed you'd say that.”

“You know me so well,” said Avril. Zed probably understood Avril better than his brother.

“We can do it now or next week” suggested Zed.

“Later in the week” broke in Avril. “I just want to go to the beach today. Besides, we have to go get ice cream and maybe enjoy the sunset.”

“Okay, then let's go to the beach,” said Zed. “And, I agree! Sunset sounds good.”

They were enjoying the sunset alone with Avril. What more could a Zed want? They walked towards the beach. Sometimes, Avril would tell some jokes. So did Zed. Zed's hand touched Avril's again as they walked side by side. Zed turned his head and noticed Avril. Oh, my! Zed wanted to do it. Whatever! Zed didn't care.

“Come on!” Zed said again.

This time, Zed pulled Avril's hand. Zed didn't even care about Avril's surprised reaction. All he felt was the warmth of Avril's hand that he was currently holding. Shouldn't we not do things halfway?

When Zed suddenly pulled her hand away, Avril was surprised. It was unusual for Zed to make physical contact like this, but Avril quickly dismissed the thought. After all, it's just a handshake, right? Nothing special. Avril even did it to Matt on their second meeting. Finally, Avril chose to let Zed do his thing.

They walked towards the western part of the beach where they used to buy ice cream. The ice cream truck was visible in the distance and Avril was already feeling her excitement building. The beach and ice cream were a perfect match. Zed realized that and he tightened his grip on Avril.

“Come on, I want to hurry up and get some ice cream,” Zed said.

Avril nodded in agreement as she quickened her pace. “Then we shouldn't waste any time.”

Zed agreed with Avril. Walking side by side with Avril and their linked hands gave a new sensation to Zed Castellar. Zed even noticed Avril's quick footsteps. Avril did not have a tall body. She was about 152 cm tall. Perhaps, that was why Avril's footsteps looked small to Zed and somehow it was adorable. Zed couldn't seem to find any gaps in Avril. His feelings were getting bigger every day.

Arriving at the ice cream truck, Avril let go of his hand and Zed immediately regretted it. Nevertheless, Zed had to admit the experience was a pleasant one. Avril Marie Miller was now looking at the menu with sparkling eyes. Just like a child choosing her favorite ice cream.

“Cheerful as ever, Avril!” said Mr. Bone, the ice cream vendor.

Avril took the time to greet Mr. Bone. “Afternoon, Mr. Bone. Yes, as usual! Your ice cream is too tempting. I can't help myself.”

Mr. Bone and Zed laughed and Avril went back to choosing her ice cream. Zed glanced at Mr. Bone. “I think, Avril will stay like this until old age.”

Mr. Bone nodded. “I'm not sure I can imagine Avril not being excited.”

Zed agreed with Mr. Bone. Although in truth, Zed had seen it several times. Avril never let that side of her leak out at all. She never showed it but yes, Avril Marie Miller had that side. That side was also what made Zed completely fall for Avril. It happened when they were still in middle school. When Zed saw Avril alone in the garden behind his school.

“Your spirit rivals the warmth of a sunset, A!” said Mr. Bone.

Avril laughed amusedly. “Your ice cream makes me feel like I'm in the middle of a flower garden, Mr. Bone”

“I'll have vanilla ice cream, Mr. Bone,” said Zed ahead of Avril.

“One vanilla ice cream coming right up” continued Mr. Bone.

Mr. Bone turned his back to Zed and began to make the man's order. Meanwhile, Zed was busy watching Avril. What did the girl want? If they had all day, Avril would try all the ice creams on the menu. Zed didn't doubt that at all. Not long after, Avril returned while staring at Mr. Bone. Zed glanced at Avril.