Ashton had been up for hours. His head was clouded by his feelings for Malia. He felt lost and confused and unsure of what would happen next. He even said a prayer for God to guide in in whatever direction he was supposed to go. He received no answer before his eyes closed. Then again, lately God had a funny sense of humor and found creative ways to steer him and guide him by placing him in the right place at the right time.

Unable to sleep, Ashton had risen before the sun. He made sure to shave his face and chest, preferring the look of clean shaven that sasquatch in the morning. Before getting dressed, he set kettle on the stove, boiling his water for his morning coffee. Todays coffee was a local dark breakfast roast, smelling of cinnamon and nutmeg. As he ground his coffee beans, he took in the smell of the fresh grinds and smiled as he poured them into the French press. By the time his kettle was done, Ashton was already ready with a coffee cup. Pouring the water over his coffee grounds, he put the top of the French press on and simply waited for the coffee to steep.

While he waited, he pulled out a leftover slice of pizza and ate it quickly. He never really liked cold pizza, but it's what he had on hand and he refused to heat it up in the microwave.

After a few minutes of steeping, his coffee is nearly ready. He easily presses down on the plunger to the French press and watches as his coffee comes out perfectly. He poured himself a cup, taking a moment to enjoy the caffeine as he leans against the counter.

Once he's been fed and caffeinated, Ashton slips on his dry suite after quickly looking up the weather. The water temp was a chilly 50* and he decided to wear an extra layer of leggings and tank underneath his suite for good measure. He grabbed his board from beside the front door before he was off.

By the time he was on the beach, the sun was just beginning to rise. He had already staked out his spot with an umbrella, chair, and laid out his towel and cooler with extra water. He spent the next hour waxing his board for the colder water. By the time he was confident he had the grip right, he headed towards the water.

Up ahead he saw a few people paddling out, a couple catching waves, and he swore he caught a couple that had no idea what they were doing. Perhaps he'd lend them some support a little later if they still looked like they were struggling.

As soon as he stepped into the water, he felt his skin begin to clinch at the sudden cold temperature. While most were repulsed by it, he enjoyed the way it made him feel refreshed and alive. After a moment of silent reflection, he climbed atop his board and began to paddle out.

Once he was out sufficiently, he stopped to say a quiet prayer for safety. As soon as he opened his eyes, he heard the warning. It took him a moment to figure out that the woman was coming at him with speed. He dove off his board, missing her completely but watching her take an awful tumble. Once back on his board, he paddled closer to her and extended his hand to her to help her onto her board. "I'm sorry ma'am! I didn't see you." His accent was thick, southern and his eyes shown concern as he looked at her. He reached for the coughing woman, hoping to help her reorient herself. "Are you alright?" The last thing he wanted on his conscious was knowing that he had severely hurt someone else doing something no doubt they loved.